Trying to Decide Between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

Travel can be an incredibly enriching experience, allowing you to explore new cultures, taste exotic cuisines, and create lasting memories. 

But parts of travel, like waiting in lines at airports, are not something anyone looks forward to. 

Thankfully, programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck have made the journey smoother and more efficient.

What is TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

Both of these Trusted Traveler Programs are designed for low-risk travelers who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents. They both allow expedited clearance for pre-approved passengers, but they are each for very different aspects of travel.

In a nutshell, TSA PreCheck is for domestic US travel. It benefits travelers within the United States by expediting the security screening process at airports. 

While Global Entry is for international travel. It benefits travelers returning to the US from another country by expediting the customs and immigration process. 

Both programs will result in issuing you a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This number needs to be entered into your flight information in order to receive the benefits. You can usually enter the number online yourself but, if you have any issues, the airline can assist.

Now, let’s explore the individual benefits of each program to see which one is right for you.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler program administered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. It that allows expedited clearance through the TSA security screening lines for pre-approved, low risk travelers.

TSA PreCheck Benefits

1. You can use a dedicated security line.

With TSA PreCheck, you can use the dedicated TSA PreCheck lines that are usually much shorter. The TSA PreCheck lines move very quickly too since everyone has already been pre-screened. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.

2. You don’t have to take your laptop or liquids out of your bag.

With TSA PreCheck, you can leave your laptop and liquids in your bag. Your liquids still need to be travel size and contained in a single quart sized bag though.

3. You can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on.

With TSA PreCheck you can keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on. The older I get, the more I appreciate not having to basically undress every time I go through security.

TSA PreCheck Application Process

Applying for TSA PreCheck is a straightforward process that you can complete online. The application processing time is fairly quick too, with approval as soon as a few days.

1. Visit the TSA PreCheck Website.

Start by visiting the official TSA PreCheck website and create an account. You can access it at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck.

2. Complete the Online Application.

Once your account is set up, you’ll need to fill out the online application form. This form will ask for various personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and employment details. You’ll also need to provide information about your citizenship and travel history.

3. Attend an In-Person Appointment.

Once your application is submitted and the fee is paid, you’ll be prompted to schedule an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center. During this appointment, you will undergo a brief interview and provide fingerprints. The interview is generally straightforward and focuses on verifying the information you provided in your application.

4. Receive Your Known Traveler Number (KTN).

Once your application is approved, you will be assigned a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This is a unique identification number that you’ll use when booking flights. When you enter your KTN during the flight booking process, you’ll be eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.

Global Entry

US Customs and Border Protection

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers going through Customs upon arrival in the United States.

Global Entry Benefits

1. TSA PRECHECK IS INCLUDED!!!!!

I mean, really, this is like “Buy Global Entry, get TSA PreCheck for free!” And who doesn’t like a good bargain?!?! All the benefits of TSA Precheck mentioned above carry over to Global Entry.

2. Shorter Lines Through Customs and Immigration

One of the most significant advantages of Global Entry is the ability to skip the long lines at customs and immigration when entering the United States. At the airport, you will use dedicated Global Entry lines with kiosks. The kiosk will take a photo and verify your Global Entry membership. Then you will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that you have successfully completed the process. 

3. More International Destinations

Global Entry isn’t just about reentering the United States; it can also expedite the entry process when traveling to other countries. Many countries have reciprocal agreements with the U.S. that allow Global Entry members to use expedited immigration lines. This is especially beneficial if you’re a frequent international traveler.

Global Entry Application Process

Applying for Global Entry involves a similar process to TSA PreCheck, with a few additional steps due to the international travel benefits. The approval process will also take quite a bit longer, several months longer.

1. Create an Account.

Start by visiting the official Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website at https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/. Like TSA PreCheck, you’ll need to create an account on the TTP website. Once your account is set up, log in and select “Global Entry” as the program you want to apply for. 

2. Complete the Online Application Form.

Fill out the online application form with your personal information. This includes details such as your name, date of birth, address, employment information, and travel history. Be thorough and accurate in providing the required information.

3. Wait for Conditional Approval.

Once your application is submitted and the fee is paid, you’ll wait for conditional approval. This phase involves a preliminary background check and can take anywhere from two days to several weeks. Mine only took two days. You can check the status of your application on the website.

4. Schedule an In-Person Interview.

One you receive conditional approval, log back into your account to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. These centers are often located at international airports. Right now, interview availability is hard to find. Some locations don’t have any appointments available for several months. You can check different locations to see if there are any sooner openings. You can also be interviewed at the airport when you return from an international trip.

5. Attend the In-Person Interview.

During the interview, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify your information, ask you a few questions, and collect fingerprints. The interview is relatively brief but is a crucial step in the process. Bring your valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine readable permanent resident card.

6. Wait for Final Approval.

After the in-person interview, your application will undergo final processing. The approval process can happen on the spot or take several weeks. My approval was granted at the conclusion of the interview. I was given my Known Traveler Number (KTN), and I was able to immediately begin using the benefits.

7.Receive Your Global Entry Card and Known Traveler Number (KTN).

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Global Entry card by mail. Mine arrived about two weeks after my approval. If you weren’t approved during your interview, you’ll also receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you can use when booking flights.

With your Global Entry approval, you can now enjoy expedited processing at international airports when returning to the United States. Bypass the regular customs and immigration lines and experience a faster re-entry process. And don’t forget, with Global Entry, you’ll also be able to use the TSA PreCheck lines at security! 

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Comparison

How to get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for Free

Travel Credit Cards

Before reaching into your wallet to pay for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, check if your credit card offers reimbursement for these programs. Many travel credit cards provide this benefit as part of their rewards system. Utilizing this feature can eliminate the out-of-pocket expenses associated with either program, making the decision to apply even more appealing.

Military Servicemembers – TSA PreCheck only

Which one should you get?

Well, that depends on how often and where you travel. Do you only travel within the US, or do you fly internationally as well?

If you only travel within the United States, you really don’t need Global Entry. TSA PreCheck will be sufficient.

But, even if you only travel internationally once every five years, I encourage you to get Global Entry instead. Not only does it come with TSA PreCheck, but avoiding any amount of time standing in the lines at Customs and Immigration, even once, is well worth it! 

And if your credit card will reimburse you the application fee, there’s really no reason not to get Global Entry.

Final Thoughts

The choice between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck depends on your travel habits.

If you frequently travel internationally, Global Entry is the obvious choice so you can expedite the customs and immigration process. 

If your travel is primarily domestic, and you only want to expedite the security screening process, TSA PreCheck will be sufficient.

But remember that Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. So even just one international trip is enough to make Global Entry worth it to cover all aspects of your travel experience, international and domestic.

If you’re a frequent international traveler, or even an occasional one, the convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind that Global Entry provides make it worth having. 

So, if you’re ready to unlock the world without the hassles, consider applying for Global Entry and experience the benefits for yourself.