How did a company making no money get dedicated lines and hardware installed at every customs location??

VC? Part of their biz plan?

Do you realize how many companies you currently use that are currently operating at a loss? Its not out of the goodness of their hearts, its their plan for something larger. Check out how much Uber has made since its inception....ZERO, they lost $3B last year alone. Look at how much Amazon burned through when they started and how long it took to make a profit. And what does "100% loss" even mean? You are either operating at a loss, or you are not. But yes, the company's operating expenses exceed their revenues.

They are not even close to being at every customs location. But the founders are ex TSA guys, maybe they had some inside pull...but I can imagine the US Government likes the idea of having people streamlined through their long process of clearing customs.

Ding Ding Ding...they had a series A round for $6 mil in financing. The "freemium" plan was always going to happen. They needed to entice all of you with the free, to drop the hammer later on with the fee.

Its called global entry. Free with some credit cards.

Best part you get a government ID. Put it behind your badge and never have to pull your wallet or passport out again at kcm.

Your welcome for the extra 30 seconds of your life back I saved you 4 days a week for the next 10-40 years...

The government id behind the badge has saved me at least 300 wallet pulls so far, not needing to present a drivers license or passport.

I never thought of this. I always leave mine at home!! Thank you!

Passport card, $20 when ordered at the same time as passport.

The usual response I get from Captains when I show them this method is the under the breath "I know that's a better idea but I fear change" grumbling. I think they just like pulling out their oversized Captain's wallets. 😝

Not when the restaurant bill arrives! :D

The crewmember who kept calling LAX Ops this morning on Guard...and kept calling and calling, despite at least 5 'Yer on Guard!!' replies over the course of a minute or more. Obviously had their volume turned down.

Won't name the airline but they do like their double-breasted jackets.