Is Global Entry worthwhile?
Nov 6, 2010 | 12:01 pm
#1306
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: AUS
Programs: DL-DM/ 2MM
Posts: 263
If I recall correctly it is on the immigration side of the security screening area at Terminal E. You check in with the desk, and they give you a pass, you go outside of the secure area to the office opposite the entrance to screening. To exit you will need to come back through the INTL-DOM security line. Not the most convenient place to do the interview.
Nov 6, 2010 | 1:03 pm
#1307
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,401
If I recall correctly it is on the immigration side of the security screening area at Terminal E. You check in with the desk, and they give you a pass, you go outside of the secure area to the office opposite the entrance to screening. To exit you will need to come back through the INTL-DOM security line. Not the most convenient place to do the interview.
Nov 8, 2010 | 10:48 am
#1308
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 8,702
The only "downside" is if you like to smuggle in things you're not supposed to. If you bring in a cuban cigar through the regular line and get caught you just lose the cigar (in most cases). If you do it as a member of GE, then you get booted from the program, likely permanently, and may be subjected to fines and other penalties.
Nov 8, 2010 | 9:32 pm
#1309
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
I don't think there are negatives other than the $100 cost. The rest of it is just limitations (e.g., scheduling interview, not enough locations, doesn't work if traveling with family, etc.)
The only "downside" is if you like to smuggle in things you're not supposed to. If you bring in a cuban cigar through the regular line and get caught you just lose the cigar (in most cases). If you do it as a member of GE, then you get booted from the program, likely permanently, and may be subjected to fines and other penalties.
The only "downside" is if you like to smuggle in things you're not supposed to. If you bring in a cuban cigar through the regular line and get caught you just lose the cigar (in most cases). If you do it as a member of GE, then you get booted from the program, likely permanently, and may be subjected to fines and other penalties.
Nov 8, 2010 | 9:45 pm
#1310
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Greater DC
Programs: UA plus
Posts: 12,947
Pretty sure if you get any customs ding that you're going to lose GE, whether it was via the GE terminal or the interview
Nov 8, 2010 | 10:35 pm
#1311
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: in the vicinity of SFO
Programs: AA 2MM (LT-PLT, PPro for this year)
Posts: 19,784
Which is not to say that for things which are questionable, but not forbidden outright, you'll be in trouble if you declare them and then they're not admitted. I've had a plant item refused entry since having GE, but since it was declared... no problem, other than my wife's annoyance at having wasted the money and at my "told you so."
Nov 9, 2010 | 2:44 am
#1312
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 12
US Expats/GE
I am a US citizen living overseas and just applied for GE. I wonder if anyone here is in the same boat and can comment on how long it took them to receive their conditional approval letter. I'm wondering if CBP has to verify the overseas residences addresses prior to conditional approval, which would take a long time I would think.
Nov 9, 2010 | 1:28 pm
#1313
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in PARIS, FRANCE!
Posts: 61,970
Used my brand new GE on Sunday night coming back from LHR to IAD.
Oh my. What a WONDERFUL experience!
No more cramming to the front of the people movers that take you to IAD ICE. No more rushing/jostling out to the queue.
Just take my time getting off the people mover, meander over to the (many more than I remember being there from last time I looked) kiosks and 30 seconds later I'm off to customs.
Brilliant. Wonderful. PERFECT!!!!!
This program rocks.
mesquite, I know a Tokyo-based US expat (for over 10 years) who went through the process. He reported getting approval in about a week to 10 days.
Oh my. What a WONDERFUL experience!
No more cramming to the front of the people movers that take you to IAD ICE. No more rushing/jostling out to the queue.
Just take my time getting off the people mover, meander over to the (many more than I remember being there from last time I looked) kiosks and 30 seconds later I'm off to customs.
Brilliant. Wonderful. PERFECT!!!!!
This program rocks.
mesquite, I know a Tokyo-based US expat (for over 10 years) who went through the process. He reported getting approval in about a week to 10 days.
Nov 9, 2010 | 1:42 pm
#1314
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 22,651
Used my brand new GE on Sunday night coming back from LHR to IAD.
Oh my. What a WONDERFUL experience!
No more cramming to the front of the people movers that take you to IAD ICE. No more rushing/jostling out to the queue.
Just take my time getting off the people mover, meander over to the (many more than I remember being there from last time I looked) kiosks and 30 seconds later I'm off to customs.
Brilliant. Wonderful. PERFECT!!!!!
This program rocks.
mesquite, I know a Tokyo-based US expat (for over 10 years) who went through the process. He reported getting approval in about a week to 10 days.
Oh my. What a WONDERFUL experience!
No more cramming to the front of the people movers that take you to IAD ICE. No more rushing/jostling out to the queue.
Just take my time getting off the people mover, meander over to the (many more than I remember being there from last time I looked) kiosks and 30 seconds later I'm off to customs.
Brilliant. Wonderful. PERFECT!!!!!
This program rocks.
mesquite, I know a Tokyo-based US expat (for over 10 years) who went through the process. He reported getting approval in about a week to 10 days.
Nov 9, 2010 | 3:07 pm
#1315
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
The application process was easy and the CBP agent who interviewed me was very nice as well. I hope to be able to test this out in 2.5 weeks when I return from an upcoming international trip.
I went to LAX for an 8:00am interview. Finished at 8:30am. Got an email at 12:30pm saying I was approved.
Now I just need to work on my pinky strength since those scanners can't seem to detect my pinky.
I went to LAX for an 8:00am interview. Finished at 8:30am. Got an email at 12:30pm saying I was approved.
Now I just need to work on my pinky strength since those scanners can't seem to detect my pinky.
Nov 10, 2010 | 8:44 am
#1316
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 8,702
Yes, that is my understanding as well. Same is true if you got busted at a non-GE airport for failing to declare something, and, I suspect, even if you came in by car from Canada. GE is zero tolerance on failing to declare something you should have.
Nov 10, 2010 | 10:57 am
#1317
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 18,103
At one point in time I think violaters were tracked by vehicle license plate and fines were paid on the spot in cash.
Nov 10, 2010 | 11:09 am
#1318
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
Nov 10, 2010 | 1:13 pm
#1319
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 8,702
As for how far back you go when applying, you'll have to look at the form. If you paid cash for trying to bring in a Cuban (cigar) from Canada it may not qualify as a reportable event.
Nov 12, 2010 | 7:51 am
#1320
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Scotchtown,NY (SWF)
Programs: DL DM, 1MM, Marriott Plat, SPG gold, Hilton Gold,Avis PS
Posts: 281
After using the kiosk, shouldn't you be able to walk right to customs?
I used the kiosk in ATL on Tuesday. There was a rope up at the exit to the kiosk, forcing you to go through a manned passport lane. I stood there waiting for the next guy to go through, then walked up to the CBP officer and asked him. He said, no you have to go through me as well. Please tell me whats the point then?
I used the kiosk in ATL on Tuesday. There was a rope up at the exit to the kiosk, forcing you to go through a manned passport lane. I stood there waiting for the next guy to go through, then walked up to the CBP officer and asked him. He said, no you have to go through me as well. Please tell me whats the point then?