Global Entry and TSA Pre
Wanta to bypass those long airport security?
What Is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travelers to expedite the security screening process at airports. First, you get to go through a special line. It also lets you go through security without having to remove shoes, belts, and jackets or take out liquids and electronics from carry-on bags.
My germophobe personality enjoys the perk of keeping my shoes on!!
TSA PreCheck is great because:
Lines are shorter
People in the TSA PreCheck line move more quickly through the line because they know what they are doing
You don’t have to take off your shoes
You don’t have to remove liquids from your bag
You don’t have to remove laptops or devices
Any kids 12 and under can go through the TSA PreCheck with an adult who has it — so you only need to get it for the adults in your family.
Kids 13-17 can usually access the TSA Precheck line if traveling with a parent that has TSA Precheck and they are on the same air reservation — it would print “TSA PRE” on their boarding pass if eligible.
How to get TSA PreCheck
Apply Online – You will need to fill out an online application. At the end of your application form you will be able to schedule an in person appointment at an enrollment center.
Enroll – At your appointment at the enrollment center, you will pay your $85 (pay with a credit card that reimburses you and you will be automatically credited) you will have your fingerprints taken and a background check will be run. This appointment just takes a few minutes.
If you are approved, you will receive an email with your Known Traveler Number.
You will enter your Known Traveler Number in your airline accounts and/or when you are booking flights. Your boarding pass will indicate that you are TSA PreCheck. You can only use the TSA PreCheck lane if it is on your boarding pass! If you forget to add your Known Traveler Number and the airline does not have it on record, you will be turned away from the TSA PreCheck lane.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry gives you the benefits of TSA Precheck while also adding expedited entrance to the US when you’ve been abroad. You can use automated kiosks at select airports, bypassing the long customs and immigration lines.
Is Global Entry Worth It?
While TSA PreCheck helps you through the security line at U.S. airports, Global Entry helps you when you are entering the U.S. by air, land, or sea. As an added benefit, if you have Global Entry, you will also have access to the TSA PreCheck lines for yourself as well as kids under twelve.
If you travel outside the country regularly, Global Entry can save you a lot of time spent in the passport control line on your way into the U.S. You will be directed to a special Global Entry line and be received by a kiosk.
How to get Global Entry
Apply Online – The application process for Global Entry is more extensive than for TSA PreCheck. You will pay your $120 application fee when you apply. With the right credit card, you will be able to receive a statement credit for your application fee. As of October 1, 2024, kids under 18 will be exempt from this fee if a parent already has Global Entry or is applying for Global Entry at the same time.
Schedule an interview – In order to get approved for Global Entry, you will need to go to an in person interview. You may schedule your interview at an enrollment center or, in some cases, you may be able to complete this when you return to the U.S. at an Enrollment on Arrival location. Even kids need an interview.
Note that interviews can take months to schedule and U.S. Customs and Border Control sometimes recommends that people utilize Enrollment on Arrival or sign up for TSA PreCheck instead.
Should I get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry will give you access to the TSA PreCheck lines at the airport. So which one should you sign up for? I would recommend signing up for Global Entry to get both perks automatically
Cost
At $120, Global Entry costs slightly more than TSA PreCheck ($85), but most cards that offer this benefit will allow you to use it for either program.
Years valid
Both programs are valid for 5 years. You may renew your TSA PreCheck membership up to six months before the expiration date. You may renew your Global Entry membership one year prior to expiration. (Credit cards typically allow this benefit to be used once every four years.)
What’s included
TSA PreCheck will get you AND any kids 12 and under into the TSA PreCheck lane at the airport. These are dedicated security lanes that allow you to keep your shoes on and leave your liquids and laptops in your bags.
Global Entry will get you and any kids 12 and under into the TSA PreCheck lane. You (and only you) will also have expedited reentry into the U.S. through automatic kiosks at dozens of U.S. airports, as well as some international airports. The full list of participating airports is available through Customs and Border Protection. As of October 1, 2024 kids under 18 can get Global Entry for free if a parent already has Global Entry or is applying for Global Entry at the same time — but they do need to apply for Global Entry to access the benefits.
Getting Global Entry For Kids
Applying for Global Entry for kids is almost the exact same process as applying for an adult. The only difference is, kids must have parent or guardian permission to apply so you’ll need to enter parent/guardian info on the application.
If parents and kids are applying for global entry at the same time, fill out the parent’s application first. Once your application is submitted, you’ll get an application ID #. As the parent or guardian, you’ll need that number when you apply for your kids to get their application fee waived.
If the parent already has Global Entry when you go to apply for your kids, you’ll enter your PASS ID on the application under parent info..
Which cards offer this benefit for free?
For a complete list, see the TSA website’s list here.
Some of our favorite cards are on this list – including the Chase Sapphire® Reserve, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card – and provide a statement credit for the cost of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck once every four years.
Note that this statement credit can be used for anybody – it does not have to be used for the primary cardholder. So if you have multiple cards with this benefit, you can get Global Entry for yourself on one card and for someone else with your other card(s).