By: Courtney Salcedo
Traveling around the world is one of the most exciting and enjoyable parts of life; a privilege that comes with endless rewards. While traveling is without a doubt an incredible experience, it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to airports. If you are an avid traveler, or even just a frequent flyer, taking advantage of time-saving tools such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are a must. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are different programs with the same general goal: helping travelers spend less time at the airport. Let's compare the main differences between these programs and explore which, if not both, programs are best for you.
Global Entry primarily helps travelers when returning to the United States from traveling abroad According to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, upon arrival in the United States it "allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers." To sum it up: this enables travelers to skip the lines (which can take hours) at customs and immigration by checking in at a kiosk and scanning their passports and fingerprints. The kiosk will print out a receipt and travelers can proceed to baggage claim, customs and exit the airport. Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck eligibility at participating airports making it a double win for travelers.
TSA Precheck is a government-sponsored program that grants approved passengers on domestic--and some international-- flights expedited screening. PreCheck travelers do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets, meaning less time stuck in security lines and more time relaxing before the flight. There are 65 airlines and more than 180 airports that offer PreCheck lane access, which can be used when traveling in the country or exiting the country. One important thing to note: unless the boarding pass clearly shows the TSA PreCheck logo, travelers will need to provide their Trusted (Known) Traveler number at check-in, or have it saved to their frequent flyer profile.
A few things to keep in mind when deciding between participating in one program or both, are the differences in the application process. TSA PreCheck is only available to U.S. citizens, nationals and residents. There is no age restriction to apply for TSA PreCheck. Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and citizens of Colombia, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Mexico. (Depending on the country, visas may be required.) Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian's consent to participate. For traveling families, only the program member can participate in Global Entry. It does not automatically extend to family members, so it is important that everyone in the family is a program participant to avoid separation at the airport. TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, extends to children under the age of 12 traveling with a PreCheck approved parent or legal guardian.
The cost differs between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, albeit not by much. TSA PreCheck costs $85 for a five-year membership and Global Entry is $100 for a five-year membership. Keep in mind: Global entry includes TSA PreCheck eligibility, so the $15 difference is worth it when it comes to Global Entry.
To apply for TSA PreCheck, you will need to fill out an application and schedule an interview at one of the 380 enrollment centers across the country. Once the interview is complete, it can take up to two weeks to receive written notification of approval or denial.
To apply for Global Entry, you will need to create an account on the Trusted Traveler Program Site and complete an application. (Everyone, regardless of age, must create an account.) Upon completion of the application and submission of the application fee, CBP will review the application and grant or deny conditional approval. Once you have conditional approval, it's time to set up an interview at a Global Entry Application Center. (Applicants must schedule individual interviews.) After the interview, if approved, you will receive your Trusted (Known) Traveler Number, which can be used for TSA PreCheck eligibility when booking tickets.
When it comes to deciding between Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and beginning the application process, this is the time when having a Reid Travel Advisor is so important. At Reid Travel, our team of Travel Advisors are experts when it comes to assisting clients with enrolling in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. To learn more about these programs, or to get help in starting your application, call Reid Travel today. We strive to make travel as stress-free as possible for our clients, and these programs are an excellent way to do just that.
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