Anyone joined the Global Entry program?

Old Aug 5th, 2012, 01:05 PM
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Anyone joined the Global Entry program?

I was already to download information because anything to speed up process at airport, and then I thought is this just another ploy for government in our business, not that I have anything to hide. Just curious if you think it works or doesn't work.
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 01:18 PM
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If you travel internationally often, it's a great deal. You bypass Immigration lines returning to the US, which in these days of connecting flights can be a great deal. HOWEVER if you only go abroad once or even twice a year and fly direct, it's not such a plus.

It also has VERY strict guidelines for approval and use once you're approved. For ex a felony conviction or even a DUI conviction bars you from approval and you don't get a refund. And if you forget to declare anything, like an apple, even an honest mistake, they can kick you out of the program.

All that said we love it. has helped with connections several times. And as my Amex pays my fee it's worth it.
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 01:22 PM
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I noticed after I posted that I should have checked past post first, I think I will join. As for the approval, shouldn't be a problem I have to get clearance for some places I travel to. Thanks for your prompt reply.
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 01:22 PM
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It works fine, as long as everyone traveling with you are part of the program. You still have to clear customs after collecting your luggage, but it can save you a little time waiting in line at passport control, when there are several hundred people already waiting in line when you arrive.

If you've ever traveled through Philly, you'll know what I'm talking about. Passport control always seems to be understaffed, and of course a "welcome home", or "welcome to America" is not something they're good at. It seems we're a little too paranoid after 9/11.

You can also qualify for the other IDs that will allow you to cross the USA/Canada/Mexico borders without having to have your passport with you.

If you're an Amex Platinum member, the Global Entry program is free (you charge it to your card and Amex pays).
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 02:48 PM
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We used it this summer. I think it's worth it. The process was very easy. In fact, our travel agent held a Global Entry party at her house where she invited 20 of her clients to get their interviews done. Apparently, the TSA is willing to send its agents to workplaces or private homes if there are more than a certain number of people applying for Global Entry. Good luck! Loved breezing through JFK in mid-June!
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 03:26 PM
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I have been in this program for about a year and have had three "re-entry into the US" experiences, and it may well be the best $100 I have spent. You zoom through passport control and because I am not a patient person, I love this. As noted above, though, all your party needs to enrolled or it is in vain.

Also, while the questionnaire is detailed, I did not find it to be overly intrusive.
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 03:49 PM
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I just finished the application, what a crappy software program, questions drove me nuts, would not take the answer that No I haven't moved in last five years, and No I haven't worked in years. It wore me down on the fix errors to the point I put in todays date on one of the answers and it went through.

No, not that intrusive, they already know everything there is to know about us. I leave in a few weeks, now that I think about it I probably shouldn't have attempted it this late. And how was the interview process?

They should be so detailed about selling guns to deranged people.
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 04:36 PM
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Global Entry is about the best $100 that I have ever spent. I was accepted into the program about three years ago after doing the app online and then going thru the interview process at O'Hare where I was also fingerprinted.

I fly carryon only which is the ultimate time saver. The kiosk only takes a minute, you are given a receipt and hand it to the officer upon exiting. (You show your passport with the "CBP" sticker and you are good to go.) I am typically out the door 15 minutes after exiting the aircraft.
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 04:52 PM
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Signed up earlier this year and think it is terrific. Fee was reimbursed by United Airlines' Mileage Plus program (they cover for platinum or higher elites.) Can't use it when traveling with those who do not have it, but when it can be used it really saves a great deal of time. Like it so much that when it comes time to renew would even consider paying the fee myself if the airline no longer covers it.
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 05:51 PM
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"If you've ever traveled through Philly, you'll know what I'm talking about. Passport control always seems to be understaffed, and of course a "welcome home", or "welcome to America" is not something they're good at. It seems we're a little too paranoid after 9/11."

Boy, is that the truth. We had the longest line I've ever experienced returning through Philly in late July. A young guy in front of me said he had just applied for the Global Entry and explained it to me (hadn't heard of it before). He did say that some airports aren't set up to take it yet.

Thanks for the reminder that I wanted to look into this!
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 06:15 PM
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returntoyourseat, "And how was the interview process?"

It was perfunctory at best; mainly consisted of a few additional questions ("Have you been to Canada or Mexico in the past five years?") and then showed me how to use the kiosk. I have gotten so used to it if I ever return and the kiosk is down, I will be severely bummed.
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Old Aug 5th, 2012, 06:57 PM
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I have had it for over 3 years and it was the best $100 I have ever spent. However, I go overseas every week for work and commute so the hours that I have saved waiting in line(even as a crew member) have been valuable. You will be happy that you did it!
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Old Aug 6th, 2012, 06:48 PM
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It's great! It may be difficult to schedule an interview before your trip but you can try walking in. My husband and I did that at LAX and lucked out with last minute cancellations/no shows. Otherwise we couldn't get an appt for about a month and a half.

In addition to the immigration kiosks you get a dedicated customs lane which at LAX can sometimes take longer. It also qualifies you for TSA Precheck. The interview was quick and mostly consisted of questions like what was the purpose of your trip to such and such country and have you ever been convicted of a felony. I did get asked about an address from 15 years ago. They take your picture and scan your fingerprints. They didn't show either one of us how to use the kiosk. We just got handed brochures and told it was self explanatory, which it is.
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Old Aug 16th, 2012, 09:49 PM
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I got the go for an interview but they do not have an interview office in my area so I have tried to get it when I have a lay over in Houston - they are all booked. I am going to go in anyway one never knows. I leave Wednesday and hate that I won't have but it sounds like an excellent program. Thanks for all your replies.
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Old Aug 17th, 2012, 10:25 AM
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Good luck!
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