I previously wrote about my wife and I getting Global Entry earlier this year. It is a great travel tool that lets you skip the long customs lines when coming back from a foreign country. For $100 for 5 years, it is one of the best $20 per year you’ll ever spend. Our son is going with us to Cabo San Lucas early next year, so we wanted to be sure he also had Global Entry.
- How to apply for Global Entry
- Global Entry – Easy To Get Approved, Difficult to Schedule Interview
- If My 2 Year Old Son Can Get Global Entry, So Can You
In This Post
Why You Need Global Entry
Global Entry provides an array of benefits. As the website says “Your time is valuable. As a pre-screened Global Entry member, you arrive in the United States, check-in at the Global Entry kiosk – and you’re on your way.”
We experienced this firsthand on our trip to Cabo in May 2013. As we were entering the customs line, it had to be at least 100 people deep. My wife and I walked past everyone to the Global Entry machines, swiped our passport, pressed our fingers onto the scanner, and received our paperwork in about 30 seconds. Then, we walked to the person, who reviewed our papers and passports, and we were on our way within another 30 seconds. That easily saved 30-45 minutes of our time. For $20 a year?!?!? No brainer!
Why Should I Join?
- No processing lines
- No paperwork
- Access to expedited entry benefits in other countries
- Available at major U.S. airports
- Reduced wait times
Easy to Get Approved for Global Entry, Difficult to Schedule Interview
I applied for Global Entry for my son on Thursday morning. By this morning (Friday), I received an email letting me know that his interview was ready to be scheduled. OK, awesome!
Well… that’s when it becomes less awesome. We have a few trips coming up to Charlotte, Minneapolis, and Chicago later this year. Either the processing centers were closed or already booked on the days we were in town. Lame!
So, we’re stuck with our local LAX for appointment times. The earliest appointment available was the middle of November! I am SOOOO glad that I started this process now, otherwise, Timmy and I may have had to take a trip someplace just to get an appointment time before our Cabo trip.
Conclusion
Just like getting a passport for your child, don’t wait until the last minute to apply for Global Entry. The application will most likely get approved quickly, but getting an appointment for the interview could take some time.
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