Global Entry: The Biggest Game Changer in Travel – My Review & Experience
- Emma Hamrick
- Jan 12
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 12
Once upon a time, I spent two hours standing in line for Customs at LAX after returning from a long weekend trip to Cancun. It was April 2021; the COVID-19 vaccine just hit the market, flights were dirt cheap and half empty, and travel was ON. But by the time I reached the front of the line and talked to the border patrol agent, my tan had already faded and the sweet taste of all-you-can-drink daiquiris escaped my memory. This was living hell. And when I looked over my shoulder, there I saw it... the empty line for Global Entry.
A few thousand credit card miles and a couple of years later, I’m happy to share that I haven’t stood in a customs line since that dreadful day thanks to Global Entry. If you’re on the fence about signing up for Global Entry, consider this your final push over the proverbial fence into the single greatest purchase a traveler can make. If you plan to cross the border more than once in the next five years, then Global Entry is for you. Here’s everything you need to know about Global Entry, plus my review and experience as a member.
Global Entry Review: Worth It or Not?
What is Global Entry?
The Global Entry program operated by the US Customs and Border Protection Service allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited entry into the United States. At airports, this means skipping the long Customs lines and entering the country via “Global Entry” designated stations that offer a more automated arrival experience. While driving from Canada or Mexico, Global Entry allows cars to enter the country via SENTRI and NEXUS lanes, creating a quicker entry point at the borders. The program promises “No lines, no paperwork, expedited entry, and reduced wait times,” which are all things I can get on board with!
How Do You Get Global Entry?
Eligibility for Global Entry is limited to US citizens or lawful permanent residents and citizens of a few countries. Applicants cannot have any convictions of criminal offenses or pending criminal charges, have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations, be the subject of any legal investigation, or have been denied purchase of a firearm. Children are eligible for Global Entry but need to have their own registration and known traveler numbers.
What is the Global Entry Interview Process?
The hardest part about getting Global Entry is securing the interview. Interviews are offered near most international borders and airports servicing international flights. If you’re already planning an international trip, the easiest way to snag a Global Entry interview is by participating in an enrollment upon-entry interview. When you arrive from your international flight, you’re able to participate in the interview at select airports while clearing customs. No appointment is necessary, though you may need to arrive during certain hours when the enrollment line is open.
Alternatively, you can request an interview from the Global Entry interview scheduling tool. Since I didn’t have an immediate international trip scheduled while enrolling, I opted for this method. The interviews are in high demand with limited hours available, so for certain locations, finding an appointment can be challenging. If you’re outside of a major metropolitan city or away from a border, I imagine this process will require some considerable coordination on your part. I did look into a third-party service to help schedule the interview, but due to the costly fees associated, I opted to check (or more aptly, stalk?) the online scheduling portal in hopes of an interview popping up. In my careful monitoring of the website, I noticed finding appointments in Upstate New York and Michigan seemed easier than in Los Angeles, likely due to the smaller populations and presence of major Canadian borders.
After a week of persistent checking of the scheduling portal, I was able to book an appointment at the Customs and Border Patrol office near the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 7:30 am. On the day of my appointment, I arrived 10 minutes before my scheduled time and was immediately seen by an agent. The process consisted of answering questions about your citizenship and criminal history, followed by fingerprinting and a quick photo. I finished the interview within 15 minutes and was officially approved for Global Entry two days later. My Global Entry card arrived within 10 days of my interview.
How to Use Global Entry
Domestic Perks: TSA Pre-Check
When you are approved for Global Entry, you’ll receive a “Known Traveler Number” which, when provided to your airline during ticketing, grants you TSA Pre-Check. Pre-Check allows travelers to participate in an expedited security screening at airports for domestic and international flights. This means shorter lines and fewer worries about taking off shoes and coats or removing liquids and electronics from bags. If you’re a parent, children ticketed on your reservation and flying with you also receive Pre-Check clearances. Pre-Check makes TSA a breeze, especially for notoriously long lines such as Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO), and New York (JFK). Pre-Check has quite literally saved me hours in the airport and probably a missed flight or two.
Re-entering the US Via Global Entry at the Airport
You genuinely feel like royalty when you arrive back in the US from an International flight with Global Entry. Instead of standing in customs lines, Global Entry allows you to walk up to a kiosk that scans your face to authenticate your identity and exit the airport. It’s that simple; you don’t even need to take your passport out of your bag. On my most recent business trip, I completed the entire Global Entry process in less than one minute. For comparison, my colleagues waited over an hour for customs on the same day. If that’s not proof that Global Entry is worth it, I don’t know what it is! The only downside to Global Entry is that you’ll almost certainly beat your luggage to the baggage carousel because you get through customs so quickly!
Other Benefits
There are plenty of other perks to Global Entry that I haven't personally experienced. Being part of the program opens up the ability to use the NEXUS and SENTRI lanes provided the Global Entry traveler registers for the programs (which requires another questionnaire for NEXUS approval and a seven-point vehicle inspection for SENTRI approval). More information is available on the Global Entry FAQ page.
Additionally, U.S. Citizens enrolled in Global Entry may use the Smartgate system when entering Australia and/or New Zealand without registration and apply for reciprocal programs for the Netherlands, Korea, Panama, Taiwan, Germany, and Mexico (additional fees and enrollment interviews may apply).
How to Get Global Entry for Free
I received my Global Entry completely free thanks to my Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. In fact, several major travel credit cards offer statement credits towards Global Entry as a perk. Below is a list of cards with this enrollment benefit (Last Updated January 2025):
Wrapping It Up!
Okay, seriously, what are you waiting for? Global Entry is a game changer and my #1 travel essential. If you’re not a Global Entry member, how long are you spending in the customs line these days? And what’s holding you back from joining?
While you’re here, check out some of my other articles below. Until next time, keep on exploring!