Is Global Entry worthwhile?
#1156



Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,401
Hadn't seen this before, but I just got it in a Privium/FLUX email. It has links to most of the larger airport layouts with GE and where the kiosks are all located. Probably of interest if you're arriving to a new airport (like I did at MIA for my first GE experience and got lost as I was herded into a clearance area that didn't have GE and had to fight my way through crowds back out to get to the kiosks). GROUNDPLANS
Also highlighted:
Also highlighted:
"12 August 2010
After 1 year pilot, US and Netherlands have granted FLUX the status of permanent program.
Next step is expansion of FLUX with additional countries. For you as a traveler this means more international airports with fast border passage. Participation of Canada is currently being worked on.
Canada has shown an interest in FLUX since Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an attractive gateway to Europe. The country already has a national program called Canpass and has a bilateral program with the US called NEXUS. Both programs making offering fast lane facilities to frequent travelers. For automated border passage the US uses fingerprints. The Canadian programs use iris recognition just like the Privium program in the Netherlands."
And annual combined FLUX/Privium fee being reduced from 214 euros to 194.
After 1 year pilot, US and Netherlands have granted FLUX the status of permanent program.
Next step is expansion of FLUX with additional countries. For you as a traveler this means more international airports with fast border passage. Participation of Canada is currently being worked on.
Canada has shown an interest in FLUX since Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an attractive gateway to Europe. The country already has a national program called Canpass and has a bilateral program with the US called NEXUS. Both programs making offering fast lane facilities to frequent travelers. For automated border passage the US uses fingerprints. The Canadian programs use iris recognition just like the Privium program in the Netherlands."
#1157


Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA GLD, Bonvoy Titan, HH GLD, WoH Expl
Posts: 2,686
I have a few questions:
1) If your application is approved, how flexible are they in scheduling an in-person interview?
2) If you don't live near one of the major airports, can you wait until your next flight connecting through one of these airports, say in the next 1-2 months?
3) How long is the interview? If you only have 2 hours connection time at one of these airports, is that enough time? Do you have to exit security, have the interview and then re-enter security to connect to your flight at most airports?
4) Are the interview locations next to the international terminals?
5) Are the interviews only held M-F 9-5 or are they available evenings and weekends as well?
Thanks.
1) If your application is approved, how flexible are they in scheduling an in-person interview?
2) If you don't live near one of the major airports, can you wait until your next flight connecting through one of these airports, say in the next 1-2 months?
3) How long is the interview? If you only have 2 hours connection time at one of these airports, is that enough time? Do you have to exit security, have the interview and then re-enter security to connect to your flight at most airports?
4) Are the interview locations next to the international terminals?
5) Are the interviews only held M-F 9-5 or are they available evenings and weekends as well?
Thanks.
#1158


Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NYC/SFO
Programs: UA 1K*MM, AA PP
Posts: 1,104
I was naturalized over 25 years ago as a minor when my parents became naturalized, and I recently applied for GlobalEntry and was conditionally approved in four days.
#1159
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 11,049
UO
2) If you don't live near one of the major airports, can you wait until your next flight connecting through one of these airports, say in the next 1-2 months?
3) How long is the interview? If you only have 2 hours connection time at one of these airports, is that enough time? Do you have to exit security, have the interview and then re-enter security to connect to your flight at most airports?
Yes, you will have to exit security because the GlobalEntry enrollment offices are located in public areas of the terminal (so that non-traveling members can access them).
Click here to view specific details on enrollment locations.
4) Are the interview locations next to the international terminals?
5) Are the interviews only held M-F 9-5 or are they available evenings and weekends as well?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Hours vary widely by enrollment location. Some offices are open 7 days a week. Click here to view specific details on enrollment locations.
You can schedule your interview at ANY enrollment office in the country....it does not have to be the closest one to your home.
#1160


Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NYC/SFO
Programs: UA 1K*MM, AA PP
Posts: 1,104
After being stuck in line at EWR last Friday (Aug 13th) behind a bunch of lost non-citizens in US Citizens lane and waiting for over 30 minutes I must have looked pissed off and flustered because when the CBP immigration officer processed me, she flipped through my passport and said:
"You know, it looks like you travel a lot, you might want to look into the Global Entry program - it lets you bypass the line."
Well, last I saw something about Global Entry I thought it was a trial program in one or two airports but I looked at the flier she handed me and there it was, in *all* the airports I travel through!
I applied online through GOES the next day, August 14th (Saturday) and I had a conditional approval in my email Wednesday morning August 18th (Wednesday). I was in Boston at that time but there were no appointments available the next day (Thu) when I'd be going to Logan to fly back to SFO and I'd be landing at SFO too late to go to an appointment.
So my interview appointment got scheduled for first thing August 23rd (Monday). All went smoothly and I have my sticker basically a week after applying! I applied for NEXUS at the same time as I travel to Canada quite frequently as well, but I didn't want to risk delay of NEXUS->GE to save $100 as I'm off to Japan and then Europe and I wanted to make sure that I had GlobalEntry before I leave more than I wanted to save $100!
I read *all* of this entire thread and I want to thank everyone for sharing their experiences. I am currently composing an email to all my traveling colleagues and encouraging every one of them to apply (sadly for a couple of them who are not US citizens or permanent residents it won't help).
Just as a point of amusement, at the same time I had my appointment another gentleman had his appointment with the other CBP officer in the SFO Global Entry office and when I heard him say something about "mileage run" I just *knew* he was someone from here so I said hi and we exchanged a few words. Nice to see the word spreading!
"You know, it looks like you travel a lot, you might want to look into the Global Entry program - it lets you bypass the line."
Well, last I saw something about Global Entry I thought it was a trial program in one or two airports but I looked at the flier she handed me and there it was, in *all* the airports I travel through!
I applied online through GOES the next day, August 14th (Saturday) and I had a conditional approval in my email Wednesday morning August 18th (Wednesday). I was in Boston at that time but there were no appointments available the next day (Thu) when I'd be going to Logan to fly back to SFO and I'd be landing at SFO too late to go to an appointment.
So my interview appointment got scheduled for first thing August 23rd (Monday). All went smoothly and I have my sticker basically a week after applying! I applied for NEXUS at the same time as I travel to Canada quite frequently as well, but I didn't want to risk delay of NEXUS->GE to save $100 as I'm off to Japan and then Europe and I wanted to make sure that I had GlobalEntry before I leave more than I wanted to save $100!

