Bowsite.com

What Mobile Passport?

We are heading to RSA next week and I went to check to make sure that the Mobile Passport App was still working and found out that CBP is no longer allowing private mobile applications for the Mobile Passport Control program. The Mobile Passport sends you to a Airside app. But looking at it, it helps you out with Amercian Airlines. I tried loading all my info into it, but it cannot find a chip in my passport. So back to my original question. What is everyone using now for a quick process through CBP?

This is the one I have used the last couple times. I don’t think they allow any 3rd party apps anymore. This is the only one accepted is my understanding. Please correct me if I’m mistaken.

—Jim

Is this a requirement an option or a suggestion

It is NOT required. The advantage is they have designated lines for mobile users which are generally MUCH shorter (or even non existent). I have literally walked past hundreds of people standing in line and walked up to a line with 3-5 people in front of me. Free app and totally worth it.

—Jim

I assume this is ONLY for entry back into the U.S. and not of use in other countries? I have Global Entry, so I don't think this would be of any additional value to me, right?

Yes, just for reentry into the US. I’ve never seen anyone get to use it.

Just got back from Italy two weeks ago. Downloaded the mobile passport app. Nobody knew anything about it at JFK. It was a shitshow there getting through customs. The people there were clueless and couldn’t give a crap. Nobody was interested in helping anyone. Some woman was yelling at all the confused travelers.

In Italy the process was fast, seamless and efficient. And that included the language barrier.

Back home It was embarrassing. I swear there’s nothing NY can’t screw up.

Atlanta was fast and painless in April with no app or anything special. I did it twice that month. I don’t remember seeing a mobile users line but I’ll have to look into that and try to use it.

Thanks everyone for the info. I think that some airports are just messed up. We flew up to Green Bay, WI a couple weeks ago, and Chicago O'hare was a nightmare. Flights cancelled or delayed. When we were returning home, going through the airport in Green Bay, the 3 people that were checking us in also loaded our luggage on the plane and did our boarding at the gate. Guess no one wants to work anymore.

So, I recently ran into the same Mobile Passport App issue when traveling to RSA. It's a bummer they don't allow private apps anymore. I tried the Airside app for American Airlines, but it didn't work smoothly for me either. ?? As for speeding up the CBP process, I found some other ways to keep my IDs safe. Have you heard of creating virtual fake IDs? I stumbled upon a website that offers that, and while I haven't used it, it could be handy in certain situations. Anyway, if you come across any other cool solutions, let me know! Safe travels and I hope you have an amazing trip to RSA!

We just got back from RSA yesterday into Houston's George Bush International Airport and used the MPC Mobile Passport Control and had no problems at all and went from would have been standing in a line with of over 300 travelers to maybe a dozen. JTreeman, Thanks for the help

Good deal. I used it this week too, coming home from Australia into San Francisco. Used that MPC app, I literally got through faster than the Global entry people. Super simple.

—Jim

Came in through Denver yesterday. No lines for global entry and it LOOKED LIKE mobile passport app went in same li e as rest of us. Went pretty fast

Only hiccup we had was apparently cancun airport cut through our bag zipper pulls to get past tsa locks. Neither suitcase can ever be locked again and 1 lock was actually still attached, so consider not locking til you're back in USA

Register here to reply to this topic