By Hunterman on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 - 12:30 am: Edit |
There is an app called "Mobile Passport" that is usable at many US ports of entry. While walking from the plane to immigration, open the app and enter your travel and passport information. Take a selfie.
The app gives you a QR code. In Los Angeles, I just walk past all of the immigration lines to the end (it helps to ask) where there are several booths with ZERO line, specially dedicated to this new format.
Show the immigration agent your phone with the QR code, he scans it, and you're done.
Get your luggage, go to Customs, show the agent your phone with the QR code, and you're done (unless they suspect you).
Since I used this the first time, the app wants to charge you something like $14.95 for remembering your passport information. But you don't have to pay unless you do so much travel that it makes sense; I bypassed the payment option and just entered my info again. I was done before I got to the Immigration Hall.