I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t already planning a trip for 2024. I am so excited to be planning my first European trip in over 5 years! And with that I was adamant about getting Global Entry.
Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection program that allows for expedited clearance through US customs, greatly reducing wait times.
With my love for TSA precheck, I knew that I wanted to invest in further ease of travel. First, I opened a new travel credit card with Capital One. The Capital One Venture is an entry level travel card and perfect for those just getting into the points game. Upon sign up you get 75K bonus miles as well as reimbursement for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. Its is worth going with Global Entry as TSA is included.
However, it is well know that the process to get Global Entry is not easy and requires going through some hoops to get a highly coveted interview. But of course, I have a hack for you.
First thing you are going to want to do is apply for Global Entry. You will need your passport, Driver’s License, Employment info dating back to 2018, as well as addresses dating back to 2018. You will also need to pay the $100 application fee.
Next you will need to schedule an interview. You’ll be able to search locations and appointment availability up to your desired date. I recommend at least 2 weeks out from your trip. You get approved on the spot but can take up to 10 days to get your global entry card. However, here is where the problem lies. You’ll often find that there are no appointments, even if you are looking 9 months down the road as I was. I was applying in September looking for an appointment all the way through June and had no availability.
And that is where Appointment Scanner comes into play. Appointment Scanner is an online tool that for $29 will send you text and email alerts when Global Entry appointments become available. You’ll have to be quick to react and have flexibility in your schedule to grab canceled appointments or last-minute location drops. Upon signing up for Appointment Scanner, you will be able to requests your last available date as well as day of the week you are available. The service will then send you appointments that fit your desired filters. While the service doesn’t promise an appointment, I have had many friends use the app and have success and I was able to snag an appointment in under 4 hours of signing up for the service.
So, if you are planning an international trip for next Spring/Summer, it is worth while to start the application and interview process now for Global Entry.