Unless you’re an international traveler, you may not have realized that wait times are nearing 2.5 to 3 hours at peak times when arriving back in the US and checking in through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at some major airports.
What to do? Sign up for Global Entry. The online application takes about 15 minutes to fill out, costs $100, and lasts for 5 years once you’re enrolled. After you receive your preliminary Global Entry approval, just schedule an interview at the closest Global Entry for final approval and kiosk training – it only takes 20 minutes. And in about a week, you should receive your Global Entry membership card, which actually isn’t necessary to bring with you to the airport since it’s online.
Why do all of this? It’s simple. You’ll get to bypass the long lines you may be used to waiting in to check in with a CBP officer and simply head to a Global Entry kiosk (electronic). Just scan your passport and fingerprints, look at the camera, and you’ll get a receipt allowing you to continue on your way, leaving the secure customs area, all in about 10 minutes.
Of course there are many factors involved when traveling by air that could lead to frustration, but signing up for Global Entry is a sure and easy way to eliminate one of them and make your trip more enjoyable. It’s simple math. 10 minutes is ” >” 3 hours when it’s waiting time to check in through CBP after arriving back in the US.
PerryGolf Co-Founder Gordon Dalgleish is a prime example of someone who decided that he would rather spend 10 minutes in CBP than 3 hours. After a frustrating overnight wait on a trip returning from Mexico to the US, he had no seconds thoughts about signing up for Global Entry. A fluent traveler, Gordon remains very pleased with his decision saying that the program is “Government at it’s finest.” Read more of his thoughts about the program here.
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About the Author: Harrison Gould is the Social Media Marketing Manager of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+
