Is Global Entry worthwhile?
Feb 3, 2009, 7:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
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Is Global Entry worthwhile?
I fly internationally about once or twice a month. Most trips from BOS to Europe, but I make trips to Asia, Mexico, Australia and other countries as well a few times a year. These latter trips are often through LAX, DFW, and MIA. I also go to YYZ a few times a year. Does it make sense to apply to the Global Entry program at this point? Is there any information about when a kiosk will come to Boston?
Feb 3, 2009, 8:18 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
Yes, Global Entry is very much worth it. I save about a half an hour at IAD or ORD regularly.
You mention YYZ....that's a different program, NEXUS.
You mention YYZ....that's a different program, NEXUS.
Feb 4, 2009, 8:16 am
#5
Join Date: May 2006
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It's worthwhile only in that it's cheap, and will eventually pay for itself. It's not actually saved me any time yet anywhere - I still fill out the C. Dec because I play it safe and assume it won't work.
Feb 4, 2009, 10:26 am
#6
Community Director Emerita
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I was motivated to get a GOES pass when I entered the US at IAD early in January. A bank of UA flights had come in within minutes of each other. I stood in line for an hour. I didn't see a single person use the GOES machine. It costs $100 for five years. I don't have to save much time for it to be worthwhile to me.
Feb 4, 2009, 10:34 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
I was motivated to get a GOES pass when I entered the US at IAD early in January. A bank of UA flights had come in within minutes of each other. I stood in line for an hour. I didn't see a single person use the GOES machine. It costs $100 for five years. I don't have to save much time for it to be worthwhile to me.
GOES = Global Online Enrollment System. This is the gateway to let you apply to programs such as Global Entry and/or NEXUS.
GLOBAL ENTRY = The program SD1K is referring to. Does not work for travel to/from Canada.
NEXUS = The program that gives you trusted traveler privileges between the U.S. and Canada only.
Feb 4, 2009, 10:54 am
#8
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I was motivated to get a GOES pass when I entered the US at IAD early in January. A bank of UA flights had come in within minutes of each other. I stood in line for an hour. I didn't see a single person use the GOES machine. It costs $100 for five years. I don't have to save much time for it to be worthwhile to me.
Sadly, I doubt it.
Feb 4, 2009, 11:33 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
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One would hope in situations like that (multiple full loads arriving at the same time), the CBP supervisor would inspire his/her officers to make the process as quick as possible so people can catch their onward connections. (Meaning: no 20 questions, scan the passport, stamp it and hand it back).
Sadly, I doubt it.
Sadly, I doubt it.
Feb 4, 2009, 11:58 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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GlobalEntry is worth every penny. It truly does pay for itself. The next time you are at ORD standing in line behind hundreds of people at passport control, think of how easier it would be to zip through by using the kiosk!
(Plus, even if the kiosks are not working, you can skip to the front of the line and/or use the crew line.)
PLEASE sign up! The more members in the system, the greater the incentive for CBP to deploy the kiosks at more airports.
(Plus, even if the kiosks are not working, you can skip to the front of the line and/or use the crew line.)
PLEASE sign up! The more members in the system, the greater the incentive for CBP to deploy the kiosks at more airports.
Feb 4, 2009, 1:16 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: IAD, DCA, SAN
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Posts: 1,236
GlobalEntry is worth every penny. It truly does pay for itself. The next time you are at ORD standing in line behind hundreds of people at passport control, think of how easier it would be to zip through by using the kiosk!
(Plus, even if the kiosks are not working, you can skip to the front of the line and/or use the crew line.)
PLEASE sign up! The more members in the system, the greater the incentive for CBP to deploy the kiosks at more airports.
(Plus, even if the kiosks are not working, you can skip to the front of the line and/or use the crew line.)
PLEASE sign up! The more members in the system, the greater the incentive for CBP to deploy the kiosks at more airports.
Feb 4, 2009, 1:23 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
What about the privacy issue with GOES? Spiff where are you. I am not an advocate of Fly Clear or programs like this because it is yet another place I have to air my life story out in some database that I am not entirely sure about its security. Spiff and all of the guys I am normally at odds with in this forum, what are the security/pricacy issues with Global Entry?
Clear is a private program, and the reasons I don't participate in that program is mostly out of principle and somewhat with security of my data.
Feb 4, 2009, 1:42 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Ok, well that is good to know. I had no idea that TSA had been lauded by anybody. Now, does TSA have anything to do with this program or is it a CBP/ICE program only? At least I could rationalize in my mind that CBP and ICE are actually sworn LEO's. Or...am I just way off the mark about the Global Entry program and need to give it another look?
Feb 4, 2009, 1:56 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Ok, well that is good to know. I had no idea that TSA had been lauded by anybody. Now, does TSA have anything to do with this program or is it a CBP/ICE program only? At least I could rationalize in my mind that CBP and ICE are actually sworn LEO's. Or...am I just way off the mark about the Global Entry program and need to give it another look?
GE is terrific. I will plan my international travel to gateway at a GE enabled airport from here on.