Global Entry interview

I’m now waiting to have my GE interview and as yet the September and October calendar on the TTP website to book an appointment isn’t open yet. I’ve received a few emails inviting me to my interview upon arrival into the USA.

What is the likelihood I will get an interview as I’m arriving at MCO on the later flight at 5.25pm? (When I spoke to the Global Entry office land side at MCO airport back in May, they told me the latest bookable appointment was 4.30pm)!

I’d also really appreciate any info or experiences from those of you that have got GE and have gone thru the process.
Many thanks
S

[buns]

Based on our experience at MCO, I would not rate your chances I'm afraid.

Last November when we tried at MCO, after finally reaching a booth after about an hour and a half, the Officer told us "the machine is not working" and that was that.

In February, we arrived at ATL on a Delta flight (which arrives into a different terminal than other International flights) and it was an entirely different situation. After first going to the usual type of booth, we were directed to a secondary area and after presenting our passports, a separate officer, went through our paperwork. He then called us over, asked us some questions, took our fingerprints and told us, he would be submitting our applications to a supervisor for approval and we would hear by e mail.

Sure enough, we got the e mail and having GE is perhaps one of the best things we have done as not only does it give you fast entry (we were through MCO in a matter of minutes in May - so much so we beat the luggage!!) but you get TSA Pre Check on the way out of MCO which saves a whole batch to time.

My advice would be to book a slot at the Landside MCO Office and even if it does mean returning to MCO during your holiday, it will be worth it. It may just be you get Approval on Arrival, in which case you have lost nothing.

buns

Same as Buns in respect of an interview on arrival - spent 30 mins in a special queue only to be told the machine was broken.
Following V-Flyer advice I had already booked a landslide interview for the day I flew home. I was seen early so spent a pleasant couple of hours in the Hyatt bar! Unfortunately I could not use TSA Pre on that occasion.
It would definitely be worth booking a landslide appointment as a back up.

Given the reports we read on here & also other forums about 1hr+ queues during the international arrivals afternoon rush at MCO, I would not rate your chances of a Global Entry interview on arrival. As has already been said, book a separate appointment at MCO during your stay / on your final day.

Also keep an eye on the TTP website as the CBP may open another temporary enrolment center at the US Embassy again. I had my interview at the US Embassy. Impressive building (hardly surprising) and a nice day out in London.

Your replies are much appreciated!
I was advised a year ago by an immigration officer to apply for GE, he said he could have done my interview if I had got the conditional approval! Just shows how things have changed in a year!!

I was just hoping I didn’t have to spent my time going back to MCO or SFB for the interview! I see Fort Pierce has an office so another option if my arrival hopes are dashed!

We did our interviews at Sanford, our conditional approvals only came through once we had arrived in Orlando.

Do check the web site for interviews at frequently as appointments do randomly appear.

We had the interviews and the email giving approval arrived as we walked to the car park, GE is brilliant.

What is the likelihood I will get an interview as I’m arriving at MCO on the later flight at 5.25pm? (When I spoke to the Global Entry office land side at MCO airport back in May, they told me the latest bookable appointment was 4.30pm)!

S

Remember the EOA is different from the appointments system. The CBP website states that EOA is available at MCO from 06.00 to midnight. And the appointments are from 08.00 - 16.00 Monday to Friday.

Remember to schedule an interview for within the period specified as your Conditional Approval will lapse if you don't and you'll have to start again. It's not a problem to then reschedule again for a later date and then cancel your original interview.

It would be great if they did have another event in London but I don't think there will be one for a while. It very much depends on how many UK applicants they have and of course there is a cost to them in posting CBP officers overseas to run the service.

I was lucky to have my interview in April last year and it was very smooth indeed.

We had scheduled an appointment for the day after we arrived in February. Having queued with everyone else once we got to the booth we asked if it was possible to have our interview now and the officer called over to another and asked him to do it and within 20 mins we were done and didn’t have to go back the next day.

Having just arrived into LAX the answer was no on arrival - good job we have a back up interview scheduled in SFO for Monday!

A bit late to the party here, but we were also on the same flight as you last November, landing on Thanksgiving, and thought we had 2 types of hope - but the universe was kind and we were able to have our interview on arrival with no issues. I did, however, make sure I had interviews booked for the following week at MCO, just in case, so cancelled as soon as we were approved. It is worth a go, but as everyone else says, just make sure you have your interview booked as a back up. Good luck