Global Entry

As I posted previously, I applied for the Global Entry program.  I learned a few things so I would like to share them with you.  For those of you not familiar, Global Entry is a program of US Customs and Border Protection.  For $100 and good for 5 years, you can use speed lanes to expedite through TSA checkpoints and US Customs.  My friends who use it say it’s one of the best purchases they ever made!

When I first applied, I couldn’t find info on registering my 4-year old so I called.  The person on the phone told me that she didn’t need her own pass if she was with me.  I went to BWI to get fingerprinted – really easy, just park on level 5 of hourly garage as far left by exit gates, walk in and it’s just down the stairs.

I had to cancel my original appointment and when I called to cancel (less than 24 hours) was told by a very nice agent that if she was in my shoes, she would walk-in.  I went about 1 and walked right in, right up to nice African gentleman.  He asked me a few questions, asked to see my passport (didn’t need my birth certificate, but was told to bring it) and got fingerprinted.  So crazy, I was approved on the spot.  Maybe it was all my days of working in an airport.  So easy!!

BUT, he informed me that the woman on the phone was wrong (was probably TSA which has different rule) and that I had to register my daughter as well.  UGHHHH!

So I did all same and took her back once I received the notification to schedule fingerprinting.  I couldn’t wait for the scheduled appointment so I walked in again. Ten-minute wait, not bad!  Had to wait couple days for approval but thank goodness her criminal background didn’t show up 😈!

Most importantly I learned to BE SURE you either link it to all your frequent flier accounts or when you print your boarding pass add your “Trusted Traveler Number”.  IT MUST BE IMPRINTED ON YOUR BOARDING PASS, or they will not let you use it!