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"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

by rsync 9y ago

"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.

jaclaz 9y ago
>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-entry/how-apply 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).
- hannibalhorn 9y ago
  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. :-)
  - jaclaz 9y ago
    >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.
- sesutton 9y ago
  >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.

by rsync 9y ago

jaclaz 9y ago

>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-entry/how-apply 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).

hannibalhorn 9y ago
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. :-)
- jaclaz 9y ago
  >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.
sesutton 9y ago
>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.