It’s Official, We’re Not Security Threats
We’re always excited to get back to our home base. This time, though, we were especially eager because we were looking forward to trying out our Global Entry Trusted Traveler memberships upon landing in the United States.
Let me back up…
We had our eyes on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Global Entry program for about a year before signing on. The program, aimed at expediting “low risk” travelers’ entry into the United States, significantly curbs the hassle often associated with returning from international travel. Global Entry card holders simply interact with a passport reading kiosk rather than waiting in line to speak with an official. After scanning your passport, verifying your identity (via fingerprints) and asking a few questions, the kiosk spits out a receipt that you hand off to an officer at the exit.
Much better than nearly falling asleep in an endless line after a hellishly long flight. Or, even worse, being subjected to additional questioning for some random reason. It’s happened to us, and it’s awful.
We were first introduced to the program by American Express because they reimburse the $100 application fee for certain card members. Pretty cool. However – although we both have squeaky clean backgrounds – we didn’t like the idea of the “rigorous” (as they describe it) background check / information collecting process that’s part of the application. Being big fans of civil liberties, we weren’t keen on the potential Privacy-Act-diluting elements of the program. But we’ll save all that for a different post.
Ultimately, we decided to move forward. Our pal’s experience and a few other extras (we’ll get into below) urged us forward.
We recommend that you check out the program to see if it might work for you too. The process was relatively simple. First, you apply online and pay the fee. If your application is approved, you are e-notified and invited to schedule a face-to-face interview at a Global Entry Interview Center. At the interview, an officer collects biometrics, asks you questions and snaps a photo. At that point, you’re quickly approved (or not) and you receive details on the program along with a tutorial on using the kiosk.
A few key things you should know…
- The online application is a bit clunky and tedious. We almost backed out at that point. Good thing we didn’t. It’s – by far – the most frustrating part of the process. Not what we expected.
- You schedule your face-to-face interview online. We were impressed to find open slots across all days and day parts. There’s a Global Entry Interview Center here at Seattle’s airport, so it was convenient for us. Not everyone is so fortunate.
- We were dreading the interview, thinking it was going to be uber-hardcore. It turned out to be the best part of the process. At the interview, everyone in the office was extremely friendly. Sure, they asked a lot of questions, but it didn’t seem too over-the-top. Best of all, they ensured that we left fully informed regarding all elements of the program.
- We learned that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is aiming to make their department more user-friendly by, you know, treating people like humans at the interview. Refreshing. To further build bridges, we learned that officers are encouraged to speak to groups and businesses about the department and the Global Entry program.
- Approval is swift. We had our welcome packet within about 10 days of our interviews.
Here’s where we were really surprised… Certain members of CBP’s Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry members, have access to the new TSA Pre program. So, since our Global Entry membership has made us trusted travelers, we have the opportunity to whiz through security at some U.S airports. No taking off shoes, jackets, belts. No removing laptops from bags. Woohoo!
We were also happy to learn that we can use our benefits to fast track our entry – via SENTRI and NEXUS lanes – when driving back into the United States from Canada.
Okay… that’s enough information for now.
What do you all think of the program? Are our international readers intrigued, laughing or horrified by all of this security theater?
Congrats! So glad you did it. We used ours for the first time last month and it was a breeze! Now if only the luggage would come out faster…
Amen, sister!
I am still amazed at how easy it is to get into some countries, and then we come home to our own country and wait for days. So bizarre. Sounds like the membership is working in your benefit…. we on the other hand will be be waiting, and waiting and still waiting at the airport when (if) we finally arrive home.
Wait for days? What in the hell have you been put through at the airport. Do tell
We’ve had a few times where we’ve waited a LONG time in line, and a few times where we’ve been pulled away for extended questioning. No body searches or anything too crazy though.
Congrats my friends! Sadly though, the USA is doomed. Or maybe we all need to wake ûp a bit.
I wish we were still in Spain so we could discuss.
I don’t really like the idea of giving the government even more information than they already have, plus I don’t think I could apply from Germany, so I haven’t really given it any thought. It does sound nice to be able to breeze through security and passport control though. In January when I flew back into the States to visit friends, the passport check lady gave me crap for not putting down an address for where I was staying. She made me go look up my friend’s address to put on the entry form. I wanted to say to her “I’m a US citizen, I’m allowed to be here!” but I refrained. “Theater” is really the right word for it all, it’s all just a big show to make everyone FEEL safer. Anyway, I’m glad you guys had a good experience, definitely makes me reconsider this if I ever start flying back into the States more often.
Never talk back, Ali. Do you know what happens to people who talk back
Whew, what a relief to find out that you guys aren’t security threats. Congrats on your global entry memberships! Interesting stuff. Sounds like it could be very worthwhile for frequent travelers, in particular. Thanks for the info.
I think the TSA Pre benefit, alone, makes it worthwhile because that quickens both the domestic AND international security process.
That’s an interesting program. If I was a more frequent international traveler I would definitely consider it. Congrats on convincing them you’re not security threats
When you decide to conquer the world, you need to be a Trusted Traveler.
This does sound intriguing. I’ve usually had good luck at the times we have arrived home and never had to wait too long. We flew into San Diego on an international flight for the first time and it was so easy compared to LAX!
It’s nice when you can avoid the biggies like JFK and LAX.
Okay, so I have issues.
I don’t think we should have to prove we’re not a threat. That’s not our job. It makes me cranky that in airports we have to prove we’re not guilty.
I also think that it’s entirely possible to sail through this process and still be a bad guy. If you have no past records and/or can pass the background check and/or have access to excellent forged documents… I’m just thinking that this isn’t a bomb proof system.
I await your follow up on the civil liberties issues, indeed. Also, can I make a joke here about how you’re STILL a threat to my marriage.
Can I? (Okay, delete this remark, it’s off topic.)
The lady doth protest too much, methinks. We better contact Homeland Security.
Good point about being a threat to your marriage. On June 7th, we plan to get married in the morning and then head over to your place to watch your marriage fall apart. One question – should we bring champagne?
You should ALWAYS bring champagne. Luckily, we live in the ‘hood so you won’t have to drive far to wreak your havoc on our sanctified relationship.
I’m delighted you’re tying the knot. DELIGHTED. Congrats.
Ahh the US – I’m worried about visiting there next year, not because I don’t think I’ll enjoy the country etc etc – but because I’m a bit nervous about immigration! I mean, I’m clearly not a threat, but officials seem to go a bit OTT randomly.
I’ve heard of the programme before but never of anyone actually using it. Interesting to read about your experiences although, IMO, the whole system shouldn’t exist anyway. Surely there’s a way of making sure that security is tight without instigating a, “you’re a threat until we stamp your passport” kind of feeling?
BTW I’ll be on the east coast next year – fly over? Or should I come to Seattle? Only…hmm…15 months to figure this out? Haha!
As usual a fascinating post! What a relief for you guys in the end!!
Have a wonderful week ahead:)
OK, what stood out for me in this post is the fact that you guys use American Express. We haven’t had credit cards of any kind for about 5 years now, and I’m curious why you choose to use them (since so many of our other life values seem similar.)
(Also: reading New Earth right now.
)
I just heard about this, I wonder if I can get it as a Canadian as I often need to stop in the US first and the line is such a hassle.
As an “international reader” I’ve had my fair share of being hassled at US customs (including the time I was mistakenly deported from Buffalo!). But I have to say that US officials seem much friendlier lately than in previous years. So I guess they must be doing something right!
i love mine!! i don’t know how i lived without it before. I have to say that SEA customs/immigrations isn’t nearly as bad as LAX, though!!