PHILADELPHIA — November 7, 2026 — Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the first U.S. airport to use U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s new Global Entry arrival process, which swaps the old self-service kiosks for cameras that check members’ faces. CBP plans to roll it out to many more large airports.
What changed
- How it works: Global Entry members arriving on international flights walk up to the Global Entry portal, where two cameras take their photo and compare it with CBP records to confirm identity and membership. A match lets the traveler continue to the exit. There is no more kiosk screen and no customs questions to tap through.
- If the camera does not match you: you may be asked to show travel documents or see a CBP officer.
- When: PHL started using the system on October 13, 2026. CBP announced it publicly on November 5, and local media reported it on November 6.
- Which terminals at PHL: not specified (TBA).
- What is next: CBP expects to expand the system to as many as 38 terminals at 30 high-volume airports, including some Preclearance locations abroad. Dates and the list of airports: TBA.
- Opting out: travelers who do not want to give biometric data can use a regular customs line instead, according to PhillyVoice.
- Photo storage: PhillyVoice, citing United Airlines’ website, reports that CBP deletes photos of U.S. citizens after 12 hours, and those of permanent residents and non-citizens within 14 days.
- Program size: Global Entry had 15.6 million active members as of October 1, 2026. Members at participating airports can still use the Trusted Traveler mobile app to report arrival and submit a customs declaration.
What it means for non-revs
- A faster exit at PHL. Coming home on an international flight into Philadelphia, Global Entry members can skip the kiosk step. That helps when you are trying to make a tight domestic connection after clearing customs.
- Have your passport handy anyway. If the camera does not match you, you will be sent to an officer, so keep documents within reach.
- Watch for it at your hub. CBP says up to 30 high-volume airports will get the system, but it has not said which ones or when.
- If you travel internationally often and do not have Global Entry, PhillyVoice lists a one-time $120 fee, a background check and a CBP interview as the main requirements.
Sources
- Philadelphia International Airport newsroom (CBP release) — “Philadelphia International Airport first to deploy CBP’s new Global Entry arrival processing experience” (November 5, 2026) — phl.org
- PhillyVoice — “Philly airport is first to use new facial recognition technology that lets Americans pass through customs faster” (November 6, 2026) — phillyvoice.com
- AviNews — “Philadelphia International Airport Becomes First to Deploy CBP’s Updated Global Entry Arrival Processing” (November 6, 2026) — avi-go.com
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