Mobile Passport Control at ATL

Question

Good early morning/late evening ATL forum…Can anyone confirm if there is any advantage of using the Mobile Passport Control app (I guess it is a new app MPC which replaces the old app Mobile Passport by Airside)?

I am traveling back from out of country today - arriving in ATL around 7et, my wife and I have Global Entry but my 15yo does not (couldn’t get her paperwork in fast enough to make it to the interview on re-entry…:-/). In the past we used the (old) airside app when coming through customs at ATL - once it worked great and we skipped a huge line, and the next time, it seemed like there was no real advantage of submitting the forms and info through the app at all as we had to end up in the same line with everyone else anyway. Now I think I’m reading there is no ‘line’ for those who submitted their paperwork electronically at ATL arrivals through this app - so I’m wondering if there is any reason I should go to the trouble of downloading the app and submitting it that way?

Thanks in advance…

Answer

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is available at ATL, but the benefit varies depending on the time of arrival, staffing, and how CBP lanes are set up that day. Since you already have Global Entry (GE) for two members of your family and one traveler (your 15-year-old) does not, the real question is whether MPC will speed up her experience—not yours.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how MPC currently works at ATL and whether it’s worth using for your situation.

1. Understanding the Current Setup at ATL

Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson does support Mobile Passport Control, but unlike some airports, ATL does not consistently offer a dedicated MPC lane. This means:

Sometimes MPC users get directed to a shorter inspection line.
Sometimes they are merged into the same general line as paper/customs receipt travelers.
There is no guarantee of bypassing a long queue.

In contrast, Global Entry always has its own dedicated processing area—reliable, quick, and consistent.

2. How Mixed GE / Non-GE Family Situations Work

Global Entry rules require that everyone in the traveling party have GE to use the GE kiosks. Since your 15-year-old does not have it yet:

You and your spouse can still use GE, but she'll have to use the standard line OR MPC.
You can accompany her in the standard/MPC line if you prefer to stay together.
GE travelers cannot bring a non-GE family member through GE.

3. Is MPC Worth It at ATL?

Short answer: There is sometimes a benefit, but it is not guaranteed. Many recent passengers report the following:

MPC can help you skip the kiosk line (faster than filling out forms on-site).
However, at ATL, MPC users are often funneled into the same CBP interview area as everyone else.
There is no longer a dedicated MPC express line like the older Airside app sometimes had.
During peak international bank arrivals (late afternoon through evening), MPC may save a few minutes but not dramatically.

4. For a 7:00 PM Arrival at ATL

This timeframe is part of ATL’s “international push,” meaning:

Lines can be long in the general CBP hall.
Global Entry will be very fast for you and your spouse.
Your daughter may face a longer wait unless MPC helps—but again, savings are inconsistent.

5. Recommendation Based on Your Situation

If your goal is simply to help your daughter process faster:

Download and use MPC — It can’t hurt, and sometimes it helps with shaving off 10–20 minutes.
Don’t expect a dedicated MPC express lane at ATL — treat it as a convenience, not a guarantee.
You and your spouse should still use Global Entry — even if you choose to wait for her afterward in baggage claim.

Because GE baggage claim is after passport control, you will reunite there without issue.

6. When MPC is Most Useful

MPC tends to be helpful when:

Multiple international flights arrive simultaneously.
Standard CBP processing is backlogged.
You want to avoid filling out forms or kiosks and move directly to an officer.

It is less helpful when CBP lanes are fully staffed or when ATL funnels all non-GE passengers into the same line regardless of MPC status.

7. Final Summary

For ATL specifically:

MPC won’t hurt and may provide a minor time savings.
There is no guaranteed short line at ATL for MPC users.
Since the app is free and easy, most travelers say it’s worth using for peace of mind.
You and your spouse should still use GE; your daughter should use MPC.