Global Entry programme Virgin

[Gryff]

That's good to here

[Posiesmum]

Just to remind folks (if I haven’t already, it’s a long thread!) you can get TSA PreCheck without GE. DH and I always get it when flying with Virgin. It doesn’t help with immigration but does give you fast track through MCO security.

[Kraken]

Originally Posted by Posiesmum

Just to remind folks (if I haven’t already, it’s a long thread!) you can get TSA PreCheck without GE. DH and I always get it when flying with Virgin. It doesn’t help with immigration but does give you fast track through MCO security.

See more...

But without Global Entry or TSA Pre+ membership, it's a lottery on who Virgin give TSA Pre+ to for free. Even being Flying Club Gold (their top frequent flyer tier) does not guarantee it, nor does an Upper Class ticket.

A work colleague went to Orlando last year with his family & flew Virgin (Premium Economy). The two children - both under 16 - got TSA Pre+ on the return flight but Mum & Dad did not, so it was pointless as the children could not pass through security alone. The TSA "guard" on the Pre+ entrance was having none of letting Mum & Dad through either.

[Posiesmum]

Originally Posted by Kraken

But without Global Entry or TSA Pre+ membership, it's a lottery on who Virgin give TSA Pre+ to for free. Even being Flying Club Gold (their top frequent flyer tier) does not guarantee it, nor does an Upper Class ticket.

A work colleague went to Orlando last year with his family & flew Virgin (Premium Economy). The two children - both under 16 - got TSA Pre+ on the return flight but Mum & Dad did not, so it was pointless as the children could not pass through security alone. The TSA "guard" on the Pre+ entrance was having none of letting Mum & Dad through either.

See more...

Absolutely true - just saying we’ve always had it - well at least for the last 5 or 6 trips. I’d be interested how it’s decided - presumably not too much of a lottery bearing in mind it links to security! I think for a long time Virgin were the only UK carrier who could give it, but I think BA can too now.

[fredflintstone]

Originally Posted by Posiesmum

Absolutely true - just saying we’ve always had it - well at least for the last 5 or 6 trips. I’d be interested how it’s decided - presumably not too much of a lottery bearing in mind it links to security! I think for a long time Virgin were the only UK carrier who could give it, but I think BA can too now.

See more...

And so do Norwegian and Thomas Cook. TUI do not , but to be honest is it really needed at Sanford.

Also, they seem to have improved imigration at MCO and the luggage seems to be the biggest delay most of the time now, so its use for frequent travellers on arrival is also reducing.

[Posiesmum]

Originally Posted by fredflintstone

And so do Norwegian and Thomas Cook. TUI do not , but to be honest is it really needed at Sanford.

Also, they seem to have improved imigration at MCO and the luggage seems to be the biggest delay most of the time now, so its use for frequent travellers on arrival is also reducing.

See more...

It’s really only of use on leaving - gives a quicker transit through security. On arrival it doesn’t help at all.

[fredflintstone]

Originally Posted by Posiesmum

It’s really only of use on leaving - gives a quicker transit through security. On arrival it doesn’t help at all.

See more...

True now,but it wasn't a year or so back.
So how long before the outbound security queue iis also solved because they are obviously listening to feedback ?

[Kraken]

Originally Posted by fredflintstone

True now,but it wasn't a year or so back.
So how long before the outbound security queue iis also solved because they are obviously listening to feedback ?

See more...

I fear there is little they can do about the security queue for Airside 2 & 4 (where Virgin, BA, Lufthansa, Delta, Southwest etc) all depart from at MCO. There is only so much space available for the screening area - and it's all in use.

The afternoon long-haul rush is the problem. At peak times in Summer you can have over 10 long-haul flights, all with up to 450 people onboard all departing within a couple of hours. So let's say this is 4000 passengers alone - then add on all the Delta & Southwest passengers and you've got an awful lot of people requiring screening at the same time. This can only result in queues & it's the same at many US airports.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

In case this has been missed ref new ESTA's with Global Entry.

There is a box on the ESTA application where you insert your GE number.

[Posiesmum]

Originally Posted by fredflintstone

True now,but it wasn't a year or so back.
So how long before the outbound security queue iis also solved because they are obviously listening to feedback ?

See more...

Reading back I wasn’t totally clear.
I meant that PreCheck is only useful when leaving MCO as you bypass the security queues.
It’s of no value leaving the UK as it is a US based thing (TSA) or on arrival in the UK