This past May, coming back thru TBIT was surprisingly fast. Compared to hell in 2016. CBP must have changed out the management at that location. However I don't have to connect to another flight.

I have to agree with above posters. With Global Entry LAX arrival is now a breeze.

>>I have to agree with above posters. With Global Entry LAX arrival is now a breeze.<<

Well - my husband and I are in the process of getting GE - you can see the thread on this forum. Hopefully, we will have our cards before I make the reservations for this trip. If there's a really great fare going thru LAX and we have GE, I will definitely consider it.

>>Hopefully, we will have our cards before I make the reservations for this trip.<<

Just in case it is a close thing and you travel after being approved - you can use GE even before you receive the cad. You don't have to carry the card w/ you (but I generally do).

You don't physically need the card to use the GE kiosks. They operate by you scanning your passports and answering a few on-screen questions .

And you can make a booking w/o having either approval or your GE number because you can enter the number on your passenger record later. Of course if you aren't approved . . . neither is relevant

I've had GE for 8 years. With 2-4 international trips a year I've never had to use the card.

That should say >> . . . even before you receive the card<<

The only time I need the card is land crossings back from Mexico in to California