There's apparently some problems with the program to allow "trusted travelers" (The program that means simpler security checks) to go through Customs more easily.  To get in, you need to have a 15 minute interview with fingerprints, usually at an airport.  Those appointments can be hard to get.  

Cost is $100 for 5 years, including trusted traveler and global entry. 

Today was my first Global Entry, at Houston.  Things weren't busy and I had the lane to myself.  

Edited: 06/25/2016 at 08:51 AM by ww

so anyone can sign up for this?
i assume that htis is beneficial if you travel a lot?

please, more info

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hey, i don't know if you read this yet ----------> I <3 16streets.com

thank you Sean O'hare

Delicious beer comes from here

It's part of the Trusted Traveler Programs.  There's a "rigorous background check," but Customs is encouraging applications from the general public, so they don't have to waste time on low-risk citizens and residents.  

I wasn't expecting to be in the program in time for my Kiwi trip, but my membership activated immediately after interview at Orlando Airport three weeks ago.  The fingerprint reading equipment worked just fine.  

I'm figuring on one to three international trips each year for the next four or five years, so the convenience is worthwhile.  

 

well, i wouldn't be doing so much international trips, which i wouldn't mind changing
however, i will be doing some flying within the united states
so is it worthwhile if i am traveling to chicago and california?

cause... you know.... that's where i technically work
and because i work in those two places, i have to get around those long TSA lines

#SasquatchCanBeTrustedToo

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hey, i don't know if you read this yet ----------> I <3 16streets.com

thank you Sean O'hare

Delicious beer comes from here

Getting a fast pass around security lines continues to puzzle me.  With the Global Entry, I supposedly get the fast lane wherever there's one, and airlines can put you on the list.  But there's places where there's only regular lines....

I liked getting the short line at Orlando!

My official Global Entry card arrived while I was on vacation.  I think it's only for driving across the border, something I don't plan to do.  Um, maybe a visit to Niagara Falls?  Walk across?

Edited: 06/10/2016 at 11:40 PM by ww

It's well worth the 100 bucks. The first time you get to bypass a 30 min TSA line at MCO or JFK make it worth it alone. Play, you don't have to open your bags or take off shoes. Customs on a return flight is cut way down to just a couple min at a kiosk.. Again no long lines coming back from Central America.

You have to apply on line then set up an interview which is done at MCO.. WHICH LAST ABOUT 15/20 min.

Keep in mind Global Entry is to expedite getting through US Customs and Immigrations upon entry into the US, so if you travel OCONUS at all, get this to help you clear back into the US upon arrival. Most international flights are large planes and the crowd hitting customs and immigrations checks, where they check your passport and customs declaration, can be quite long. There are other programs to help you get through the TSA lines. CLEAR and TSA preCheck are the most popular. If you get registered with one of them, you need to include this on your flight/ticketing information and your pre check number gets printed on your ticket allowing you to use the fast lane. TSA preCheck will be worth getting if you fly at all in the US.

Airfare Watchdog has a useful explanation of TSA precheck vs. Global Entry.  

I have TSA precheck and CLEAR (clearme.com). TSA pre-check is a no brainer if you travel more than a few times a year. CLEAR is a benefit if you travel frequently out of orlando but it's price/benefit equation is much less than TSA pre. CLEAR only operates out of a handful of domestic airports, and is a few hundred dollars a year. My employer reimburses me for it so I have both. There have been times even the pre-check lane is backed up and I appreciate that CLEAR gets me to the front of that line.

It's amusing seeing the puzzled looks of the other passengers when I go through the CLEAR lane at MCO and get escorted to the front of the TSA Precheck line. On my last trip to El Sal, I actually heard a lady, who was obviously having a bad day, yell out quite loudly "WHY'S THAT SURFER GUY GET TO SKIP THE LINE??"

I almost spewed coffee on my comp! hahah



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I troll 2L.com to be a better person in real life

I like with TSA Pre that I don't have to cram toiletries in a little baggie in 3 oz containers either. I like being able to just dump my regular sized toothpaste and other items into a ditty bag and go.

Global Entry is very nice and I have been using it for about 3 years now.

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If you have good credit American Express, through its platinum card ($200 annual fee) pays the fee for Global Entry plus you get entry into the Centurion Lounge when you are traveling to airports that have them. They just opened one up in Miami.

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So with the extra time you get passing through TSA or customs you can get free dining, free top shelf drinks, free WIFI, free massages, etc.

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I flew out of Miami a few months ago and me and my guest (you get one free guest) indulged in enough food and liquor if that if we were dining at non-airport restaurant my bill would have run +$200, even more if we had a similar meal at another airport restaurant.

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thecenturionlounge.com/locations/MIA

Long security lines have prompted a flood of applications.  NPR