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Do you carry your Global Entry Card with you when you travel?

I got TSA Pre and Global Entry several years ago and so far they have worked great. I have entered the US through LA, Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas etc., with no problem. However, my home airport (Portland) let me down. Upon disembarking the lines at the machine were a hot mess. According to the lady directing traffic to use the machines (and the lines were still smaller than not have Global Entry) they were "slow" that day. A number of people complained they were not working and she posted (as I waited) several with signs saying they were broken. I finally got to a "functional" machine and entered my data. The machine said it could not process me....wha????? Tried a couple of times. So I asked for help and the lady said "Do you have your card with you?" Now the GOES website says you don't have to bring your card unless you are traveling back into the US by land (I am pretty sure that is what it says.) So no, I didn't have my card. But it got me thinking.....does anyone routinely carry their card with them when they travel by air? TIA

Posted by
8875 posts

I don't carry it. The CBP people I asked specifically told me it was not a substitute for a passport and the passport is where your GE data was coded.

Posted by
14608 posts

I do, but only because the info on how to do the machines is on the folder, lol!

I have re-entered now 3 times using GE but always am afraid I will forget the sequence. Yes, it should be evident based on the cues from the machine but I like to review the steps before I get to the kiosks in my jet-lagged state. 2 out of the 3 photos are of the top of my head.

Posted by
888 posts

Hi Ray.....

I do carry my GOES card.
I really like the picture.
Vanity Happens.

(19/17 of a Haiku)

Posted by
23581 posts

Over the years we have only had one big snag entering through Chicago when the "computers were down." And nothing was working. The lines were massive. That happens in an electronic age. I don't see where the cards would be an advantage since they are only good for land crossing on either border. How would a card be better than the passport? Makes no sense. I have written my GE number in my passport should that question come up but I would not carry the card.

Posted by
3522 posts

I have only carried my GE card with me during a short period where I was waiting on a replacement for my lost driver license. It worked well as ID going through TSA security. I have never had it going through an international border crossing since a passport is required for that. Never been asked for it either.

Posted by
571 posts

I do carry mine. Never been asked for it.
My only problem was in Chicago, when the TSA personnel decided we should all stay in the same queue, even thought we could see the empty Global Entry kiosks! (eventually, we slipped under the ropes and made a break for it). And in Detroit, where the machine had trouble reading my fingerprints.
Ha, I also don't seem to be able to look at the camera in time to get more than 1/2 a head shot. They don't seem to care.
I love Global Entry!

Posted by
740 posts

I needed my Global Entry card when I was returning to the US from Vancouver BC this past August. Couldn't get in the GE line without it.

I carry mine with me even though I don't need it 350 days per year.

Posted by
2252 posts

Yes, I do carry mine-same reasons as Pam. I don’t think I have ever had a photo of my full face! I’m short.......I nearly always re-enter the US in Denver and fortunately have always breezed right through.

Posted by
4051 posts

I do travel with it even though it is not necessary. It sounds like it would be necessary to carry it if one were flying to your home airport, Ray.

Posted by
3935 posts

I carry mine with me inside my passport cover when I travel even when I travel within the US.

Posted by
1081 posts

I carry mine on every trip because it cost so much that I want to actually use it but I have never had anyone ever ask to see it. It might come in handy if your passport was stolen or lost to get another one a little faster.

Posted by
5162 posts

Yes, when we travel abroad and will be reentering the U.S. We do so simply because we'd rather have them and not need them than the other way around. On occasion (not always) we've need them to get into the Global Entry processing line. No we don't when we are flying strictly within the U.S.

Posted by
16118 posts

I carry it. It goes in my moneybelt with all the other cards. (Of course some might think this is overpacking.)

I may never have to show it but the one time it might come in handy, I wouldn't have it.

And by the way, those are not TSA personnel at the Global Entry and Immigration lines. They are CBP.

Posted by
1068 posts

Well my assumption was she was going to treat me like a Global Entry person if I had my card. In this case, I had my number and she did, in fact, get me to the head of a line (the entry line, but I had to wait at the customs line.) She clearly had a momentous internal debate when I said I had my number but not my card..... so I think the card would have settled the deal for her.... still a pain though. Anyway, that is why I asked. Thanks for the responses.

Posted by
503 posts

I also carry mine with me and have been asked to show it once. I was coming back from Europe and can't remember which airport I was going through but the line was massive even before you got to the point where you could split off and go to the GE line. TSA was walking through and asking it you had your GE card and if so, they pulled you out of line and took you to the GE spot. It was a true time saver. I carry it, as does Frank, as securely as I carry my credit/debit cards.

Posted by
2154 posts

Hi Ray, I carry it (in my money belt with my credit card) but have never been asked to show it. Based on these comments, I guess I’ll continue to carry it. Love Global Entry!

Posted by
570 posts

Canadian airports with CATSA "Trusted Traveller" lanes (more or less the equivalent of TSA Precheck lanes -- simplified/faster security, although in Canada you always have to remove your laptop) require you to show a trusted traveler card, which for Americans is a Global Entry or Nexus card.