I'm an idiot and have been taking off my shoes/belt for years because I never wanted to make an appt, well I just noticed they have a facility in the baggage claim now and I'm thinking about squeezing an appt in before a flight. Fingerprints and checking your ID shouldn't take too long, but this is the government...

so does anyone have any experience with the center at IAH? am I extra dumb for thinking 30mins is enough time to budget for the appt?

TIA

Should be. But you typically have to schedule appointments way in advance.

Also, just pay the extra $10 or whatever and do global entry.

Actual time answering questions and getting the digital scan of your finger prints is 5-10 minutes.

I don't remember there even being questions. Just verified my personal info and a thumb print. Literally 5 minutes. But as someone said, it's by appt only

I got some email about Houston being part of a pilot program where you can do your TSA interview upon arrival without any appointment.

I'm not sure of the name, but yes, this is a thing. The travel board has discussed it. I've just never paid much attention as I already have it.

I was called in for my 1PM around 1:20 and then it took about 10 minutes.

htxag09 said:

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Should be. But you typically have to schedule appointments way in advance.

Also, just pay the extra $10 or whatever and do global entry.

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This x 100 if you every plan to fly internationally. Includes Pre and also takes just a few minutes with appt.

Lot Y Tailgate said:

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I was called in for my 1PM around 1:20 and then it took about 10 minutes.

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Running behind schedule is what I worry about. I have a 9:00am appt and a 10:30 flt (it's a daytrip, so not worried about baggage or getting overhead space). If they run over 30mins, then I start getting anxious.

Show up early. It's not guaranteed you'll get seen obviously. But I was done before my actual appointment time.

There isn't a penalty if you no show.

BMX Bandit said:

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It will take you longer to park

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sage advice.

Pro tip: just avoid hunting for a parking spot and go directly to the top of the garage and take the elevator. It is the E terminal garage I believe.

I was rejected from precheck back in 2016 with zero explanation. I am a US citizen and at the time possessed a valid known crewmember badge. The system is stupid.

They have two at IAH, one before security and one after security. I've only done the before security one and it was fast, maybe 10 mins. I'd think the after security one would have less of a crowd.

fire09 said:

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I was rejected from precheck back in 2016 with zero explanation. I am a US citizen and at the time possessed a valid known crewmember badge. The system is stupid.

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Must've been flying United.

drwong said:

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They have two at IAH, one before security and one after security. I've only done the before security one and it was fast, maybe 10 mins. I'd think the after security one would have less of a crowd.

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Getting an appointment at the location beyond security is much easier. One trick is to book the appointment you want Global Entry and then book a fully refundable ticket on United for hours later the same day at your appointment. One you complete your Global Entry meeting cancel you fully refundable ticket = profit.