Sorry---I didn't know that was the protocol. Can it be moved to tidy things up?

Not too big of a deal.. Just something for the future..


Have you heard anything negative about GE, or were you just wondering?

No, it's all pretty good.

The only hassle is that when you go in for the interview at one of the designated airports, the offices are outside of the "security" checkpoint (it's great if that airport is your home airport).

Also, understand it's a TRUSTED TRAVELER program, NOT a "get out of jail free" card. The biggest problem with some GE members on this board is how they feel it's the latter and get angry when something happens out of the norm.

I saw the recent WSJ article and have read positive things on FT, but didn't know if there were aspects not explored. Wanted to know before I signed up if there were downsides I might not have considered.

If you feel as though it is necessary, go ahead and sign up. It's saved me a bunch of time this year, especially when arriving late, or during a bank of international flights.

Thanks all for the input. It sounds like a good idea.

I've also found that I am able to avoid the officers that want to play 20 questions when returning from a mileage run. I did an eight-hour trip to Sydney in May, and am doing a 24 hour trip to London in two weeks. If I had to go through the regular lines, I'm sure I would get an officer that would send me to secondary.

Thinking about it, the only negative would be that if you check bags, you'll have to wait around a bit longer, as you are almost always done with GE way before the bags hit the belt.

Unfortunately for me there is no Global Entry in MSP - which I knew before signing up, so I guess my only comment is it's extremely helpful if they have it in your home city.

The only negative is that even if you get a clear receipt from the GE kiosk, you might still have to present a passport to the customs agent and get a grilling. In the past, customs never asked the "why were you out of country questions" etc. Thus under some conditions, using GE will take longer than the conventional process.

Just thought I'd share my registration experience as an additional data point:

Filled out the app (extensive!) online, about 10-14 days later got email telling to go back on the secure website and print out my enrollment letter and make an appointment.

My appointment was today at 1130 at iad right by the exit from customs. Arrived early and there was a sign saying 'please knock'. I did and was told he (it was just one ICE dude in a little office) was a little backed up so I'd have to wait. But by 1140 he came and collected me. He apologized and said an approved couple had come in together even though only the husband had made an appointment so that's why he was a little backed up. I watched a ~10-minute dvd about the program, mostly how to use the kiosk but also several stern warnings about how *any* cpb violations would mean fines and revocation of GE privileges.

By the time I was done with the dvd he had all my 411 from passport, DL, etc and I sat by his desk, had a photo taken, my fingerprints done. He asked me if I had ever been arrested. Had I ever been involved in a cbp violation enforcement. Those were the only 'official' questions he asked. After a few more keystrokes he said, ok, you are approved, put the magic sticker on my passport. Any questions on how to use the kiosk?

Of course, me being me, we had been chatting about travel the whole time. And I finished telling him about Moscow and St. Petersburg and he finished telling me about Estonia and Ukraine (where he got to see Hitler's forward HQ!!).

When it was all said and done it was a total of about 20 mins (I've spent twice that long at iad immigration before!!!), and I was out before the end of my 1130-1200 appointment.

Easy peasy. And just in time for my trip to LHR this weekend! ^

Funny - I guess they got tired of talking to people and want a more consistent process with the DVD. That's a new piece

Glad to hear it went well. One thing I have noticed about GE is how nice the officers are when you enroll..

As far as the sticker, I'm surprised he put it inside the pp. A lot of us, including myself, have gotten the sticker on the outside, back cover..

Enjoy the program!

I actually peeled it off that page and put it on the front of my PP...figure that way it'll be eaiser to wave it around while I scream 'DYKWIA'!!!!

I need to register my new passport on a trip through ATL next week also... if anyone can chime in on this, I'd love to know too!

Cheers.

Found it on the website:

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer