Many people know about and use Global Entry to speed through customs. The downside to the system is that you must fill out an online application and then go to an in person interview (usually at an airport location) and there is a fee for joining. Besides getting through customs quickly, if you have Global Entry you also are enrolled in TSA Pre at no additional cost. Less well known is a free app (no fee and no application) that you can use to speed through customs as well. The Washington Post had a good article about it today - if you don't have global entry, you should give it a read. https://www.washingtonpost.com/trav...ept-secret-air-travel/?utm_term=.56a7ae79e3ba
Mobile pass is no longer free if you have the upgraded version of the app as of about a month ago. Plus it is only accepted at a few located as opposed to Global Entry. I have used Mobil Pass in the past and have sped through customs but when it was free. Overall a very easy app to use but if you do t pay it won’t store you’re info for future use.
To be clear there is a basic version and a plus version ($15 per year). The plus version allows you to scan your passport instead of entering info manually and it stores it so it doesn't have to be re-entered every trip. Either way, it sure looks like it less hassle and cheaper (free or $15) then Global Entry. Airport locations that accept the app are below. It is also usable at the cruise ports in Miami, Palm Beach and Port Everglades (Ft Lauderdale).
thats correct, the free version now is a hassle, prior there was only a free version that allowed you to save your data. Either way it’s an easier option than Global Entry at this rate. We’ve been waiting since Jan to get our interview. Been cancelled several times due to “shut down” then our state has 1 office 3 hours away and they aren’t offering any interviews this year. We tried on arrival but they have so many people and with flight delays it’s just impossible. We have an interview this Sunday at JFK, fingers crossed
We’ve been informed you can only drop in on arrival from an international flight but can schedule an appointment at an airport anytime they have availability. We’ve been told between the government shutdown in December and the “boarder crisis” they are pulling agents. I’m assuming this is the issue all this year and getting in.
It may have changed. At least when we went through you could make an appointment or drop in on a domestic flight (depending on airport). I think they were pushing to make it when you arrive on international flight. They also did a program where they would send CBP agents to your workplace to do the interviews...so they had 3 agents camped out in conference rooms at work for a week doing the interviews. That's what we did. But I think they discontinued that program.
I am always surprised how few people know about Mobil pass. That’s fine, keep the line short. You are right that it doesn’t save anything but it only takes a few minutes to fill out.
