For modern travelers, navigating airport security and customs processes can often feel like a marathon of waiting and frustration. Thankfully, two programs aim to streamline your journey through airports – TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
In this blog post, I’ll explore the ins and outs of both programs, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and differences. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision, ensuring that your next travel experience is smoother, faster, and hassle free.
What is TSA Precheck?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program launched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. It is designed to enhance airport security procedures while providing qualifying passengers with expedited screening benefits.
With TSA PreCheck, you can breeze through designated security lanes without the need to remove your shoes, belt, light jackets, or take out your electronics and liquids from your carry on bag.
How to Apply for TSA Precheck
Applying for TSA PreCheck is a straightforward process. You can complete an online application on the TSA website or schedule an appointment at one of their enrollment centers.
During the in person appointment, you’ll be fingerprinted, have your documents verified, and answer a few questions about your travel history.
How Does TSA Precheck Work?
Once you have been approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number or KTN. You will need to include this number when making airline reservations.
If you add the number to your airline’s frequent flier account, the number will automatically be added to the reservation that you make.
When using a KTN, there is a high probability, though not an absolute guarantee, of being granted PreCheck status for flights.
The PreCheck indicator will be visible on your boarding pass, whether in paper or electronic form, with eligibility embedded in the boarding pass’s bar code.
Having PreCheck status gives you convenience of accessing security lanes with reduced screening measures:
- You are allowed to keep your belt and shoes on.
- Your laptop can remain inside its case.
- Liquids and gels in your carry on don’t need to be removed.
Cost and Duration
The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $78 for a five year membership or $70 for renewal. It’s essential to note that TSA PreCheck is available only for domestic travel within the United States.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a comprehensive program offered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that expedites the customs clearance process for international travelers arriving in the United States.
In addition to including TSA PreCheck, Global Entry members can use automated kiosks at participating airports, avoiding long lines and reducing the time spent waiting for customs clearance.
Global entry is good for 5 years, just like TSA PreCheck.
How to Apply for Global Entry
The application process for Global Entry is similar to TSA PreCheck. You need to fill out an online application and pay a non-refundable fee of $100.
For new applicants, the review process can take anywhere between four to six months.
Once you have been approved, you will be contacted to set up an interview.
You can set up an interview at a walk-in enrollment center. You can also do the interview at the airport once you arrive from overseas. If you decide to do it the later way, you don’t need to set up an appointment which can be difficult at times.
During the interview process, your biometric data will be collected, and your eligibility for the program will be determined.
What to Bring to Global Entry Interview
No matter if you schedule an interview in advance or walk in after an international trip, you have 365 days to complete the interview after the online application.
The following items are needed to complete the interview process.
- Valid Passport
- Proof of residency, such as driver’s license, passport, utility bill or mortgage statement
- Proof of conditional approval after completing the online application.
Global Entry Benefits
Global Entry offers several advantages beyond the benefits of TSA PreCheck. While traveling internationally, members can bypass the standard immigration lines and use the Global Entry kiosks to complete their customs declaration electronically, saving valuable time and reducing stress after a long flight.
Participation in Trusted Traveler Programs
It’s worth noting that Global Entry participants are automatically eligible for TSA PreCheck, making this program an all encompassing solution for frequent international and domestic travelers.
TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry What Sets Them Apart
Coverage
TSA PreCheck is primarily designed for domestic travelers within the United States. If your travel is limited to U.S. destinations, TSA PreCheck might be the more cost effective and practical choice for you.
On the other hand, if you frequently travel abroad or return to the U.S. from international destinations, Global Entry is the more comprehensive option, offering both TSA PreCheck and expedited customs clearance.
Application Process
The application process for both programs is quite similar, involving an online application, fee payment and in person interview. The key difference lies in the scope of each program’s eligibility criteria.
TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain non-U.S. citizens. Global Entry on the other hand is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.
Program Cost and Duration
TSA PreCheck comes with a lower application fee of $78 compared to the Global Entry fee of $100. However, Global Entry offers an unparalleled value with its added benefits for international travel.
Both programs provide a five year membership, making them cost effective options for frequent travelers.
Credit Cards can Cover Cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Travel credit cards come with all kinds of different perks, such as primary rental car insurance, trip delay/cancellation insurance, lounge access, travel credits and more.
There are numerous cards on the market that cover the cost of applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. All you need to do is pay for the application with the card and they will reimburse you.
A few of the cards that have this coverage include: Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Platinum card from American Express, IHG Premier card, and United Explorer card to name just a few.
Program Benefits
TSA PreCheck expedites your experience at domestic security checkpoints, while Global Entry streamlines customs clearance upon returning to the United States from international travel.
If you travel domestically only occasionally, TSA PreCheck may be sufficient. However, if you’re a frequent international traveler, Global Entry’s benefits become indispensable.
Final Thoughts
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both trusted traveler programs that can significantly enhance your travel experience. If you predominantly travel within the United States, TSA PreCheck’s streamlined domestic security screening can save you time and hassle.
However, if your travels involve frequent international trips, Global Entry’s additional customs clearance benefits make it the more comprehensive and valuable option.
Ultimately, the choice between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry boils down to your specific travel patterns and preferences. No matter which program you choose, they both can help you have a better travel experience.
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