DH and I just flew our first ever Southwest flight on a short one way hop. We showed our global entry cards at check in and got pre check. I thought we would need to use the regular lane since we had never flown with them before.

Even with bags to collect, we can still get thru Ohare in less than a half hour from deplaning to hopping in the car/shuttle. Global entry is a real time saver.

If you enter your approved traveler number when you buy your tickets, there's no need for the card. Even if you don't, if you give them your number when you check in, there's no need for the card.

BTW, we had our interviews just prior to flying to Zurich. We were able to use global entry on our return. Our cards were in the mail when we got home. So yes, you can use it immediately.

I appreciate the additional info and looking forward to testing it out at some of the busiest airports this year. Not having to bring extra socks to walk on the gross airport security floor is a real winning perk. Thanks for your positive vibes!

Sounds all wonderful but aside from the 100 bucks is there any down side having GE I should be aware?

Only downside is you get so use to clearing Immigration & Customs so quickly you wish GE would offer you the same perks who you enter a foreign country.

Seriously, I can't think of any downside to having GE.

Well, the obvious downside is that you submit to a full background check and consent to allow additional personal information about you to be examined and stored by the government. Beyond that which is already being harvested without your permission, of course.

Yes, I know that if you are flying places, "they" are already tracking you. Unless you live off the grid, "they" are tracking you. Global Entry just makes it easier for them to dig deeper into you personal life, because you gave your consent when you applied.

I fully expect all the usual harrumphing about "I have nothing to hide", and so on. The fact is, you are trading privacy--such as is possible these days--for convenience.

Great points. Thanks. Anyone been to Amsterdam and have any advice for me? I posted on the europe forum.

pftg

The Reijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum are both favorites of mine. Could spend hours at either one.

We also enjoy canal boat rides to get around the city. We've also had a couple of nice dinner boat rides. I forget which company. The dock is near the train station (but then, I think most if not all of them have docks by the main train station...)

Shopping is great in Amsterdam, especially if you are tall and slender build like myself. Lots of tall Netherlands gals! I love their jeans and sweaters. Boots are also very popular.

Carol

Thank you Carol. Both museums are on my must see. I'm glad you enjoyed them so much. Love shopping for things I can frequently use back home that remind me of the trip and that includes clothes and shoes! Though I'm not tall and slender, more short-ish and curvaceous.