Global Entry – Trusted Traveler Network
Mission accomplished! This is a program that will expedite customs
entry when entering the USA from a foreign country (and believe me this is on
my agenda) also includes TSA portion for airline screening. TSA pre-approved
means no shoe removal; no pulling out your 3oz bottles or food; subject to
discretion of course. Basically, should make traveling easier.
It is and isn’t easy to get. Depending on your definition of
easy. I started out by applying on line and paying my nonrefundable $100. Very
promptly I got back my conditional approval. Great, now to schedule an
appointment. I looked at several locations. Some were not taking appointments
at all and Otay, CA the closest open to me; next available appointment – One Year
away! A friend suggested calling. Well after double checking the schedule, I
figured what have I got to lose. I settled in to make a call; while on hold I idlily
signed in and looked again at the schedule. What! Suddenly an appointment – for
the very next day. I was excited and hung up and clicked, schedule. Yikes!
Times were 4am to 5:45am every 15 minutes. Nothing else, until next year as
previously noted. Well, I debated. Was this an omen; would appointments be
opening up? Or do I throw stuff in the car; head to El Cajon from Yuma – now?
OK I’m going for it. In the time it took me; went from 5 available to 1. I
nabbed it.
I was about to say I have never packed so fast but I did a
few of these “fast pack -ups” with David. And the trips back and forth were
often enough that this was quick and easy. I’ll take a moment here to say
previous experience/practice in trying times benefited me for a fun/exciting
event. Small gratitude moment.
Arrived afternoon in El Cajon – after a pleasant stop and
visit with my sister, Barb (and her husband, Bill, and kitties, Freddy and
Inky). Unload car, kick off shoes, set alarm for 4:45 am.
Driving down was early enough so not much traffic. I
carefully watched exits as I needed the last USA exit. Got it, but missed the
first road turn but was able to circle the block. The parking lot for the
public has been closed. There are many shops and several pay parking lots. I
had no idea where the building was and had worn my walking shoes for this
reason. Well thank goodness my phone was happy to give me walking directions
once I input the buildings address. As I got close the signage for the Global
entrance was visible (not to be confused with the entrance from Mexico 😊)
I waited about 40 minutes, past my appointment time, for 5 minute “interview”.
The card should come in the mail within 2 weeks. Oh, guess what, that means a
trip back to Yuma which is where it will be mailed. Oh well.
While this was somewhat fun and I wanted to do it. Also,
came along with a bit of fear for someone who has no sense of direction (and
Otay said not to use GPS directions). The timing and decision to actually do
this are still part of my new world. Another step in the direction of Life of
Marilyn. Anyone remember that old show – Life of Riley, hey that works for me
as my maiden name is Riley!
The opinions expressed here are all mine and if I’ve been
inaccurate in what the pass covers, my laziness in not verifying for this
writing. I’ll look when it’s necessary for me. Lots of inaccuracies on the web
site relating to times. Parking, etc. Just sayin’.
Let’s get traveling! Currently planning Mediterranean cruise
with Translantic back to Florida beginning in October. Maybe something before?
Now I just have to remember my passport; my proof of vaccination;
my Global Entry; my luggage tags; my flights (phone); my ship boarding pass
(phone) and hopefully not – my mask.
