Pilot Praises CBP Facility for Fast, Efficient and Friendly Service

On May 31, 2018, the first jet cleared customs at the recently opened Boca Raton Airport Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. The aircraft was a chartered jet from Privaira Private Aviation, making its return from Grand Cayman.

The pilot of the jet and head of the all female staff on the flight, Captain Carrie Lauer, spoke highly of the experience. She said she was particularly impressed by the speed of the kiosk system, friendliness of the staff and the convenience of clearing customs at the Boca Raton Airport — one of the premier general aviation facilities in Florida.

“I found the self-pay kiosk (to be) fast, efficient, accurate and a wonderful way to pay my customs fees,” said Captain Lauer. “Inside, the customs processing was friendly and efficient.”

Since the Boca Raton Airport is Captain Lauer’s homebase, she also benefits from the improved safety and cost efficiencies of being able to fly directly into Boca Raton instead of first stopping at an additional airport to clear customs.

“I prefer clearing customs here in Boca because it’s one less cycle on the airplane, one less takeoff and landing, a considerable fuel savings, and at the end of what could have been a very long day, I’m at my home airport,” said Captain Lauer. “I’m so happy to be able to clear customs here at the Boca Raton Airport.”

The Fixed Base Operator (FBO) supporting this flight was Atlantic Aviation, which is one of two FBOs at the Boca Raton Airport, the other being Signature Flight Support.

When asked about the new CBP facility, Atlantic Aviation General Manager Devin Lawrence was excited about the ability to have international flights clear customs at the Boca Raton Airport. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have it open and are looking forward to a bright future with it.”

Pilots are encouraged to visit BocaAirport.com/Customs to learn more about the new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility.