TSA Precheck versus Global Entry
This week I figured that I’d chat about a hot topic that I get a ton of questions on. What is Global Entry, is it better than TSA Precheck and would you recommend?
Why? I get anxiety just thinking about the security process at airports - huge lines, shoes off, belt off, coat or jacket off, laptops out, liquids restricted. To avoid all of these things, you’ll need TSA Precheck. It normally costs $85, but if you opt for Global Entry at $100, it’s included. With Global Entry you’ll be able to expedite customs upon return from an international trip. Most airports have Global Entry kiosks.
How to apply Applications can be found online, and make sure you have your passport and credit card ready. The application itself is pretty straightforward and at the end you’ll pay the fee. Notes that you’ll need to renew and pay the fee every five years.
I’ve applied, now what? After about a week or so I received an email that I was approved and able to schedule an appointment for the final round - an interview. There are Global Entry offices at almost every airport and you do not have to go to the airport in your actual home city.
What’s the interview like? Interviews typically around 15 minutes. It actually took me longer to drive to the airport than in the interview itself! Bring your passport, other form of identification and your approval email. You’ll confirm some answers from your application, engage in some small talk, get a photo taken and fingerprints scanned….then voila, you’re done.
What do I do with the card? You’ll receive a card in the mail about two weeks after your interview. You don’t even really need to carry it with you when you travel, but I do, just in case. The most important piece of info is on the back in the upper left corner - your Known Traveler ID number. This is the number you’ll need to input into your flight reservation to get TSA Precheck. Note that most domestic airlines participate, but international do not. This IS in the works, but I don’t have a timeline for when it’ll take effect.
How to use When you return from an international flight go straight to a Global Entry kiosk in the customs area. You’ll quickly swipe your passport, confirm your flight details, complete the customs form in a few clicks, get a quick photo taken, and scan your fingerprints - it sounds more complex than it actually is. Take the receipt that the kiosk spits out to a customs agent and you’re done!
In closing, it’s a pretty simple process. It also made sense for me to go with Global Entry rather than just TSA because I travel internationally...and because it’s only $15 more. And it really does work! Upon return from a trip to Asia, I breezed through customs and even collected all of our luggage before my dad (who ONLY has Precheck) even made it out.
Until next time!