Mobile Passport Control

[jroon]

I highly recommend the free Mobile Passport Control app for anyone returning to the US from overseas travel. We recently returned from Australia to LAX and breezed through customs bypassing a very long line. It was very easy to use.

 

[savory]

There are at least two options. The other is Global Entry. I did not know about MPC and perhaps that is how we ended up with GE. For me, however not taking off my shoes and improving the front end experience because of TSA Precheck is worth $100 for 5 years. Just one of those things for me.

Both programs help with moving through customs quickly.

This Nerd Wallet article does a good comparison. As they point out, the programs provide different benefits, costs and joining requirements.

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/mobile-passport-vs-global-entry

 

[gailwinters]

We just returned from Scotland and used Mobile Passport Control. My DD and her hubby have Global Entry. We got through customs before they did. There were only 5-6 people in front of us when we got to the line.

 

[sengsational]

^ How much faster?

Probably kind of random, depending on how they allocate staff. I imagine if GE gets backed-up, they'd shift someone to work that line, since people paid to get through faster.

We have Global Entry and I was considering doing both, then picking the shorter line. But it's the government, and they're likely to get in a twist about that, so I think I'll take my chances with GE.

 

[zinger1457]

We just returned from Scotland and used Mobile Passport Control. My DD and her hubby have Global Entry. We got through customs before they did. There were only 5-6 people in front of us when we got to the line.

When I went through customs recently (mid-afternoon) at LAX there were no lines for GE, plenty of open terminals, just walk up to a terminal and they scan your face using facial recognition, took less than 30 seconds then off to baggage claim.

 

[Accidental Retiree]

MPC was great in June of 2022 at LAX, and I plan to use it again in May this year, same airport.

 

[lajolla]

H travels to Europe on business every few months and mobile passport is always faster for his return than any of the other lines.

 

[marko]

We use Global entry. DW and I breezed through on arrival in Boston. We were already home unpacking while BIL and SIL who were traveling with us were just getting out of the airport.

 

[FIYes]

Just downloaded the app for upcoming international travel. This is handy information to have. If not for this thread I would not have heard of it.

 

[Accidental Retiree]

MPC was great in June of 2022 at LAX, and I plan to use it again in May this year, same airport.

I used MPC again coming back into LAX in early May. This time I was ready for the process, and by the time I reached Passport Control, I already had the code on my phone.

I showed my code and was waved over to a line with no one in it, so I pretty much sailed through.

I did go ahead and complete my Global Entry interview that day, too, so I’m covered, but I think MPC works pretty well, and it’s free!

 

[grasshopper]

Coming from Zurich to Newark last month had everything ready on MPC. Except Ms G wouldn't slow down to take our selvies. Walked right up 1 question 30 seconds and a pass through customs.

Took MPC off my phone, I think I am done with international travel.

Swiss airline wanted to charge for a cup of coffee from Athens. United premium economy with United all other legs to and from.

Greece was delightful.

 

[Lsbcal]

MPC sounds great. We will be coming back into San Francisco International and I am concerned to get through customs as we have to catch an Uber. Plus we have to pick up checked bags.

Uber says they will check the flight and allow 1 hour to get to the Uber pickup point. I plan on reserving the Uber. Beats paying for parking at SFO and I don't have to drive 1.5 hours after a very long flight.

 

[GhostofTomJoad]

All well and good. But I feel like grousing. We ALL deserve fast, efficient service going through customs and immigration.

Another time, I might tell you all about the jerkoff idiot with a badge I had to deal with, coming into Toronto from BDL. I needed to go further, to catch a connection to Calgary. Just made it. I can't recall such an extreme suck-hole as that guy, ever before. I'm sworn off Toronto now.