APEC card into Dallas with Family

[Chook legs]

Hi all,
I was just wondering if anyone has travelled into Dallas with their spouce and kids and used their APEC card to get through the shorter lines at imigration. We are going in Dec and the shorter line will help with our transfer to our Boston flight.

Thanks
Chooklegs

 

[drewbles]

Officially, the USA still don't recognise APEC's although this is anecdotal evidence that APEC holders have been expedited through.

No idea on the use for the spouse and kids, but I *believe* it's only the holder that would be entitled to expedited entry.

 

[Fantic125]

I've used my (now expired) APEC card 3 times going into the US to circumvent the long queues, and 2 of the 3 times I've had to explain to the Immigration officer what it is and why it entitles me to use the "Special" queue.

On one occasion the officer stated point-blank that he had never heard of it before and that I couldn't use the queue. I pointed to the electronic display above him that listed who was entitled to use it, which clearly stated "APEC Card Holders" and he grudgingly let me through.

Based on the above experiences I think you would be lucky to get yourself and your family through.

No harm in trying though.

 

[serfty]

Officially, the USA still don't recognise APEC's although this is anecdotal evidence that APEC holders have been expedited through. ...

Actually the USA DOT do recognise the APEC card officially.

Is often the case that the CBP personnel employed see it so rarely that they deny it.

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

 

[Chook legs]

HHHmmm thanks for the replies. Might not bother since I don't want to be mucked around. How about going out of SYD? I haven't tried before but at that time of day the lines can stretch and would like to go the APEC line with them if I can just to save the wait.

Thanks
Chook Legs

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Chook absolutely use it out of SYD - I have only ever used mine for myself and Cruiserette (she is non-APEC) - but I would think they will allow your family.

I tried to use APEC back into MIA last year - they had no idea what it was - I would not rely on it in USA.

 

[Fantic125]

I've used APEC Card out of SYD with my wife and daughter in tow with no issues from Immigration.

 

[dajop]

Chook absolutely use it out of SYD - I have only ever used mine for myself and Cruiserette (she is non-APEC) - but I would think they will allow your family.

I tried to use APEC back into MIA last year - they had no idea what it was - I would not rely on it in USA.

I've heard the west coast is OK, lots of flights to/from Asia. I've used it in EWR and JFK as well with no problems - coming off SQ, CX and JL, all obviously from Asia. The further you get from major arrival points from Asia (ie getting to places such as DFW and MIA which don't see a lot of flights from Asia) the more likely you are to encounter difficulties.

Now Canada, that's a whole different story. YVR recognised it, but I was chastised for using the APEC queue when I had ticked I was visiting for leisure, was told the queue was only for those entering on business. In YUL, she didn't believe me, but after she let me through, she actually left the desk and went and checked the two prominent signs (that I pointed to) at the start of the queue!

 

[Chook legs]

Thanks for the replies. Will try it out of Syd if the lines are long . Used it plenty of times out of Aus and into Hong Kong and China on my own with no worries. Will not bother in US, don't like rocking the boat when arriving there as they can be difficult.

 

[Danger]

See my post 16 here with respect to what should happen.

However, as others have noted, don't be surprised if your met with a lot of dumb looks. One immigration officer in the US once suggested my APEC card was a phone card.

 

[Isochronous]

See my post 16 here with respect to what should happen.

However, as others have noted, don't be surprised if your met with a lot of dumb looks. One immigration officer in the US once suggested my APEC card was a phone card.

HAHAHAHAHAHA! That's hilarious.

 

[sweens]

Have used the APEC card at both LAX and DFW many times without any problem...you get to use the Air crew lane.

Also used it with Mrs sweens at LAX earlier this year and was politely told that it was for my use only but they let both of us through...saved about an hour in the que!

 

[reniklaf]

I am a very frequent flyer to DFW and also have an APEC card. Whether to to use it or not may not be an issue at DFW since unlike most of the other US airports I have rarely encountered a delay of more than 10 minutes in getting through immigration (flying in on the non-stop Q flight from Sydney).

 

[perthdaddy]

I had a brilliant experience last October (2011) flying into Dallas from Heathrow. When I enquired with, and flashed my APEC card to, the gun toting officer at the end of the Aliens queue I was directed to the "Diplomats" queue (and I was the only one in it!). Straight through and into the (barely acceptable) American Airlines Lounge. (We are so spoilt in Australia with Qantas lounges!)

 

[perthdaddy]

But I was alone, no wife and kids.....................(so fortunate there too!)