Why is Mobile Passport so hit or miss?
I'm a longtime fan of Mobile Passport Control. The app saved me from a lifetime of extensive customs lines when it seemed like I wouldn't be able to receive Global Entry. When friends and family are traveling internationally, I consistently advise them to download the free app.
However, in the last year, I've been getting mixed messages about whether Mobile Passport is truly available at all the ports of entry that U.S Customs and Border Patrol says it is. In fact, in the last year, I've had five frustrating failed attempts to use the app at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
So I decided to investigate whether a Mobile Passport is still a good option for entering the U.S. after an international trip. Here's what I found out.
What is Mobile Passport Control?
Mobile Passport is a free app-based alternative to waiting in a long customs line. It's a great option if you're waiting on Global Entry approval or if you don't travel enough internationally to warrant Global Entry's $120 application fee. It's completely free and available immediately to travelers as soon as you add the CBP MPC app to your mobile phone.
The app allows you to store your passport information. Then, upon arrival at your port of entry, you'll have to upload a recent photo and fill out a virtual customs form. The standard entry questions include things like, "Have you been to a farm?" and "Do you have any fruits or vegetables?" as well as ones about how much money you're carrying and if you have anything to declare.
After you hit "submit," a QR code will appear. You should then be able to head straight to a Mobile Passport line (as long as you're at a participating airport or port). This process allows you to bypass the regular customs lines and often results in a very short entry process instead of a lengthy queue.
Related: Not enough travelers are using this Global Entry alternative, the federal government says
Mixed messages of Mobile Passport at EWR
Prior to the last nine months, my usual entry to the U.S. was the same for the past few years: As soon as I landed on U.S. soil, I would turn on my cellular service and open up the CBP MPC app. After snapping my photo, answering a series of basic entry questions and submitting my information, I would receive a QR code. Easy. Then I'd proceed to the Mobile Passport line; for a long time in both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and EWR, this line was the same as the lightly used Diplomats option. I never waited more than three or four minutes.
In the New York area airports, there are signs advising you to download the app to streamline your travel. There are other ceiling-mounted signs pointing the way to an MPC lane. But since last June, I — along with others — haven't had much luck using the service at EWR. I returned from a trip to Tokyo in June, to Amsterdam in October, to Turks and Caicos in November and to Vienna in December; each time, the staff at EWR told me, "We don't have Mobile Passport lanes," before directing me to the general customs line.
When returning from Cancun in January of this year, I asked if they would have Mobile Passport lanes again soon. "Probably not," the airport employee said.
So I contacted U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's New York Area Field Office to see if EWR had been removed from the program. Their response was: "Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is available, and there is plenty of signage in the terminals." I can confirm there's signage.
The program representative also added: "People often get it confused with APC- Automated Passport Control which is no longer available since the introduction of simplified arrival." I don't personally see this as the issue, but it definitely illuminates some of the confusion around Mobile Passport and how it's used.
Positive experiences with Mobile Passport
The good news is that although this seems to be a consistent issue at EWR, the program is working well for many other U.S. entry points.
TPG Lounge members on Facebook shared myriad positive experiences with the program. Multiple reports were made of the app working like a charm at JFK, Miami International Airport (MIA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
TPG Lounge members also mentioned using Mobile Passport in foreign U.S. Customs preclearance lines in both Aruba and Dublin, cutting wait times from nearly 30 minutes to just five.
Bottom line
When you're coming home from an international trip and don't have Global Entry, Mobile Passport is a useful tool to keep in your app library. However, remember, it's not guaranteed that you'll be able to use it at all airports, as I recently discovered at EWR. Still, many people continue to have positive experiences using it at airports around the U.S. and at foreign preclearance customs. So it's always worth a try.
Related reading:
- 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
- Best travel credit cards
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.