Global Entry

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Global Entry

(Updated June 2025) – It takes something special for me to wake up at 5 a.m. on a holiday morning, but that’s exactly what Tracy and I did on Labor Day in 2016.  As it turned out, the lack of more holiday sleep was well worth our time. We finally decided to apply for the Global Entry card so that we could, hopefully, avoid the long lines coming back from outside the country into the United States at Los Angeles International Airport.  On one of our recent trips, when we arrived at LAX, the process took just about two hours from the time we hit Passport Control until we finally exited the terminal.

We completed the online application (www.globalentry.gov) and made our appointment for the in-person interview.  The first available appointment at LAX was not until September 5.  This was going to be a close one as we were leaving on vacation shortly thereafter (I have read that interview appointments are more readily available at other airports and sites).

The fee for the Global Entry card is currently (as of June 2025) $125, which includes the TSA PreCheck and is good for five years.  Be sure to check with your credit card companies, many will reimburse you for these fees every five years.  Of course, we did not learn that until after we paid with American Express which does not reimburse unless you have a Gold Business card.

We received an email confirming our appointment along with a list of items to bring to the appointment:  the confirmation letter, passport, and a document confirming your address (either your driver’s license or, if the address is not current, then a utility bill or like item).

Even at 7 a.m., the traffic at LAX was horrific. I took it in my usual calm manner. OK, maybe not.

We crossed the street into the Tom Bradley International Terminal and turned left once inside.

This is the place.

We checked in and noted the long list of people who would be appearing on this day for their Global Entry interview.  Interviews start at 7:30 a.m.  About 7:40 Tracy was called into the back room and reappeared in less than 5 minutes.  My interview was scheduled for 8:30, but they took me early and it was three minutes tops before we were done and on our way.

We were both asked a few questions about where we had traveled recently and any other names we had used.  The interviewer took our fingerprints (four fingers…not your thumb) and a photo. You’re supposed to be direct with your answers so as not to delay the process, however when she asked me what I do for MaiTaiTom Publishing, I answered, “As little as possible.”  Fortunately she chuckled.

She clearly explained how Global Entry works and that was it.   The officer also added that it would take 7-10 business days for approval, but we actually received an email confirming our approval before we were back in the car.  It helps not being a convicted felon.

We were advised that you only need the physical card for walking or driving from Canada or Mexico into the United States.  Otherwise, your Global Entry number is sufficient for re-entry into the United States using the Global Entry kiosk.  If the kiosk is out of service, you will receive front of the line privileges.

Please note:  The Global Entry card is ONLY for coming back into the United States and is only available at these airports.

Unlike TSA PreCheck, the Global Entry card does not allow you to bypass some security screening on international flights; you still have to remove your shoes, belt, etc. However, it does give you a TSA PreCheck advantage if traveling within the 50 states.

The actual Trusted Traveler card arrived in the mail within a week, and it must be activated within 30 days after receipt.

Now the million dollar question…did it work?  

A resounding yes!

Unless you like long lines, I suggest you apply for the Global Entry card.