I read *all* of this entire thread and I want to thank everyone for sharing their experiences. I am currently composing an email to all my traveling colleagues and encouraging every one of them to apply (sadly for a couple of them who are not US citizens or permanent residents it won't help).
Just as a point of amusement, at the same time I had my appointment another gentleman had his appointment with the other CBP officer in the SFO Global Entry office and when I heard him say something about "mileage run" I just *knew* he was someone from here so I said hi and we exchanged a few words. Nice to see the word spreading!
#1161
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
They show you the next available slots, and then you can look forward if you would prefer the following week, etc.
I believe that the conditional approval letter is valid for 30 days, so you would need to complete your appointment by then, or else you would have to start the process over (and presumably pay another $100). But call to check for sure.
.
I believe that the conditional approval letter is valid for 30 days, so you would need to complete your appointment by then, or else you would have to start the process over (and presumably pay another $100). But call to check for sure.
.
#1162
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 3
I must say I am impressed with Global Entry application process.
I decided to apply when I got stuck in Immigration for 90 minutes in ATL and almost missed my connection. I saw a few people using the kiosk and was totally envious.
I am a citizen of Germany and Chile, with a green card. I applied on August 9, got approved on August 12, scheduled my interview in ATL (Terminal E) for August 17.
The only (minor) negative I noticed is that they don't take it too seriously with the appointments, since, theoretically, they only schedule one person every 20 minutes, but right after I arrived, three people arrived at the same time. Had I arrived about 10 minutes later, I might have missed either the appointment or my flight. So plan accordingly.
When I got there they asked for my two passports, green card and driver's license, which was the proof of residency.
I had to wait about 20 minutes for my interview. During this time they entered all my information to their system. During the interview, which lasted no more than ten minutes, they asked a few questions, took a picture and my finger prints. Then they put a sticker on the back of the green card and showed me how the kiosk works in a test kiosk.
I have not used it yet in real life yet, but I believe this is going to be worth it. Next week I will be able to use it for the first time, when I will be returning from a trip to Europe.
I decided to apply when I got stuck in Immigration for 90 minutes in ATL and almost missed my connection. I saw a few people using the kiosk and was totally envious.
I am a citizen of Germany and Chile, with a green card. I applied on August 9, got approved on August 12, scheduled my interview in ATL (Terminal E) for August 17.
The only (minor) negative I noticed is that they don't take it too seriously with the appointments, since, theoretically, they only schedule one person every 20 minutes, but right after I arrived, three people arrived at the same time. Had I arrived about 10 minutes later, I might have missed either the appointment or my flight. So plan accordingly.
When I got there they asked for my two passports, green card and driver's license, which was the proof of residency.
I had to wait about 20 minutes for my interview. During this time they entered all my information to their system. During the interview, which lasted no more than ten minutes, they asked a few questions, took a picture and my finger prints. Then they put a sticker on the back of the green card and showed me how the kiosk works in a test kiosk.
I have not used it yet in real life yet, but I believe this is going to be worth it. Next week I will be able to use it for the first time, when I will be returning from a trip to Europe.
#1163
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,934
I'm still amazed at the difference in procedures for customs at the various airports.
My main place of entry is at ORD, and there every single time the customs person has just grabbed my receipt and waved me through. I recently came in through LAX, and there the customs officer thoroughly quizzed me along the lines of "what did you buy in duty free at NRT". This has never happened at ORD.
My main place of entry is at ORD, and there every single time the customs person has just grabbed my receipt and waved me through. I recently came in through LAX, and there the customs officer thoroughly quizzed me along the lines of "what did you buy in duty free at NRT". This has never happened at ORD.
#1164
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: AUS
Programs: DL-DM/ 2MM
Posts: 263
I'm still amazed at the difference in procedures for customs at the various airports.
My main place of entry is at ORD, and there every single time the customs person has just grabbed my receipt and waved me through. I recently came in through LAX, and there the customs officer thoroughly quizzed me along the lines of "what did you buy in duty free at NRT". This has never happened at ORD.
My main place of entry is at ORD, and there every single time the customs person has just grabbed my receipt and waved me through. I recently came in through LAX, and there the customs officer thoroughly quizzed me along the lines of "what did you buy in duty free at NRT". This has never happened at ORD.
#1166



Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, HHonors Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 2,510
I also have never been grilled in more than a dozen trips since I became a GE member. Even on the two occasions when I had the XXX on the receipt (food and failed fingerprint capture), I was processed immediately by the nearest CMP officer who just asked if I knew why I got the XXX. In the food case, I was told what I had was fine. Both times I just surrendered the receipt at exit and never asked about the XXX. I suspect the CBP agent wasn't familiar with GE when he quizzed milepig.
#1167
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DAB
Programs: DL PM UA PSilver Marriott Lifetime Plat, AMEX Platinum, Avis PC, UA MPPPlus
Posts: 961
I recently filled out the GE application on a Thursday, and got the conditional approval email on the following Monday. I'm looking forward to my interview in a few weeks and using it in October when I return from my next international trip.
#1169



Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 8,702
At least that was my experience and I suspect it's substantially similar for others--it seemed pretty formulaic. Low stress except for the question-asking, where you're trying to remember what you included in your application.
#1170


Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Kam Leng; Two Dragons GH
Posts: 1,615
For the interview, make sure to bring anything asked for in your confirmation letter. The guy being interviewed next to me flunked since, as a self employed person, he needed to have brought evidence of financial worth (tax returns or something, I didn't pay that close attention).
The interview asks about arrests, convictions, things like that. Where you've traveled outside the US in the last 5 years. I thought it was more for the curiosity of the interviewer than any bureaucratic purpose.
The interview asks about arrests, convictions, things like that. Where you've traveled outside the US in the last 5 years. I thought it was more for the curiosity of the interviewer than any bureaucratic purpose.

