Renewals are taking forever. Don't wait till the last minute.

Jim

Jim: GLOBAL Entry takes a while, but I’m not sure about “Gobal” Entry

Completed Global Entry renewal application in early March, received conditional approval in mid-June, scheduled airport interview for late July. Just received an email canceling the July interview. They state that due to the border crisis and the need to shift resources there, no dates are available at this time for airport interview. Translation, the Feds have no guidance as to when Global Entry applications will be approved. Typical federal efficiency...

quote:

Originally posted by txsouthpaw:
Completed Global Entry renewal application in early March, received conditional approval in mid-June, scheduled airport interview for late July. Just received an email canceling the July interview. They state that due to the border crisis and the need to shift resources there, no dates are available at this time for airport interview. Translation, the Feds have no guidance as to when Global Entry applications will be approved. Typical federal efficiency...

Their website blames the delay on the Federal Shutdown.

Joyce's renewal took about three months but she didn't have to re-interview. They just sent her a new card.

Thanks for the heads up.

Depending on the airport, Global Entry is overkill. In Atlanta for instance, one can typically clear customs within 5 to 10 minutes. But it really doesn't matter as the delays in getting your bags ranges from 20 minutes or much longer in some cases. Of course clearing Customs in other airports can take much longer so Global Entry has its place.

I find that the Known Traveler/TSA PreCheck is much more beneficial to have. And now that Staples and other locations can process the application, it takes minutes to do and only a few days to receive.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
Depending on the airport, Global Entry is overkill. In Atlanta for instance, one can typically clear customs within 5 to 10 minutes. But it really doesn't matter as the delays in getting your bags ranges from 20 minutes or much longer in some cases. Of course clearing Customs in other airports can take much longer so Global Entry has its place.

I find that the Known Traveler/TSA PreCheck is much more beneficial to have. And now that Staples and other locations can process the application, it takes minutes to do and only a few days to receive.

I got Global Entry last year. I was more interested in the PreCheck as I travel for work often enough it's worth it. But Global Entry was only like $20 or so more, so why not?

Arrived in Houston in June on Qatar Airways on return from South Africa. Flight was packed. My buddy and I were the only two people at the Global Entry desk after using the kiosks. Sure enough we flew through.

However, as you say, we then had to wait on our baggage which seemed to take a long time. Regardless, I'm good with not having to stand in lines when I don't need to.

My sentri/global took just under 6 months to renew. Good thing the card stays valid 6 months after expiration.

Mine expired..applied to renew it. Have to have another interview, but can do it upon return on international flight at most major airports.

quote:

I find that the Known Traveler/TSA PreCheck is much more beneficial to have.

Global Entry includes "Known Traveler" and TSA precheck. It's like ordering the meal including drink and fries instead of just the burger.

The big advantage of Global Entry on returning international flights is that the line is considerably shorter. Offsetting that are the several people who do not have Global Entry but get in the GE line, anyway, just because they see a shorter line. They seem to take more time at the kiosk than anyone else while the officer has to explain that they need to go back and get in another (now longer) line and they burn lots of time standing there refusing to accept their mistake.