At ORD yesterday, the way out after the machines is now roped off such that everyone is funneled through a manned immigration counter. He looked at my passport and at my face, and then circled a letters+numbers code on the slip.

Only took 15 sec and not a big deal at all, but I've already had my fingerprint verified by computer, how will a human comparing my passport photo with my face top that?

And it is curious that they don't do automated facial recognition using the cameras on the GE machines...most of the photos are of the tops of people's heads and this does not prevent approval.

Considering the user interface reminds me of Windows 3.1 circa 1995, I'm not surprised it doesn't do facial recognition. But I'm sure some government contractor made millions on that, and the GOES interface.

Hey folks,

I'm considering applying for Global Entry, but I have traveled to Syria and Lebanon within the past 5 years (albeit for humanitarian aid work on a gov't contract).

Will travel to these countries affect my application? If I am denied, anyone have any idea how that will affect a future re-application?

Any opinion on whether it would be better to wait about 6mos, at which point 5yrs will have passed and I can then honestly say that I haven't traveled anywhere in the middle east?

Thanks.

I got it with Lebanon and Indonesia on my travel list.

Yes, same thing happened to me on December 31. I suppose a terrorist could switch their blue customs slip with an accomplice's machine-printed GE receipt between the kiosk and baggage claim and that's why they have someone at that immigration desk. Say the accomplice prints out the GE receipt and then goes back out of the line and into the bathroom to make the switch. It's the only scenario I could come up with.

But do you really care about the extra 15-second wait? I don't!

Sorry, but that sounds slightly paranoid. All they want to know is WHY you traveled to the Middle East. You have a perfectly acceptable reason and it's NOT going to be a problem. But if you sweat and wring your hands during the interview questions, THAT would look suspicious. And waiting 6 more months is just silly.

You might want to bring a copy of your government contract if you have it to allay any concern.

When I applied, they asked why I went to South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. I simply told them I was there on vacation (which was true). Next thing - I was told I was approved.

Two things we need to know and accept: (a) there is no right to the program and it is not a negative reflection on you if you are turned down; and, (b) that while they are strict in their admissions approach, they have elected to use a non-confrontational style. Just go in there and be yourself.

I am not sure why CBP don't put the machines inside a closed door glass cubicles that the user will enter then start the process then a glass door open from the other side.

I saw this one in dubai airport and it is amazing:

http://248am.com/mark/information/du...te-smart-card/

After 25+ times of using GE at various airports without issue I was recently sent to the agriculture inspection lane when I handed the slip of paper to the guy at baggage claim exit... highly annoying as they x-rayed my stuff, opened it up and went through some of it. Anyone else had a secondary inspection like this with GE? It was a very slow day so maybe they were just bored.

Regarding being asked about places one has visited during the interview, I was asked about my trips to Iceland. It was no big deal. I think they mainly want a quick chat with you about your travel. I got the feeling I was approved even before the interview.

Recently, on the way home from YYZ, I received my first X. I was trying to find which lane to go to with my slip when I noticed that smeone else's name and picture were on it. I went back over to the machine and found that my receipt was there waiting for me, with no X. I handed the other receipt to someone working there and headed for my gate

The reason they ask is to test your veracity. Iceland is not a terrorist mecca, but someone with a fake passport mught get tripped up.

Yes, I have had that experience. I don't know if it was random or because the line was non existent so they figured it would not be a huge inconvenience yet could allow them to say they did a random.

It also happened to me last year. I received a "X" after answering negative to all the questions at the kiosk. The CBP officer wrote a big "A" on my receipt and I was sent to the agriculture inspection line. When I asked why, they told me it was a random check.

LHR to ORD on the 3rd. I made PLT finally on this trip and it was also my first GE experience. Used the kiosk and saw the ropes as others mentioned. Walked over that way and an agent compared my passport against the slip and my face (passport pic has long hair and the camera got the top of my fauxhawk cause I'm so short lol). He finally shrugged and I went on my way. Customs lady just asked "global entry?", took my slip and i was out. I wanted to use the lounge during my 5 hours layover but i decided to try my luck at the ticket counter to catch up an earlier flight home. Agent typed away for a few mins, looked up at me and sakd "don't stop anywhere along the way," handed me my bp. I got the point and hauled .... Made it to the gate a min before boarding started. From touch down at 4:15 to next flight at 5:20 (minus boarding time so more like 4:50) is awesome thanks to GE and PLT. Well worth it.

I'm glad to hear your first GE experience went well. It's definitely a time saver. Combining it with Precheck almost makes flying enjoyable again. ^