Hacker News Reader

Comment by jaclaz | Hacker News Reader

>... making every trip you take during that time a frustrating experience.

Well, actually the "normal" experience that everyone but the ones that were granted the "privilege" have.

I mean, the decision (provided that the reason is actually the counterfeit suitcase) seems silly, but it is not like they took away his driving license or passport, or however limited his freedom.

I have no data, how many people are in the "Global Entry" thing?

And how many international travels per year would justify applying (and the background check and the in-person interview)?

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-...

What is the actual difference in practice? Like half an hour to pass customs on average?

View on HN

WARNING: ANECDOTE

From my experience entering the country from LAX and BOS, passing through security at many airports around the country, Global entry is extremely convenient if the airport is large and busy (LAX) but not that much more convenient if there isn't a large crowd. (BOS)

TSA-Precheck on the other hand is a godsend for almost any average-large city airport.

i was most scared to lose precheck tbh

"What is the actual difference in practice? Like half an hour to pass customs on average?"

It really depends on the airport. As a US citizen returning to SFO I have spent anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours in line.

I am considering signing up for Global Entry.

>As a US citizen returning to SFO I have spent anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours in line.

So, given the procedure (and the non reimboursable fee of US$ 100)and depending how distant you are from an "interview center" (and how long does the interview take):

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-...

I would say that a "make even" point could be around 3-4 international travels planned per year (given that the program needs to be renewed after 5 years).

Everybody's situation is different, but American Express paid the Global Entry fee for me as part of the annual fee I already pay them. I believe Chase Sapphire does something similar. They actually now do the Global Entry interviews on arrival in the US at select airports, so you can just integrate it into your next international trip.

For me ... well, I'm an American but I live in Colombia, which generally meant lots of questions and highly suspicious treatment before I got Global Entry. Now I don't have to say anything more than mornin' when entering the country. Totally worth it to me. :-)

>They actually now do the Global Entry interviews on arrival in the US at select airports, so you can just integrate it into your next international trip.

Yes, that would probably be the most convenient way.

>how long does the interview take

Mine took 5 minutes at most. The real inconvenience was the closest place to do the interview was a 3 hour drive. YMMV but anything I can do to spend less time in an airport is worth it to me.

Since i cross the border quite often and fly international multiple times a month - it was going to be quite a big difference in my life.

For a normal traveler, this probably wouldn't matter too much. But it was a big deal for my lifestyle.

obviously YMMV

Also, Global Entry includes the same benefits as TSA Precheck - so when you get Global Entry, you're also automatically allowed to use the expedited security lines as long as your airline supports it. (Most, not all do.)

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-d...

It also expedites entry back into the US via land crossings.

As mentioned below, Automated Passport/Mobile Passport allows US citizens returning to skip the long immigration queue without paying money/being interviewed for Global Entry. But it does not provide Trusted Traveler/TSA Precheck.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com