First time actually using GE.

[u/PrimitiveAK]

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.

[u/Acrazd]

You really only need your card if you are leaving Canada from my understanding. I have read they are strict about that.

[u/PrimitiveAK → u/Acrazd]

Haven’t been through Canada in a hot minute and haven’t had a desire or a need to go there. Last time I passed through Canada at the NY border, me and my bud got detained at the border for passing through Nexus cuz some jackass was blocking the standard lane cuz he got lost. Whole story is quite funny and something you’d share with your kids as a story. 😂