I clear customs in Atlanta. The new automated entry system is as fast as Global Entry. I seldom wait more than a few minutes and my bag is at the carousel by the time I walk to baggage claim and then wait for a minute or two in line to hand in my entry form. Last week was out the front door in less than 15 minutes from entering customs.

Just used it for the first time this week coming back through JFK. Didn't take 5 minutes. Waited a lot longer for my bags. Glad I got it.

It is well worth it. My wife and 3 kids all have it as well. Saves time and headaches. If you have the Amex platinum card, they reimburse you for the expense for you. It also gives you a trusted traveler ID so when flying domestically you go through a short line at TSA check points. it is worth its wait in gold

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
I clear customs in Atlanta. The new automated entry system is as fast as Global Entry. I seldom wait more than a few minutes and my bag is at the carousel by the time I walk to baggage claim and then wait for a minute or two in line to hand in my entry form. Last week was out the front door in less than 15 minutes from entering customs.

When coming from Africa there is a huge line to get shoes sprayed. Global entry gets you to the front of that line as well.

There is that benefit...

I use it. Quick and easy except for the application process.

I cleared in Detroit for the first time last week, coming back from Tanzania via Amsterdam.

I'll never go through Amsterdam again, but the Detroit process was as smooth as silk. Global Entry makes the passport control part almost moot, and getting my guns cleared was a snap. No boot spraying, no "one at a time in the glass booth", etc. Partly this is because my friend and I were the only two hunters on the plane (as opposed to the incoming Delta flight from Joburg in Atlanta, which is loaded with hunters), but the attitudes of the people I dealt with on my trip through customs was overall much friendlier in Detroit than I've experienced on numerous trips through Atlanta.

My husband and I had a funny experience when returning from Zim thru Dulles last September. My husband was being assisted in a wheel chair. The wheel chair escort was totally unfamiliar with Global Entry. I had to insist he go to the kiosk rather than the Customs' line. I did my thing, which includes taking your four finger prints and automatically taking your photo at the same time. No problem, I got my receipt with photo on it. Then I did the screen info for my husband and tried to get his fingers into the insert slot from his seated position in the wheel chair. This took several tries, before it was accepted. Out came his acceptance receipt with my photo on it (since I had my face up to the screen while forcing his hand into the slot). When we approached the Customs guy who checks your receipt, I explained what had happened (I don't think he would have noticed, if I hadn't volunteered). He asked if I used my husband's finger prints...which I had, he was just like "don't let it happen again"...and we were off to pick up our rifles (didn't have to open them or present 4470's). On to our connecting flight.

Global Entry is the only way to go and the application interview process was 5 minutes in LAX.

Best regards, D. Nelson

We love Global Entry. On American Airlines you need to ensure you have your trusted traveler number and complete information in your frequent flyer profile fro Pre check.