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Anyone have any of these trusted traveler programs? I just applied for Sentri and sent my information along with my $25 deposit ($122 if fully approved) but did I just throw away my money due to having a 1992 petty misdemeanor $500 fine on my record. In the unlikely event that Homeland Security schedules me for an interview what would be a good answer to their question as to why I am applying for Sentri other than to meet up with some girlfriends that I have in Mexico. I wish that I had good reason for the Sentri card but I really don't. Please advise. Seriously, although I won't be holding my breath on it getting approved any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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I would simply say that you're doing it to avoid the long lines at airport security. That's why people do this.Originally posted by QuarterMillionMan View Post
A couple of years ago, we were randomly given TSA Precheck on a flight. We didn't do anything to get it. The airline just somehow assigned it to us. It was awesome. We didn't have to get half undressed or unload our carry on bag or stand in a long line. We just walked up, showed our ID, and went on our way. If we flew regularly, I would absolutely pay for that service. Our daughter, who has severe anxiety issues, loved it. She gets really freaked out by airport security. She said that next time she flies by herself, she will sign up for it.
Steve
* Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
* Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
* There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. -
Thanks that was a simple solution, I was trying to think too much into it. You scored with the TSA precheck. I never could justify the cost of TSA precheck to pay for it but it sounds like a good perk. BTW, this was on 4/24/21 at 5:00 pm, Tijuana into San Diego. I took this pic on a bridge and the opposite side was just as long and beyond my vision. That same night at about midnight the line was not any shorter and just as long. It is insane at the border.Comment
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There needs to be a better system than that.Steve
* Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
* Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
* There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.Comment
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I have GE. In my interview, they asked some questions about my travel to India and really didn't care about all my other international travels. I don't have anything on my record, but I think it unlikely a misdemeanor would get you blocked. I listened in to the next person over who traveled frequently to the middle east, and they were really grilling him. They didn't care at all why I wanted GE and I was approved same day. I also just did my 5 year renewal for GE and did it totally online, again approved same day.Comment
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Precheck isn't nearly as cool now that they're selling it to basically everyone. I miss the days where we could be sure we would go right through. Now (well, it has been a year since I have traveled but you get the idea), every yahoo gets into pre check and it's almost as bad as going through the normal line because they never understand the rules and etiquette of frequent travelers. GE has been totally worth it though, and you get precheck along with it. Has saved hours in line.Originally posted by disneysteve View PostComment
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I have GE (free perk from the AMEX Platinum CC, which I get with no annual fee being in the military), and have had Pre-Check for years (again, automatic using our military ID's information). Both programs are pretty great, but depend alot of where you travel. If it's mostly domestic, pre-check is all you need. Global Entry does include pre-check, but I think is double the cost. But skipping the massive line at US Immigration is AMAZING when you travel international. Of course neither program applies overseas, but coming back home it's fantastic at least.
A misdemeanor from 30 years ago likely won't even be a blip on the radar...I wouldn't worry. Just understand that they're slow, so you might not hear back for a few weeks.Comment
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Kork good deal getting your GE free with the AMEX Platinum credit card, $100 value. As for my 30 years prior petty misdemeanor record, I am hoping it won't be a blip on their radar, and of course I disclosed it on my Sentri application but it is a blemish which they might hold against me. They might want squeeky clean records.Comment
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Disneysteve your free TSA Precheck was $85 x 3 = $255.Comment
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This...........Comment
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Sure.... but a decades old misdemeanor? I seriously wouldn't worry about it. You don't specify what the misdemeanor was, nor am I asking. But after 30 years, I think you'll be able to prove you're a trustworthy and "low-risk" citizen.Comment
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Thanks for the reassurance. And to clarify, it was a petty misdemeanor (an infraction punishable with a $500 fine) which is lower than a misdemeanor. In Waikiki while driving, I stopped to use an ATM machine next to the Waikiki theater (I think now closed). A beautiful blonde dressed in a yellow mini skirt gave me the what's up head nod and the conversation ensued. She was an undercover cop and about 10 men undercover cops surrounded me and put me in handcuffs. They towed my car to a nearby metered parking lot which was ticketed when I returned.
Correction, they drove my car to the metered parking lot simultaneous to me sitting in the back seat of the cop car and they pointed out where I could find my car upon my release.Last edited by QuarterMillionMan; 04-29-2021, 12:04 PM.Comment
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Update, I'm conditionally approved and subsequently need to schedule an in-person interview. So I guess my prior petty misdemeanor did not automatically disqualify me for the Sentri. But they sure took a long time. I had applied in April 2021.Comment
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Gotta love federal bureaucracy....
DW applied for Pre-Check in a December. An appointment wasn't available until Feb. Who knows how long it'll take for her to get approved...Comment
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