Back in 2008, the US Department of Customs and Border Protection launched its Global Entry program to streamline the process of re-entering the country for citizens.
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Citizens can become Global Entry members by paying a small fee and completing an application. After being initially approved, applicants must complete a background check and an in-person interview.
After being accepted, Global Entry members have access to expedited customs lines when re-entering the United States. The membership lasts five years.
Depending on the airport and other circumstances like staffing, they might only need to fill out a short form via a digital kiosk to re-enter the country.
Since Global Entry’s launch in 2008, the program has expanded to 53 US airports and is estimated to be used by ten million US travelers around the world. A handful of other countries are also part of the program, including Brazil and India.
Clearly, Global Entry is a success. And with airports becoming more congested, flights facing further delays, and security lines growing more hectic, who wouldn’t want a fast pass to the front of a customs line?
Quite a few people, it turns out.
Here’s your answer to why millions of travelers have opted out of joining the program over the last few years—along with the opinions of diehard Global Entry fans.
The case against Global Entry
Reason #1: Members still wait in customs lines
Global Entry status doesn’t give flyers the right to skip the line. Instead, it shuffles them into a separate line.
As mentioned up top, the majority of airports that run the program have digital kiosks, while others might rely on agents now and then.
So, you might still face a waiting period even if you are a member.
The more popular the program gets, the longer those lines could become. Imagine stepping off an international flight with hundreds of other Global Entry holders. If half of them are members, then you’re going to be waiting with them to use those kiosks.
The alternative of waiting in the regular customs lines might cost you 15 or 20 minutes. If you don’t mind waiting, there’s no need to join.
Reason #2: The backlog is long
Global Entry has proved to be a popular program. But to become a member, US citizens must first complete an online application, and then be conditionally approved for an in-person interview.
Some reports estimate that the current wait list for in-person interviews is as long as one year.
So, if you’re hoping to join Global Entry for an upcoming trip, think again. It’s better viewed as a long-term travel investment rather than an immediate solution to skipping long customs lines.
Reason #3: It’s only good for re-entering the US—not for domestic travel
The main reason Global Entry isn’t worth it for most Americans is that they don’t travel internationally enough.
Global Entry only applies to customs lines, meaning it doesn’t grant you any special rights when you travel domestically.
The only time that Global Entry comes into play is when you’re heading towards a US customs area after landing in the US. If you’re taking one international trip a year, it’s simply not worth your time, energy, or money.
The case for Global Entry
Reason #1: US immigration is notoriously difficult
I’ve traveled around the world, and nothing tells me I’m home like a frigid, uncomfortable wait at customs.
Why are all the agents yelling? Why are the lights so fluorescent? Why do the agents keep looking at me like that? Is this some kind of psychological game?
If you can’t stand the US customs line—and I wouldn’t blame you—then Global Entry is for you. Not only can you skip that uncomfortable wait, but you probably won’t be speaking with any agents, either. Just tap away at the digital kiosk until you’re home free.
Reason #2: Membership comes with TSA PreCheck—which is usually worth it
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck membership.
TSA PreCheck gives US flyers access to shortened security lines at US airports—something that can help you make your flight against all odds.
For travelers who fly internationally and domestically, this is one of the main reasons to invest in a membership.
Reason #3: Informal elite status might have other benefits
Just like it’s never a bad thing to be an elite member of an airline, it’s also not a bad idea to have that Global Entry membership in your back pocket.
Officially, it won’t let you skip any legal processes. Unofficially, however, I think it’s worth thinking about Global Entry as an extra badge of approval.
If there are any major delays, system malfunctions, or similar problems at the airport, members can expect to face the fewest delays because they’ve already been vetted and approved. This is also true at the growing number of international airports with active Global Entry programs.