Thread: Global Entry

Valid for 5 years? Hmmm, I may actually try that. I thought it was only 1 year, which isn't so bad. Also, this makes you automatically eligible for the TSA pre program, or whatever it's called, and you're more likely to use that.

We have it and it's worth it!! Boss uses it alot more than I do. 1-2 Minutes at a kiosk on arrival at JFK instead of 20-45 mins or more
in line? Not for me! No forms to complete (unless declaring for customs)--no blue immigration form!
Go to kiosk, see flight info, scan, pause and go. If you enter the US 5 times year X 5 years, what's it worth to save that time (particularly for a connection) ? It's worth 4 bucks to me!!
And they gave us a nice leather-like passport case after the interview.
You can also go hog wild and get the Amex Platinum card for 2 people for $600+ for the first year, get 2 Global Entry (5 yr) reimbursements, $200 off airline fees, drinks/food on board, access to DL, AA, US air lounges for a year, plus Priority Pass Lounges all over the world (3 yr ultimate membership) plus Starwood Hotels Gold Status (without the extra stays) , lots of other goodies. No foreign exchange fees when used overseas--that can be a alot.
Even tho we already paid for GE, that card is perfect for us because of all the perks we actually use. We earn points to spend on stuff and can transfer to some programs as needed (like Starwood pts for free stays, then get upgrades as Gold) Pricey but if you use it, it's good. At the end of our year, I'll negotiate the next yr fee.

I don't think you can use the TSA pre-approval on nonrev tickets. I haven't seen anywhere on our system.

Originally Posted by aazed

Actually, TSA pre-approval is valid for non-rev tickets as well.



$100 for 5 years is definitely worth it. Years ago I had an INS Pass card which was relatively the same and what a difference that made. In some cases it meant making a same day connection vs. overnighting at a gateway.

Put my member ID where? Our seat requests don't have an option. Please let me know where I add that.

I agree for the 5 yrs for $100 is reasonable
I fly into far larger airports than IAH and the regular international traffic is much higher. Far more flights arriving immigration at JFK and ATL, etc. If you don't have any line and can always fly direct to IAH, then I agree, it isnt for you at all. I travel 10+ times per year and I want to connect smoothly, or have time to relax at the lounge. It's for me, for sure. No forms, either!

Originally Posted by 29palms

The real turn off here for me is the inteview. Why should i have to interview? I work in the airport and pass their most stringent security measures dating back to your 16th birthday, military records, top clearances from the military and I'm going to pay 100 bucks to go to an interview to make sure I am not a terrorist? Hogwash!

You aren't the ONLY military flight member here who has been cleared one way or another . I can guess my husband has had higher clearance than you ever had, but I can;t know that and it's not a _____ measuring contest. If YOU don't want to do the Global Entry --you know my opinion and it has to do with a rodent and a body part. Grow up. If you want to stand in line, GO AHEAD.

Originally Posted by 29palms

For what its worth, I do cut in line with my airport badge to the security line whenever I go travel. I go under the EMPLOYEES line, go through with all the workers going to work. It has served me quite well. At least the badge gives me a benefit my way by not having to snake around with all other travelers. And it works as I take the wife through too. So there is the equalizer. No lines going out, but maybe a little bit of a line coming in. Priveledge is great aint it? Poverty sucks!

That is YOUR right but it doesn't get you back thruany sooner w/out GE.