I just went through the interview process for Global Entry: Here's what it was like

Although I was conditionally approved for Global Entry last August, like many others I had trouble initially securing an interview appointment for the Trusted Traveler program that helps expedite the customs process back into the U.S.

Thanks to a separate line for Global Entry users only, Global Entry participants can skip the regular (and often long) customs line when returning to the U.S.

To reenter the country, Global Entry users must present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, sometimes place their fingers on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. Then, the kiosk will print a receipt that Global Entry members give to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer before exiting the baggage claim area. As a result, Global Entry eliminates the time spent worrying about completing extra paperwork or standing in line.

Even though the CBP approved my application in August, due to an application backlog I could not secure an appointment for the in-person interview required as part of the application process until December.

So, I planned to complete this process through CBP's Enrollment on Arrival service when I returned to the U.S. from a trip to Singapore in October. The service allows conditionally approved applicants to avoid a formal interview at an enrollment center to finalize their applications. Instead, you can just complete the enrollment at the airport.

Currently, this service is available at more than 50 airports globally. To enroll on arrival, you'll need your U.S. passport (which you'll already have if returning to the U.S. from abroad). Also, you may want to verify if any other proof-of-residency documents are needed to complete the interview, such as mortgage statements and rent stubs. A full list of support documents is available here.

Although I intended to enroll on arrival when I landed at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), the CBP officer I spoke to when I arrived told me the office wasn't doing EOA interviews that day (because of a staffing issue).

I resigned myself to try again upon returning home from my next international trip. However, I randomly checked appointment availability at ORD on Dec. 15 and found an opening for Dec. 30.

Here's what my experience interviewing for Global Entry last month was like.

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Global Entry location at O'Hare

When I booked my interview, instructions told me to follow the signs for Terminal 5C on the lower level at ORD. If you are unfamiliar with ORD, Terminal 5 is the international terminal, and the lower level is where international arrivals exit. Though 5C is the closest door to the Global Entry interview office, you can access the office via any door on the first floor.

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Once inside, follow the signs for arrivals and U.S. Customs. If you've hit baggage claim, you've gone too far, as the office is before that. The office is marked with a Global Entry poster but is rather inconspicuous otherwise. Upon arriving, I checked in at the front desk with a CBP agent who told me to wait in a seating area reserved for Global Entry interviewees.

I had arrived about 15 minutes before my scheduled appointment at 2:45 p.m.

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After waiting for only two minutes, the same officer called me back and escorted me to my interview. I wasn't allowed to document this process, but it took five minutes from start to finish. A second CBP agent verified my full name, address and passport before telling me that I should receive my Global Entry card via mail in two to three weeks; the agent said I could still use Global Entry by providing my CBP PassID number.

This nine-digit number usually begins with 15, 98 or 99. You can find it on the back of your physical Global Entry card or by logging in to your Trusted Traveler Program account, per CBP.

The next day, I received confirmation via email that my Global Entry application was complete.

Note that this Global Entry office services travelers with appointments who are not returning from an international flight. Those travelers who plan on interviewing via Enrollment on Arrival should proceed through Customs as you normally would upon reentering the country, where you'll be escorted to your interview.

Ways to save money on application fees

As a reminder, it costs $100 to enroll in Global Entry. When you get a membership to Global Entry, you also automatically receive access to TSA PreCheck for five years. If you already have PreCheck and sign up for Global Entry, your Global Entry PassID will replace your Known Traveler Number.

Whether you apply for one or both programs, be sure to use a credit card that covers the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Currently, there are nearly 50 cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards offering up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four to five years, though you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.

Bottom line

Despite not being able to enroll on arrival as planned, I had a relatively smooth experience enrolling in Global Entry.

As of January, CBP currently says Global Entry applications can take four to six months to process. Try to apply at least six months before your next international trip to avoid any issues with your application being processed before your departure date.

For more information on Global Entry, read:

• How to apply for Global Entry: Tips for first-timers
• Global Entry tips: How to avoid waiting for an interview and get TSA PreCheck on your boarding passes
• 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear