US Global Entry Program

[SelectSys]

I needed to renew my passport a bit ago and while doing this I decided to apply for US Global Entry as well. What a great deal! My last trip through TBIT lasted less than 15 minutes. The next time was even less as I had no checked baggage.

 

The program is a bit fragmented as it is also possible to get Global Entry tied to other programs like SENTRI - US Mexico Land border - and NEXUS - US Canada land border.

 

I actually got my access under the SENTRI program as it allows expedited reentry into the US from Mexico crossing at land borders for the same price - $100 for 5 years.

 

The whole process took about 6 weeks from initial submission to gaining access into the program. What a great deal for anyone that crosses the border with any frequency at all - especially in crowded airports like LAX or totally insane land borders like San Ysidro.

[frugaltravel]

I used GE a week ago and zipped through immigration. But anyone who has checked luggage is still at the mercy of the airline and the wait can be substantial. And then at customs I was also randomly selected for secondary agricultural screening so that slowed things down - moreso because I had to wait probably 5 minutes for someone to show up at agricultural screening.

 

It is a nice program, but unless someone is traveling several times a year internationally I personally am not sure it is worth the cost.

 

If you use land borders you need the Global Entry card, which is relatively new (those of us with GE before this enhancement have to pay extra to get the card).

[SelectSys]

I used GE a week ago and zipped through immigration. But anyone who has checked luggage is still at the mercy of the airline and the wait can be substantial.

 

Yes, I would agree with this. Unless you either aren't checking bags or get expedited handling you can burn up time waiting for traffic.

 

It is a nice program, but unless someone is traveling several times a year internationally I personally am not sure it is worth the cost.

 

If you use land borders you need the Global Entry card, which is relatively new (those of us with GE before this enhancement have to pay extra to get the card).

 

It is nice that the programs are more integrated these days - at least on the US side. I agree that you need to be at least a semi-regular international traveler to make it worthwhile.