My Global Entry Interview at IAH

A couple of days ago I tweeted about my Global Entry card coming in the mail and how overly excited I was about it. So why am I excited?

Because being a Global Entry member allows me to be automatically enrolled in TSA precheck which I can then get expedited screening at the airports! I won’t have to worry about taking off my shoes, taking out my laptop and I hopefully won’t have to wait in long lines.

So how do you get Global Entry? Go to this website and submit an application. You will have to fill out a lot of information like prior employers and addresses  up to 5 years so get all this information handy. After filling this all out, you will have to pay the $100 fee. Luckily I have the Amex Platinum card which reimburses you for this expense as a statement credit.

After I got my conditional approval, I made an appointment online for the interview for the following weekend. The office I went to in Houston was at IAH at Terminal E on the bottom level. Luckily there was obvious signs to direct me there.

Here is a peak inside the interview office

The process was really quick! I watched a short video about the global entry process, took my finger prints, and was all ready to go and was approved!

I received an email stating that I had an update on the GOES application site which said I had been approved and I received my card a week later. Super easy process!

Luckily I live in Houston where I can do my interview close by. There are only certain cities in the US where you can do your interview and here is a comprehensive list.

When you are approved for Global Entry, you are automatically enrolled in TSA Precheck. All you have to do is enter your known traveler number on the airline booking website to use this privilege. Just to note that not all airlines or airports have TSA precheck  but hopefully they will be getting it soon!