Global Entry vs Mobile Passport Control

Mobile Passport Control will help on return to US, but only if the airport you’re using participates in the program. Most of the big ones do. Note that Atlanta is not on the list. See this link and go to the second question on the list Where can travelers use MPC?

Hello,
I recently applied for Global Entry, too. It took less than two weeks (if that) until I received an email confirmation that I had been approved to move to the next step--the interview (and final clearance or rejection). The problem came when attempting to schedule an interview stateside. The problem being that we do not live near an airport/facility that does scheduled interviews.

We will be flying back into the states via IAH in August, so we plan to complete Global Entry as we enter Customs.

Kathy H....perhaps I am reading incorrectly, but on the link you shared, it shows that Atlanta-Hartsfield DOES have MPC.

Jchurch, you’re right, thanks for catching that! I was looking for “Atlanta” in the alpha list and didn’t look further down for “Hartsfield”.

I don't travel enough for GE, so the 2 times I've come back from LHR & CDG, I've used the MPC app - from LHR through EWR and CDG through JFK. Both times, the MP line dumps into the GE line - and because GE still uses the kiosks, I was much faster to the CBP officer than GE folks, so I'll take free all day!

Once you've had your interview, the card comes quite quickly. Scheduling the interview may take some time, depending on which airport you are using for the interview. As others have mentioned, MPC is limited to certain airports in the US, and you have to enter the trip details each time you arrive back in the US from international travel. It is free though. If you are a frequent traveler domestically, just go for GE, as it comes with TSA Pre-Check. You can use MPC if you have an international trip before you get your GE cards, if you are worried about turnaround time.

Watching the discussions elsewhere on the topic of Global Entry, consensus seems to be it is unnecessary unless you need your passport three or more times a year. Web search for opinions on the value of the product. Note on the GE application site that you can schedule your interview upon arrival at some major re-entry airports instead of traveling to an interview site. Boise's CBP office has been closed for a long time so my nearest interview location is Seattle, Portland, or Salt Lake City.

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1133?language=en_US:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-arrival

Limited Availability What is causing the limited availability at
Enrollment Centers? The ongoing humanitarian and security crisis on
our southern border has required extraordinary action by the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the deployment of
additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to the
southern border. In response to this effort, CBP is temporarily
reducing staff at Global Entry Enrollment Centers and reassigning them
to support frontline traveler processing during the summer months.

Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved may complete
their interviews upon arrival into the United States at an Enrollment
on Arrival (EoA) airport location.

We had used MobilePassportControl on previous trips and would 'fly' through customs, however, when flying back to the states from LHR in April, we were unable to locate the app.

Now, I know why:
https://thepointsguy.com/news/mobile-passport-app-is-now-called-cbp-mpc/

We used MPC for the 1st time this year when returning to Seattle.

Normal line long, Global Entry line, shorter than the normal line, and for MPC, no line at all. We had carry-on only and it was a strange feeling exiting the airport shortly after arrival. First time experiencing this.

The added bonus of GE is that you also get TSA security clearance and at many airports you get a shorter, faster line. So for people who now only go with the mobile app, did you also apply for expedited TSA clearance separately? I value that feature more than Global Entry since even pre pandemic the most times I flew back from abroad to the US was 3 times, and I doubt I will ever exceed that frequency once I return to foreign travel. But I have no plans to give up GE, either.

i have had TSA Pre check for almost 10 yrs now, well before GE and even having a valid passport, was on the radar.

Keep in mind - there have been folks that can't get GE, or even if they have it, get it revoked for seemingly no reason. MPC, every American passport holder can use.

@Bogiesan, I'm sorry that Boise office closed. I came down from Moscow area to do my interview there and met up with another forum member in Boise. Plus the CBP officer was really, really nice. I was split between going to Boise and driving to Sweetgrass MT for my interview, lol. I see Sweetgrass is still doing them but it's way far from you.

RE: "...consensus seems to be it is unnecessary unless you need your passport three or more times a year. ..."

Maybe so, but look at the cost ($100/5 yrs) compared to TSA Pre-check ($85/5 yrs)
I see it as spending an extra $3 per year for the Global entry portion the deal. Even if I used my GE just once in those 5 years, I might consider the $15 difference to be worth it for the expedited immigration check upon return to the US.

Anecdotal of n=1 variety, but just in the last hour my son returned to the US on a flight from Frankfurt to Chicago, and he texted "Global Entry saves the day once again". I have never had a bad experience with GE myself, and he flies a lot for business and I can't ever recall him having any problems with it, either.

Although seatac was listed, we were told they no longer use mobile passport— it was great while it lasted!

I just used the MPC app returning from France. I aswered the questions as we were taxiing to the gate, took a quick selfie and hit submit. I was the only one in the line. The agent just waved me through as he could see all the info on his computer. It saved me in Newark, a few trips back, when I had a very short connection. Was just waved through that time also.

Our home airport is LAX so GE and MPC will both help. Seems like GE is a better deal since TSA Precheck is part of it.

Thanks all for the information 😊

Although seatac was listed, we were told they no longer use mobile passport— it was great while it lasted!

When did seatac stop using MPC? That makes me sad. I had just used it this past April.

We had TSA until our credit cards paid for Global Entry. The appointments in San Francisco were non existent, so we went through LAX on a weekend trip -- and we were the only people in the office who weren't paid to be there. Appointments were plentiful, in other words. Since then, we get the TSA benefits flying in the US, and recently came back through Miami from the Grenadines. It was faster going through customs than using a kiosk to check in for the flight. Highly recommended. Worth whatever extra or costs you -- even if you only fly every five years.

I have been checking on what Seatac accepts for expedited entry to the US and I think they do accept both Global Entry and MPC. I just checked on the Mobil Passport Control website from US Customs and Border Patrol, and Seatac is listed as an entry point for return from foreign travel. I also checked the Seatac website for International Arrivals and both are acceptable. There used to be a mobile entry app from Airside Mobile called Mobile Passport by Airside, which I have used in the past, but that app, at least for iPhone, has been discontinued and is no longer acceptable at Seatac. From Seatac: https://www.portseattle.org/services-amenities/international-arrivals-and-passport-control

@nkholcomb - yes, the new app is still MPC but the owner is CBP. It's on the app store, just checked my work iphone.