Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Your definitive guide
For frequent travelers, two of the most valuable assets are Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Both are Trusted Traveler Programs from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), designed to streamline travel for low-risk individuals. If you’re torn between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, here’s what you should know.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is provided by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It enables members to use expedited entry lanes at major international airports, as well as at land borders and certain seaports. A key benefit of Global Entry is that it automatically includes TSA PreCheck for its members.
How does it function?
Upon arriving at a US airport from an international flight, look for the Global Entry lane signs at immigration. You'll take a photo at a kiosk that processes your details, after which you'll meet with a CBP officer for a final verification. This line is generally much quicker than the standard one.
Pro tip: You usually don’t need to present your Global Entry card at airport immigration, but some CBP agents may request to see it. Keep it handy in your wallet while traveling.
Who is it intended for?
Global Entry is ideal for individuals who travel internationally at least once a year. The program is available to US citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as citizens from the following countries:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Bahrain
- Dominican Republic
- India
- Colombia
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Mexico
How do I apply for Global Entry?
To apply for Global Entry, you need to start by submitting an application online through the Trusted Traveler Program website. After your application receives conditional approval, you'll visit a Global Entry enrollment center for an in-person interview, where your biometric data will be collected. Additionally, a background check will be conducted. Once the interview is complete, you'll receive full approval, and your Global Entry card will be sent to you by mail.
What are Trusted Traveler Programs?
The Trusted Traveler Programs, established by the US Department of Homeland Security, consist of various programs aimed at facilitating travel into and within the United States for low-risk individuals. Together, these five programs offer expedited entry into the US and a streamlined airport security experience.
What does TSA PreCheck entail?
TSA PreCheck, issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), offers expedited airport security for low-risk travelers. With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your liquids and electronics in your carry-on bag, and you don't need to remove your shoes, belts, or light jackets during the screening process.
Pro tip: Not all airlines are part of the TSA PreCheck program, so you may not have access to TSA PreCheck on every flight. Additionally, TSA has the discretion to deny TSA PreCheck benefits for individual flights, meaning access to the PreCheck lanes isn’t guaranteed every time.
How does it function?
To utilize TSA PreCheck, you need to add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservation, which can be done when you book your flight, anytime afterward via the airline's website or customer service, or at the check-in desk. Your boarding pass should display a TSA PreCheck logo, granting you access to the TSA PreCheck lane.
Pro tip: TSA PreCheck lanes have designated operating hours, so they may not be open before your flight.
Who is it designed for?
TSA PreCheck is available for any US citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident flying domestically or internationally. Considering its cost, it’s particularly beneficial for those who travel several times a year.
How do I apply for TSA PreCheck?
To apply for TSA PreCheck, you must first complete an application online through the TSA website. You will need to choose one of two third-party providers: Telos or Idemia. After submitting your application online, you’ll need to visit an enrollment center in person to get fingerprinted and have your photo taken.
Pro tip: Choose the provider that has an enrollment location close to you; there are over 400 locations nationwide between the two companies.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
When choosing between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, keep in mind that these are distinct programs that complement each other for frequent travelers. Importantly, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. However, there may be situations where you might prefer to opt for TSA PreCheck alone.
TSA vs. Global Entry: Understanding the costs
Different application processes
Both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck begin with online applications, but they use different websites. Global Entry applications are submitted through the Trusted Traveler Program website, whereas TSA PreCheck applications go through third-party companies.
Both programs require in-person appointments to finalize the application process, during which your biometric data will be collected. However, there are only 88 Global Entry enrollment centers compared to over 600 TSA PreCheck enrollment centers, making it significantly easier to schedule a TSA PreCheck appointment.
Moreover, TSA PreCheck generally has a much quicker processing time compared to Global Entry. TSA PreCheck processing typically takes 3 to 5 days, but can extend to 60 days. In contrast, Global Entry processing times can take four to six months.
How does it work for children?
With TSA PreCheck, children aged 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane alongside a parent or guardian enrolled in the program. Children aged 13 to 17 can also benefit from TSA PreCheck if traveling with enrolled adults on the same reservation (the TSA PreCheck logo must be present on the child's boarding pass). Additionally, children can apply for their own TSA PreCheck membership.
Children can only access the Global Entry lane at immigration if they have their own membership. Those without memberships are not allowed to accompany a parent, guardian, or any adult who is enrolled in Global Entry.
Money-saving tips for application fees
Many premium credit cards provide reimbursements for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. If you use an eligible card to pay, the fee will be automatically credited back to your account. This benefit generally renews every four to five years, allowing you to use it for renewing your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. Some popular travel credit cards that offer this benefit include:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- United Explorer Card
- Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Several airline and hotel loyalty programs also allow you to redeem points for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, including:
- Marriott Bonvoy
- United MileagePlus
Make the final choice between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
Common questions about TSA PreCheck versus Global Entry
How Dinogo determines what to include in this guide
As a travel writer, I hold both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, and they have greatly enhanced my airport experience. For this guide, I researched both programs through their official government websites and summarized the key information for travelers weighing their options. Drawing from my personal experience and research, I suggest enrolling in both Trusted Traveler Programs if you plan to travel internationally at least once every year or two.
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