Hi there, it's Ernest from Trip Astute. In this video, we're going to review the
process for getting Global Entry and give you some tips on maximizing the
service.
(light chiming music)
Global Entry has been around for several years and it basically gives you
the ability to fast-track your entry back into the US when traveling from
abroad. It not only improves your experience for international travel, but
also for domestic trips too, since you get TSA PreCheck
with Global Entry. Once you're approved, your passport will be loaded into a
database and you won't have to fill out those annoying blue forms on the plane
when entering the US. Instead you'll answer all the questions via the Global
Entry kiosk and use a separate line that is typically less crowded than the
normal line. In addition, you'll get a Global Entry card that you can use when
entering the US via land or sea. This doesn't replace your passport, but can
help expedite your entry back into the US. The program is open to US citizens
and some lawful permanent residents. You'll want to check the CBP website to
see the full list of eligibility requirements. There are many different
visa classifications that will allow you to get one if you're not a US citizen.
I've included a link below with more details. To apply, you'll need to create a
Trusted Traveler Program account. Once you complete the application, you'll be asked
to pay the $100 non-refundable fee. Once your application and fee are submitted,
CBP will review your application. Once you're conditionally approved, you'll
receive an email asking you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry
enrollment center, which are usually located at major airports. You'll then
have to schedule your appointment online. Once you pass the interview, you'll get
final approval. When you go to the interview, you'll need to bring your
passport and one other form of official identification, such as your driver's
license or state ID. Also, $100 seem like a lot, but it lasts for five years. So
essentially, you're only paying $20 a year and you get TSA PreCheck,
so I think it's totally worth it. The process is pretty straightforward, but I
wanted to share some tips and tricks to help you with the application process
and with maximizing the Global Entry benefit. Number 1: Check your credit
card. Several premium travel credit cards offer a reimbursement for Global Entry.
This includes the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, and Citi Prestige.
This can be a great way to offset the cost of Global Entry. Number 2: Register
your Known Traveler ID number. Once you get approved for Global Entry, you want
to make sure that you register your Known Traveler ID number with all the
airlines that you fly with. This will make sure that you get TSA PreCheck when
the airline issues you a boarding pass. Otherwise, they probably won't know that
you're enrolled in the program. Number 3: Keep checking available
appointment times. When I applied for Global Entry and was trying to schedule
the interview, I noticed that the first available appointment was four months
away. However, I kept checking the site and sure enough, slots kept opening up. I
end up rebooking the interview a couple of times until I finally got one the
same week, which meant that I was able to get approved and take advantage of the
benefits sooner. So if you're facing a long wait time,
keep checking the website for any cancellations or additional openings.
Number 4: Traveling with dependents. One of the annoying things with Global Entry
is that the benefit does not cover any dependents traveling with you. Each
person is supposed to get their own Global Entry account, even if they are an
infant. I'm really not sure how you're supposed to interview an infant, but if
you have a family you may want to reconsider getting Global Entry unless
you often travel solo. Oddly enough though, Fiona seems to get TSA PreCheck
whenever she travels with me, even though she doesn't have Global Entry. It might
be a coincidence, but I honestly think that it's because she's on the same
reservation with me. Number 5: Update system with new passport and ID. One
thing that is really easy to miss is to update the system whenever you get a new
passport. I only learned about this recently, and since I got a new passport
last year, I needed to log in to update the information. This also applies to any
updates to your issued IDs, like your driver's license. Number 6: Know your
upcoming travel plans. A common question that you'll be asked during your
interview is what is your next international
trip. The catch is that they actually know if you have a trip booked in the
future. While I haven't heard of anyone getting their application denied because
they answered this question incorrectly, it's probably best to have a good idea
of your upcoming travel plans to avoid having any delays in your application
approval. Number 7: Be prepared to answer questions about your past. I have
heard stories of officers asking about unpaid parking tickets or citations
during the interview. It's definitely not going to keep you from getting your
Global Entry, but just remember to be polite and try not to get too defensive.
It's easy to get annoyed or frustrated with these sorts of questions. But just
remember that the officer is just trying to do his or her job. Number 8: Don't
forget to renew. Your Global Entry benefit lasts for five years, so make
sure you set a reminder to renew it. You can actually submit a renewal within a
year of your expiration date. It does cost $100 again and you'll have to
submit updates to your profile like where you live, where you work, and where
you've traveled. Do you have Global Entry? If so, let us know if you have any other
tips on the program. Let us know too if you have any questions. If you enjoyed this
video or found it useful, please hit the "like" button and consider subscribing.
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travel smart.