After an emergency trip to St.Vincent and the Grenadines, I had the opportunity to test the MobilePassport app. However, before I left the U.S. I downloaded the app because I wanted to test it once I got back into the country. And was I surprised, this was the fastest that I have ever zipped through customs anywhere!
The time it took to deplaned at JFK, to reaching baggage claim surprisingly took me less than 10 minutes. Never before had this happened, well, until I used MobilePassport. And using it is rather simple. First, you have to download the app and then set it up by creating your profile, which you will seal with a picture. When you are using the app on your return to the U.S. you must fill out the immigration form via the app, it replaces the immigration landing card. Fill out the form before you land, and submit it before you exit the plane because once you submit you will receive a code that lasts for only 4 hours.
Wall Street Journal
Once you have done this, you are ready to find your dedicated line at the airport. There are signs that will point you to the MobilePassport line. Since the app is new and many people do not use it, you will breeze through immigration rather quickly. Basically, I walked right up to the customs agent because there was no one in line. If I am not mistaken, I was on the diplomat line… Fancy!
Note: The app can not be used at all U.S. airports, it is now available to be used at 27 airports in the U.S.
Once I got to the agent, she asked me the usual questions like, “where did you travel” and then I scanned the barcode from the app, which populated after I submitted the form. She did my fingerprints and then I was off to collect my bags at baggage claim. I got through customs so quick that I was at the baggage carousel before the flight crew.
So if you are traveling internationally, download this app today! It will get you out of the airport in a jiffy. By using it, you will not have to spend money on Global Entry. All you need to do is simply go to the Apple or Google Play stores and download the MobilePassport app today!