You might remember that I recently posted about my application experience with Global Entry. I applied on a Sunday afternoon, and by Wednesday, I had been tentatively approved and was able to schedule an appointment. There are 2 enrollment centers in Atlanta, one at the airport and the other in an office complex not far from the airport. The airport location would have been ideal, but they did not have available appointments on days I knew I would be flying, so I went with the alternative.
I scheduled my appointment for October 4, 2012, in the morning. I arrived 30 minutes early for my appointment, but was immediately assisted. The agent took my passport and asked me to have a seat. I waited about 10 minutes and then she returned to get me. We did a picture, fingerprints, and she asked me some routine questions. The agent, who was very polite and courteous, explained some of the program’s basics, answered any questions I had, and with that, we were done. The whole thing took about 20 minutes.
Now that it’s done, I have to say that I can’t believe I waited this long. There is a $100 dollar processing fee, but American Express picks that up via my Platinum Card membership. Not only my fee, but MrsMJonTravel’s as well since she is an authorized user so she has lounge access when flying without me. My first opportunity to test Global Entry comes next month when we return from Europe. In the meantime, I’ve entered my Known Traveler number in my airline profiles so hopefully that will help increase my odds of getting selected as much as Possible for TSA PreCheck.
Just FYI to pass onto readers who do not have AmEx privilges to get the Global Entry fee reimbursed. One way to save $50 is to instead apply for NEXUS at the same GOES website. NEXUS is intended for US/CANADA cross-border travel, but it also gives you FREE Global Entry.
Advantages: works for land, air, boat travel between US/CANADA (skip Canadian immigration entering that country) plus get all Global Entry card for all other international travel back to US. SAVE $50!!!!
Disadvantages: Fewer enrollment centers, so appointments may take longer to get (I played around and ended up driving to Warroad, Minnesota where I could basically get an appointment anytime I wanted, and it worked well for me since I had a trip to MSP already in the works)
I got stuck in ORD immigration this past Sunday for 45 minutes. That was when I decided to suck it up and get Global Entry.
I’m Canadian NEXUS/GE holder
My Sept GE entry at IAD printed out 2 slips – 1 for custom and 1 for me to keep (so if you keep that that should be good)
I took a photo anyway b/c it was my first time 🙂
It really does make a difference. Since I have added my Global Entry number to my AA account I have been selected to proceed every time (about 12). My Co-Worker without GE (same status level) only receives it about 50% of the time. I love it, along with the dirty looks from everyone else as I breeze right on thru!
@ Santastico: Just take a photo with your phone of your GE receipt and print out a copy for your records. This will act as a record of proof of entry.
Tks. So my wife is an authorized user of my Platinum account but we chose to get her a Gold Amex since she almost never travels without me.
I am in the same boat. I finally applied and had my interview two days ago at JFK. I cannot believe how efficient it was, how friendly and professional the agents were, and how fast it was. Mad at myself that I didn’t take this step until now (United is covering my fee).
What do you mean by “Not only my fee, but MrsMJonTravel’s as well since she is an authorized user so she has lounge access when flying without me.” How do you get your wife to be an “authorized user”? Does she have to get her own Platinum card? My wife is on my same Amex Platinum account but she has a Gold Amex and not a Platinum one.
Regarding Global Entry, I love the system but the only drawback for me as a “permanenet resident” is that my foreign passport is not stamped anymore and since you cannot keep the Global Entry receipt issued by the machine you no longer have any record of entering in the US which is key when I decide to apply for US citzenship.
Hi Santastico. My wife is an authorized user on my Platinum account and has a Platinum card from that. The extra fee is $175 dollars. When you add an authorized user to your Platinum account, you have the option of choosing either another Platinum card, or you get the gold card for your authorized user. The Platinum card costs more, but she makes some use of it for lounge access…and in this case, got her $100 dollar fee covered too.