My wife and I just signed up (and paid our $100) for the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program (https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov). We are leaving for Italy the end of September. My wife is actually doing the required personal interview on September 28 at George Bush International ~ Houston on our way to Amsterdam/Milan. We figure that her approval will be in place before our return 2 weeks later.

Does anybody have any experience with the system? Good or bad. Or any hints?

Thanks!

I should have added that GOES is a U.S. Customs program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at most entry airports. Cost $100 each and requires personal interview at select sites around.

Philip

I've now used it twice. The first time was at JFK when the system was new and the GOES check-through point was not clearly defined. We ended up standing in line for quite a while before anyone could offer any information as to where we should be. I used it again this past May at Newark and there were no glitches, no problems. My only issue with it now is that because I just renewed my passport, I will have to make a trip to the airport to have the GOES updated.

We have used it at Dulles Airport and at DFW. It has been great! There were no lines at the kiosks, and it only took a minute to complete that process. They give you a receipt for customs and there is a separate line there. When coming back from a long trans-Atlantic flight, it has been a real time and stress saver.

Are you going to be able to use Global Entry without the interview? It will be interesting to hear the difference between her using Global Entry and your coming into the country with the usual procedure.

We will be trying it out for the first time in October. I understand several international/european airports have started it...even better.