Traveling can be a hassle, but TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can smooth out the bumps. We’ve been using Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, for the past three years. It’s made our travel life easier, and I can’t recommend it enough to all my friends. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting, these programs can save you time and stress at the airport. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck and Global Entry!
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Transportation Security Administration‘s (TSA) Trusted Traveler programs, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry offer expedited screening at airport security checkpoints and U.S. borders. Both allow pre-approved, low-risk travelers to speed through security with less inconvenience.
TSA PreCheck offers more convenient domestic air travel, while Global Entry provides benefits for international air travel. Many wonder whether Global Entry is worth the higher cost over TSA PreCheck and which program they should choose.
The goal here is to compare TSA PreCheck and Global Entry’s eligibility, application process, costs, and benefits. This will help you evaluate which program may be the better fit for your travel habits and needs.
Background
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both trusted traveler programs administered by the Department of Homeland Security.
TSA PreCheck began in 2011 and allows pre-approved travelers expedited screening at airport security checkpoints. Over 10 million travelers are enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
Global Entry was launched in 2008 and is a CBP (Customs and Border Protection) program that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry has over 6 million members.
Both programs perform background checks on applicants before approving membership. Once approved, members can use expedited lanes at airport security and passport control when traveling.
Eligibility
To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and provide your fingerprints during enrollment. You’ll undergo a background check and security threat assessment before being approved.
To qualify for Global Entry, you must also be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. However, the background check for Global Entry is more rigorous than for TSA PreCheck. Global Entry requires a personal interview during the application process, while TSA PreCheck does not. Only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select countries participating in Global Entry are eligible for the program.
Both programs require you to provide fingerprints, documentation, and undergo background checks. But Global Entry has stricter eligibility requirements overall. For example, if you have any felony convictions or violations of customs or immigration laws, you would be disqualified from Global Entry but may still qualify for TSA PreCheck.
Enrollment Cost
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry have different enrollment costs and renewal periods.
- TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a 5-year membership. This works out to $17 per year.
- Global Entry has a higher upfront cost at $100 for a 5-year membership. This equates to $20 per year.
So PreCheck is slightly cheaper for the initial enrollment. However, Global Entry may be worth the extra $15 for frequent international travelers who would benefit from expedited customs clearance upon returning to the U.S.
For families, each member needs their own PreCheck or Global Entry membership, so the costs add up. Children under 12 can be added to a parent’s Global Entry account for only $15. There is no reduced rate for kids under PreCheck.
When it’s time to renew, both programs cost $85 for another 5 years. So the renewal price is the same.
Overall the enrollment costs are fairly comparable. PreCheck has a slight edge for domestic U.S. travelers who fly less frequently. Global Entry makes sense for those who travel internationally more often.
Application Process
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry have different application processes.
For TSA PreCheck, you must visit an enrollment center and provide fingerprints and ID documents. The enrollment process takes about 10-15 minutes. You will get a known traveler number (KTN) at the end of the appointment.
To apply for Global Entry, you must start the application process online. You will need to create a login.gov account and provide personal information, travel history, and passport information. After submitting the application, you will need to schedule an interview at an enrollment center. The interview takes about 10-15 minutes. At the interview, a CBP officer will confirm your identity and take fingerprints. If approved, you will get a Global Entry card within 2 weeks.
The Global Entry application process takes more time overall since it requires an online application, interview scheduling, and waiting for the card after the interview. With TSA PreCheck, you complete everything at the enrollment center in a single visit.
Approval Time
Compare typical application approval times. Global Entry requires an in-person interview, so it can take longer to get approved than TSA PreCheck.
The typical TSA PreCheck application processing time is 2-3 weeks. You simply submit an online application, provide fingerprints at an enrollment center, and then wait for approval.
Global Entry has a longer approval timeline that can take 6-8 weeks. After submitting the online application, you must schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center. Global Entry interviews are only available at certain major airports. The interview adds an extra step that lengthens the process.
Once conditionally approved, Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years. TSA PreCheck membership lasts for 5 years as well. Both programs allow you to renew before expiration to avoid gaps in eligibility.
