New procedure (or deleted procedure) at CBP when re-entering?

Bill Watson

Bill Watson

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We just flew back from the Bahamas to our usual CBP facility at Fort. Pierce KFPR. In addition to eAPIS I’ve learned, and had the lesson reinforced the hard way, that one of the most important steps to take is to call CBP sometime before takeoff to give them your arrival time.

I had a hard time getting through on the phone but after several attempts it was picked up. I was told in no uncertain terms that no call was required and that my call was not welcomed! That caught me by surprise but I wanted to update my arrival time because it varied more than 60 minutes from eAPIS submission so I asked if that information required a call and once again was emphatically told that no call was required and they don’t care when I come in as long it is during their normal operating hours. I asked for confirmation and was begrudgingly given his initials.

My sense that an unnecessary process step has been dumped due to workload and the guy I was talking to was just overwhelmed at the moment.

Anyone else run into the ‘no call required on arrival’ change?


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In my limited experience the call was necessary because that particular airport was not staffed by CBP at all times, only on request. They had to get someone to drive over from the land crossing. Not calling would leave you waiting at the airport for a while.
 
I called a few years ago, quieter, MN, AOE. They never got mad, came in helpful when I went to my secondary choice due to weather.

I’d think some of those airports on the East side of FL are busy & staffed for travelers. I don’t see how a 30 second call hurts though.
 
I got threatened with a $5000 fine when I didn’t make the call once, so I always make the call.
 
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Whenever I crossed back into the US from Canada at the quiet airports I always used, a phone call was appreciated so the CBP knew when to send someone over from the land bridge to meet me at the airport.

Things are likely much different if the AOE of choice is actually staffed.
 
This just changed back in January. I always had it drilled into my head to call. Now you get a cleared to proceed email and a permission to land has been granted email.

They do NOT want you to call if you get a permission to land email.



I flew back yesterday afternoon. It really streamlines the process. The guys at KFPR are the best.
 
Sounds like good improvement. Less is more when it comes to those chuckleheads.
 
I just flew from Canada to the U.S. and I was told a call is ALWAYS mandatory even if you plan on arriving during CBP's opening hours at the destination airport. I called the day before to give CPB my ETA. CPB called me right around the time I was getting ready for takeoff confirming my ETA was still the same. In flight, I had to dodge some weather and climb higher than planned to reach an FSS for my transponder code so my ETA changed by more than 15 minutes in flight. When I had FSS on the radio, I asked them to update CPB about my new ETA. We arrived 30 minutes late, the officer knew about it and said that's exactly how it's supposed to be, keeping them in the loop of arrival time. Processing was quick and efficient, probably the nicest CBP treatment I've ever experienced in more than 10 border crossings (all land or commercial airline - this was my first cross border trip in a private plane) in the past.
 
Different locations. The CBP is moving towards an automated process for all facilities so each one is a little different right now. It's starting in the southeast where there is a lot of traffic.

Worst case you call and keep on truckin'
 
k9medic said:
This just changed back in January. I always had it drilled into my head to call. Now you get a cleared to proceed email and a permission to land has been granted email.

They do NOT want you to call if you get a permission to land email.



I flew back yesterday afternoon. It really streamlines the process. The guys at KFPR are the best.
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I thought something like that may have happened. Any doc announcing the change?

I’ve been flying thru KFPR for 10 years. It’s always been manned during scheduled hours and yes, I agree, they are the best!

The time I didn’t call was going into another FL facility and they put me thru the wringer.


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The one thing I’ve found consistent about CBP in the different cities I hav always entered through, is that they all seem to have different rules. Wish they’d all get on the same page.
 
Busflyer said:
The one thing I’ve found consistent about CBP in the different cities I have always entered through, is that they all seem to have different rules. Wish they’d all get on the same page.
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You should have seen the outrage when some folks from FXE came up to FPR and started treating people differently. It did not take long for those folks to get sent back home.
 
FPR always wanted a call and you best get their initials. I have always held this is nothing more than added layers of difficulty to suit an arbitrary reason. When you file the eApis, they are notified of the expected arrival. So why do you need a call? Stupid.
 
Busflyer said:
The one thing I’ve found consistent about CBP in the different cities I hav always entered through, is that they all seem to have different rules. Wish they’d all get on the same page.
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So true... This is why forced monopolies (eg government agencies) are bad - they don't have to abide by any rules if the "customers" are forced to use you regardless of how inconsistent or un-customer-oriented you are.

Competition works!
 
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RudyP said:
So true... This is why forced monopolies (eg government agencies) are bad - they don't have to abide by any rules if the "customers" are forced to use you regardless of how inconsistent or un-customer-oriented you are.

Competition works!
Click to expand...

And at least a few or more options. Having 1,2,3 options can get stuck in bad service!
 
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