Global Entry Interview Availability Warning

[GrnMtnMan]

@GrnMtnMan I thought children under 12 didn't need to have separate applications. I better go check again. Maybe that was only for TSA precheck.

EDIT: Just checked and TSA Precheck is good for 12 and under. GE requires everyone to be enrolled. We won't be traveling internationally for a while, so I guess we'll go through this again with DS Luckily, he can mooch off of our memberships in the US until then.

You correctly answered your own question!

In our case, we decided to do GE when I saw a video in March by the Wall Street Journal titled "Why Airport Security Waits May Get Longer". We went back and forth about pre-check versus GE, and decided on GE since we generally go to the Bahamas annually. That required paying for the kids $100 each, but when you think about it costing $20 a year, it felt worth it.

 

[soniam]

You correctly answered your own question!

In our case, we decided to do GE when I saw a video in March by the Wall Street Journal titled "Why Airport Security Waits May Get Longer". We went back and forth about pre-check versus GE, and decided on GE since we generally go to the Bahamas annually. That required paying for the kids $100 each, but when you think about it costing $20 a year, it felt worth it.

That's why we did GE. The cost difference was trivial, and we will probably leave the country more than once in the next 5 years. We might be going to South America in 2018, so we will probably wait until that's closer to enroll DS. Plus, he will almost be 13 by then. I am so looking forward to the TSA Precheck. I might be willing to pay $100/year to not have to take my shoes off I'm a little bit of a germaphobe, especially since I once (over 30 years ago) got some weird rash on my foot that took months to get rid of.

UPDATE: I got an appointment in Austin for June 1. We are still trying to get one in Austin for DH. He still has one for Orlando for our July WDW trip. He might also go with me and try to do a walk-in, if he doesn't get one here.

Thanks everyone

 

[Starwind]

I might be willing to pay $100/year to not have to take my shoes off I'm a little bit of a germaphobe, especially since I once (over 30 years ago) got some weird rash on my foot that took months to get rid of.

UPDATE: I got an appointment in Austin for June 1. We are still trying to get one in Austin for DH. He still has one for Orlando for our July WDW trip. He might also go with me and try to do a walk-in, if he doesn't get one here.

Good luck with the interview and finding an Austin slot for DH.

To clarify -- Global Entry is $100 for 5 years, not $100 per year

DHS has a nice comparison chart of all of the programs: https://www.dhs.gov/comparison-chart

I have a NEXUS card, which also gives Global Entry and TSAPreCheck privileges.

SW

 

[soniam]

Good luck with the interview and finding an Austin slot for DH.

To clarify -- Global Entry is $100 for 5 years, not $100 per year

DHS has a nice comparison chart of all of the programs: https://www.dhs.gov/comparison-chart

I have a NEXUS card, which also gives Global Entry and TSAPreCheck privileges.

SW

He showed up this morning, and they let him do a walk-in. I think I am going to try that. I know it's $100/5 years. I was just expressing how much I would pay to not have to remove my shoes We looked into the other programs, but for our travel needs, GE/TSA Precheck was the best fit. Thanks

 

[Starwind]

He showed up this morning, and they let him do a walk-in. I think I am going to try that. I know it's $100/5 years. I was just expressing how much I would pay to not have to remove my shoes We looked into the other programs, but for our travel needs, GE/TSA Precheck was the best fit. Thanks

Ah, yes. $100 per year would be worth it in time saved and less hassle, I agree

SW

 

[soniam]

Woohoo!!! Finally got my interview Monday night and got approved. I tried to do walk-in last week. I waited a couple of hours. First person there. They were two people behind when I left. They said to come back Monday, because they would have agent(s) from out of town. I looked for a new appointment every so often, then suddenly, a bunch showed up for this week, including Monday. I got there an hour before the appointment, because I didn't want to be late and traffic was better than expected. There was no one waiting, and they were seeing anyone else. They took immediately, and I was out in about 10 minutes. Seems like a lot of wasted slots that day. I am glad that I kept trying though. One couple when I tried to do the walk-in, said they scheduled their appointment for late May back in September. It was the first one available They never tried to get anything sooner and waited 9 months. They need to fix this in Austin. Luckily for me, I got mine and get to use it this weekend. Just keep checking online and possibly try to call or stop in to get something sooner. Good luck