So if you want expedited airport screening faster, TSA PreCheck would get you access sooner. But Global Entry comes with additional benefits like expedited customs, so the longer wait may be worthwhile.
Access Benefits
The airport security access benefits are the main advantage of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Both programs allow members access to expedited security screening lanes at participating airports in the US. This enables members to avoid removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts etc, significantly speeding up the security process.
However, there is an important difference in airport participation between the programs. TSA PreCheck has limited airport participation, with expedited screening lanes available at around 200 airports in the US. In contrast, Global Entry membership comes with TSA PreCheck eligibility, so Global Entry members have access to expedited screening at over [number] of airports in the US that participate in PreCheck screening.
So Global Entry offers access benefits at far more US airports than just PreCheck alone. Even if your home airport offers PreCheck lanes, you’ll appreciate the wider access if you travel through multiple airports.
Other Benefits
Beyond expedited airport security screening, Global Entry comes with additional benefits that make it a more versatile option than TSA PreCheck for frequent international travelers.
Global Entry includes expedited customs clearance for returning travelers at select airports, allowing members to bypass long immigration and customs lines. This can save significant time after an international flight. Global Entry members can use automated kiosks to clear customs and immigration, rather than waiting to speak with an agent.
Additionally, Global Entry membership comes bundled with TSA PreCheck eligibility. So Global Entry members can benefit from expedited security screening for domestic U.S. flights, in addition to the international customs perks. They don’t need to enroll in TSA PreCheck separately.
For U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who often travel internationally, Global Entry effectively combines the benefits of expedited airport security screening and streamlined customs procedures. The added customs perks make it a very appealing option compared to TSA PreCheck alone.
Recommendations
When deciding between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, consider which program better fits your individual travel patterns and needs.
For domestic travelers:
TSA PreCheck is likely the better option if you fly mostly within the United States. The expedited domestic airport screening will save you time and hassle on a regular basis. Unless you take multiple international trips per year, the additional Global Entry benefits may not be worth the extra cost and application requirements.
For frequent international travelers:
Global Entry is probably the better choice if you travel internationally at least 2-3 times per year. You’ll use the expedited customs and immigration process returning to the U.S., in addition to getting TSA PreCheck benefits for all flights. The higher enrollment fee will pay off thanks to the time savings when entering the U.S. after international flights.
For occasional international travelers:
If you take an international trip only once or twice per year, the decision is a bit less clear. Consider how much you value your time and convenience while weighing the costs. Global Entry could still be worthwhile depending on your financial situation and how much you dislike paperwork and lines. But TSA PreCheck may meet your airport screening needs at a lower price point.
For families:
Families with small children may benefit more from TSA PreCheck, especially for domestic travel. You can avoid removing shoes and light jackets for kids, going through standard security lines, and having children undergo full-body scans. Global Entry doesn’t provide much additional advantage for young travelers.
For those on a budget:
TSA PreCheck is better if you want expedited airport screening but are on a tight budget. The $85 fee is significantly less than Global Entry’s $100 application cost. Just make sure you fly enough domestically each year to get your money’s worth from TSA PreCheck membership.
The best choice depends on your specific travel habits and budget. Evaluate your particular needs and patterns to decide if TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is the better fit.
Conclusion
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry offer similar benefits for getting through airport security and customs faster, but have some key differences.
TSA PreCheck costs less ($85 for 5 years), has a simpler application process, and gets you through domestic security lines faster. However, it does not offer any benefits for entering the US.
Global Entry costs more ($100 for 5 years), has a more extensive application process, and gets you through US customs and immigration faster upon returning to the US. It also includes TSA PreCheck benefits for getting through domestic security.
For US citizens who travel internationally at least once per year, Global Entry may be worth the additional cost and effort for the added customs and immigration benefits. It also includes TSA PreCheck, so it combines domestic and international travel perks.
For US citizens who travel domestically much more frequently than internationally each year, TSA PreCheck may meet their needs at a lower price point and with less application requirements.
Frequent domestic and international travelers may want to pony up for Global Entry to maximize travel benefits. Occasional international travelers may find TSA PreCheck sufficient for simpler, domestic-focused airport experiences.
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