simpsonc510

DH and I came through OHare yesterday, from Zurich, and were surprised at the new passport scanner machines. The guy who looked at our documents said they have been in place since June. I guess it's supposed to speed things up????? But you still have to go from the machine to another waiting line (after waiting in line to use the new machine). I was in Europe in July, but did not come back via OHare immigration, going through all of that at Newark instead, so was taken by surprise by the new system.

Is this a test run, I wonder? Not sure it speeds things up at all........

DonTopaz

You haven't got Global Entry yet, with all the int'l travel that you do? Virtually no waiting, as well as automatic PreCheck on all airlines that are in the program.

RoamsAround

Are you talking about the Global Entry Kiosks? Or scanners used by the Immigration officers at the regular immigration checkpoint?

If Global Entry - They've been in place at major US International Airports for a couple of years.

You have to apply with CPB, go through a vetting and interview process, pay a fee and you'll be able to use the kiosks. It's quick, takes only a minute or two and unless you've been randomly selected for further scrutiny you'll be on your way to a special "Global Entry Line" to bypass the usual customs lines.

Go here for more info - www.globalentry.gov

simpsonc510

This is not global entry. It is a group of machines that scan your passport, take your photo (to compare with passport), and then give you a slip of paper (like a receipt) with your photo and I guess an OK on it. The immigration officers used to do this scan of your passport. Now you just hand that same immigration officer your passport and slip of paper, and he may ask you a question or two, stamp your passport, and off you go to collect bags. What's the point of the machines.... ??? I assume it is to help speed up the process, but now you have to stand in TWO lines, not one. Just scratching my head, that's all (NO, I don't have global entry....)

Citylghts

I experienced them last month also. The only thing I disliked is that the instructions aren't clear how to adjust the machine so you're face is framed properly for the photo.

kayd

I guess it would speed things up overall (if not for every individual) to have the ID and photo comparison done before the traveler reaches a human officer, who would not have to wait for that electronic OK but can send most travelers along immediately and see any potential problems already flagged.

Melnq8

I experienced the same machines departing Auckland a few weeks back, surprised me as I'd never seen them before and didn't realize I needed to look up to have my photo taken. Someone was there to collect tickets, but no questions asked, perhaps because I was departing. Didn't seem any faster to me, but maybe that's because the immigration hall was empty, no lines anywhere.

JoyC

Just came back too, 10 days ago, and our port of entry was O'Hare. Was surprised to see those machines, and we actually mistook them for the Global Entry kiosks. Never seen them before.

Also, we found there was quite a long line at the GE (there were only about 5-6 kiosks), so it did took us a while to get through immigration.

dutyfree

Save yourself time and energy and spend the $100 for FIVE years and get the global entry. It is the best money you will ever spend for traveling!

29FEB

We used these new machines at O'Hare yesterday and I can see how they improve efficiency for the agents. Directions were clear and easy to follow.

What seems unfair is to be photographed coming off a trans-Atlantic flight!