We can all debate if express check in actually works or not. We just do it anyway as part of the preparation process and part of the final countdown...14 days before arrival! Since we are members we go directly to the Premier check in room around to the left behind the coffee bar and simply sit down and check in. I think the express check in helps them plan getting the rooms ready in a priority order based on flights and arrival times, etc. Our room always seems to be ready when we arrive, usually 11-12. We really needed it to happen this time as we needed to decorate for the RC before heading to the pool and possibly getting too shit faced to do it. We were successful. As far as Global Entry...I was going to make a joke about my wife, but actually really still like remaining married!!! Anyhow, we use it and it is great. Immigration thru Term4 (the new one for Southwest, and maybe some other airlines) is a breeze. We never been stopped or searched but was asked this time what was in our 7 bags of luggage! Of course I said we have lots of things in the luggage She then asked about cigarettes and cigars. I responded cigars and then she asked how many. Luckily, I recalled the limitation and replied with about 30 but was not exactly sure. Somehow I had forgotten this and actually had packed around 100 but most were little cheapies like Backwoods and flavored Swisher Sweets. But did have about 5 nice cigars. When my college Son saw them one time he asked me if I knew what Swisher Sweets were used for as the tobacco is not real good. I told him I smoke them as quickies when I need a taste as they only take a few minutes to finish. He laughed and told me that they are used for the outer leaf wrapper to roll joints/blunts. Meaning dump the Swisher tobacco and add your “own”. Even an old dog like me can learn something. Of course having to explain my ignorance or convincing Immigration I actually like Swisher Sweets would have been a whole other story! I do not need to go to Mexican Federal Pound Me In The Ass Prison!
FakeNews can you elaborate some more on the immigration on the T4 southwest terminal. We will be flying in on the 17th, its not our first time to Cancun but usually we go through the cattle bearding with everyone else. Any ways to bypass this would be great. Is there anything to do ahead of time or to do differently when using the kiosks?
I stand corrected about New Zealand as they do accept global entry. As far as Mexico is concerned - I just checked the CBP website - there is an equivalent Mexican program and US citizens can join it if the are global entry members. However, you must do an interview and pay a fee to join. From the CBP website: Viajero Confiable for U.S. Citizens What are the requirements for U.S. citizens applying for Viajero Confiable? U.S. citizens must first be approved in the Global Entry program Applicants must be at least 18 years of age Applicants must hold a valid machine-readable passport Membership is valid for 5 years An interview at one of the Viajero Confiable enrollment centers is required Biometric information will be collected at time of interview Applicants must pay an application fee for Viajero Confiable
US GE is available for entry into NZ. As you point out I don't think it is available for entry into Mexico.
