How can Global Entry save you time? If you dread the thought of returning from an international trip and finding yourself at the back of a long queue at Immigration, Global Entry was created just for you. You bypass the long lines and use special kiosks along the wall, adjacent to the special lines used by airline crews. The kiosk will (1) scan your passport, (2) read your fingerprints, and (3) ask you to confirm your incoming flight information. This information should already be in the system, as it has been forwarded electronically to Customs and Immigration when you check in for your flight. (4) Finally, you will be asked to answer the same set of questions you'd normally have to answer on the paper version of the Customs Declaration Form. The kiosk will provide you with a receipt, and that's the only thing you have to show to the exit control officer. It's recommended, however, that you do fill out the paper form in case the kiosk is not operating.
Even if the kiosks are not functioning, you are still accorded front of the line privileges. Head to the front of the nearest passport control line and show the officer your membership sticker on the inside back cover of your passport.
I completed my application process last week at SFO. It costs $100 to apply, but American Express will refund the application fee for Platinum Card Members. Your membership is valid for five years.
Global Entry (search here on Google)
copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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