Before traveling to Cuba a month ago, I thought I’d try to save time at Customs upon reentering the country by getting a Global Entry Program Membership Number. There had been long, slow lines at Customs when I came back into the country from India last Fall. The recent spate of world events has also understandably put nations on edge. The results are that the TSA now suggests travelers arrive at airports three to four hours in advance. At this point I’ve decided to spend the money and join the Trusted Traveler Network.
TSA
I was already a regular member of the TSA program as a Frequent Flyer, which means I rarely stand in long lines when I travel domestically. I have gotten use to leaving my computer in my luggage and wearing my shoes through the screening machines. The “TSA Pre check allows select Frequent Flyers of participating airlines, and member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs who fly on participating airlines, to receive expedited screening during travel.” This of course does not mean that TSA pre check traveler are not ever subject to random, unpredictable screening measures. If you’re interested in getting into the TSA program and you fly mostly domestic, pay the $85 and contact TSA at their website. My goal is to avoid the real monster lines at Customs when several international flights land at the same time. So I am going to GOES.
Global Entry
At this point in the United States, Global Entry is the “most technologically advanced way speed international trade.” I paid $100 and completed an online application in mid April, thinking that I’d have my card before traveling to Cuba in early May. However, completing the application is only part of the process. The application is followed by a wait period during which time an initial background check is done.
I was not able to score an interview in April until June 16th at 18:00.
So here is Tip 1.
Plan ahead. You will not be guaranteed to get an interview within a couple weeks. I say that based on my experience at Newark Airport. As it turns out, NYC was not an option at the time I applied and not every city has an office.
At Newark Airport, the GOES Office is behind baggage claim area 1 in Terminal B.
Tip number 2.
Do not try to get friendly with the attending officers. They are all about business and following the rules. You cannot stand around. You cannot ask questions out of turn. There are no walk-up interviews. Having said that, it is quite efficient but not at all warm and fuzzy.
In fact, the briefing officer will remind you, while the GOES is good for 5 years, it may be revoked and certainly is not easy to get again.
Tip 3:
Once you are confirmed, we were advised to log into the website every 6 weeks to keep it active. Seems this wouldn’t be necessary. yet, our Briefing Officer repeated that once every 6 weeks to two months, we ought to log in to keep the data fresh.
I was electronically notified on my way home that my application had been approved. Do understand that the GOES card has a radio frequency identification chip (RFID) that signs you in at SENTRI and NEXUS via the expedited travel lanes upon entering the US. They are no good at the Canadian and Mexican borders.
Have you gotten your GOES card yet?
patriciaapatton says
This is a super great tip Teri. I have mine now so I could not try this. But for anyone who is going to get theirs, know that this is how to move your interview date once you have a date schedule. THANKS
Terri says
Yes I do have mine. Hint::Once you get your appointment/interview date, go back and ck to see if there’s another earlier opening. I did it 3 times and was able to get a Sat appointment in less than 2 wks of applying.