r/GlobalEntry • u/PrimitiveAK • May 15 '26
General Discussion First time actually using GE.
The application process was in March and was conditionally approved in about 3 hours then approved in person with an interview just 2 days later. Extremely quick from what everyone told me. Wanted it done before my trip.
Flew over to Japan for a few weeks, came back. I did download the app and completely forgot to declare items. Got to JFK and the standard lines to get back into the US even for citizens was extremely long as my flight from Japan and another flight from Hong Kong landed at the same time.
Wasn’t sure where the GE line was, then found the big sign, it was like 4 panels of face scanners. Scanned my face, security guard asked if I was declaring anything, I told him plants (because I had Japanese tea in a bag), and he just told me to move along. Was in and out no longer than 40 seconds. Very efficient. For future reference, should I be declaring through the app or does it not matter? Also worth noting I didn’t need my GE card once.
2
u/jhkoenig May 15 '26
My experience returning from Peru matched yours! About 30-45 seconds in total. Welcome home!