Big thanks to reader Bryan for bringing Mobile Passport to my attention. And possibly yours. In his words…
“There’s not much info about this on most travel blogs because it doesn’t help sell credit cards. But it’s completely free and works similar to Global Entry when coming back into the country. For me arriving at Miami, it was faster than Global Entry because all of those kiosks were full. Also, Mobile Passport doesn’t require an interview or background check. Obviously Global Entry is valuable too for TSA PreCheck and all of the additional airports. But you can’t beat free. I use both and pick the shorter immigration line (some airports have both in the same line).”
I mean, shit, the dude basically just wrote today’s post for me. 24 airports and it’s free. Not sure what else you need to hear. I can’t think of a good reason not to go for this. Thanks Bryan!
Edit below (to add a counterpoint from reader Josh):
“Hi MileNerd, just read your short piece on mobile passport. Here is the reason NOT to use it. While it is true that mobile passport might save you a few seconds if all the Global Entry kiosks are occupied, but if you arrive at a crowded international airport like JFK, once you get through immigration you still have to go through customs. If you have global entry, once you’ve picked up your luggage you just take the global entry lane and motor past the throngs waiting in the snail speed general public lane. And sadly, if you have mobile passport you too will have to join the throngs. You do NOT get expedited service through customs.”
