Are you tired of long security lines and time-consuming customs procedures? Do you watch in jealousy as people skip right past you in airport security lines and walk down the “TSA PreCheck” lane? If so, you may wonder how you can join them and spend less time in security and more time enjoying your travel experience.
Don’t worry – we compared both the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs so you can find the one that works best for you. Plus, we guide you through the process of signing up for each program so you can skip those long lines next time you’re traveling.
What are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
Let’s start with the basics.
TSA PreCheck is the most affordable airport security program. It offers expedited security screening, allowing you to go right through checkpoints without having to remove your shoes, belt, outerwear, or laptop from your bag.
As you’ve probably noticed, the TSA PreCheck line is typically much shorter than the general airport security lines. In fact, according to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes. What is the TSA PreCheck cost? The cost varies slightly depending on the enrollment provider you use, but it ranges from $78 to $85. Visit the TSA PreCheck website for details. Once approved, PreCheck lasts five years.
On the other hand, Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that gives pre-approved travelers expedited clearance into the U.S. Global Entry’s benefits include no processing lines, no paperwork, access to expedited entry, availability at major U.S. airports, and reduced wait times. Sounds pretty nice, right?
It’s important to note that lucky individuals in the Global Entry program also have access to PreCheck privileges. But Global Entry is a little more expensive than PreCheck. It costs $120 to apply for Global Entry, which, like PreCheck, lasts five years.
Both programs can offer huge time savings and stress reduction during your travels.
Eligibility and requirements
Are you eligible? Let’s take a look at the application requirements.
TSA PreCheck: For TSA PreCheck status, you need to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Global Entry: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of the following countries are eligible for Global Entry membership:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Bahrain
- Dominican Republic
- India
- Colombia
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Mexican nationals
Key benefits of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Both travel programs offer great benefits. Let’s compare the two.
TSA PreCheck benefits
- Faster security screening: Running late for your flight? You’ll want TSA PreCheck so you can bypass the regular security lines and get through quicker.
- You get to keep your items on: You can keep your shoes, belt, and light outerwear on during the screening.
- You don’t have to lug out a heavy laptop: You get to save time by leaving your laptop in your bag instead of having to dig for and remove it.
- You can get through security faster: The TSA PreCheck lines are typically much shorter than general airport security lines.
- TSA PreCheck is affordable: TSA PreCheck is cost-effective. The application fee covers a five-year membership period.
Global Entry benefits
- TSA PreCheck benefits: Global Entry members automatically receive TSA PreCheck benefits.
- Reduced wait times: If you have a connecting flight on a time crunch, you’ll be especially thankful for this one. With no processing lines or paperwork, you get quick clearance with reduced wait times through customs.
- Reciprocity: You get access to expedited entry benefits in other countries.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
Luckily, the application process is straightforward.
How to get TSA PreCheck
To apply for TSA PreCheck, here’s what you need to do:
- Search for an enrollment center near you (you don’t need to go to the airport – your local Staples likely has an enrollment center).
- Go to your provider’s enrollment website (Clear, Idemia, or Telos, depending on your enrollment center location).
- Fill out a TSA precheck application online in as little as 5 minutes.
- Attend a 10-minute appointment at your local enrollment center, where they’ll take your payment, verify your essential documents, and take your fingerprint and photo.
That’s it! Once approved, you’ll receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you can add to your airline reservations. Then, you’ll be flying through those airport lines in no time.
How to get Global Entry
If you’re leaning towards applying for Global Entry instead, follow these steps:
- Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account online.
- Log into your account, complete the application, and pay your $120 fee.
- Once your Global Entry application is accepted, schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.
- Attend the Global Entry interview with a valid passport and another form of identification, such as a driver’s license. You’ll be asked to present your permanent resident card if you are a lawful permanent resident.
Once accepted, you get all the benefits of Global Entry membership plus TSA PreCheck benefits.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which program is better?
Are you wondering which program is best for you? The short answer is that it depends on many factors, especially your upcoming travel plans and where you plan to go.
If you plan on going on at least one international trip in the next five years, opt for Global Entry. The convenience is probably worth the slightly more expensive price when compared to TSA PreCheck and you get the PreCheck benefits with Global Entry, so you’re covered there.
But if you aren’t planning on going international, stick with the classic TSA PreCheck. The convenience of being able to finish the application process at your local Staples is a plus.
What is CLEAR?
If you’ve flown recently, you may have seen another option to bypass security lines in certain airports, this one called CLEAR. A CLEAR representative may have even approached you as you were walking toward the security line, offering a free trial of the service, which also allows you to bypass security lines.
But even though it looks very similar to TSA PreCheck, CLEAR doesn’t offer the same benefits, as it is mainly a service that allows you to verify your identification through the use of biometric scans rather than presenting a physical ID such as a passport to a TSA agent. You are then escorted to the screening line, where, if you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you will still have to go through a normal security check, including removing your shoes and taking your laptop out of its case.
CLEAR also costs significantly more than TSA PreCheck, with a $199 annual fee. You can add TSA PreCheck and get a slight discount on that fee for the first year, but while TSA PreCheck cost covers five years, CLEAR must be renewed every year.
While there are definitely some benefits to CLEAR, including the fact that some stadiums, such as Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Madison Square Garden, and Yankee Stadium, use the service to expedite entry into events, CLEAR’s availability is very limited at airports, with just 58 airports in the U.S. offer the service. So, while CLEAR does provide a benefit to travelers, it’s really up to you to decide if the time savings of skipping the ID line is worth the added cost. For some, it might be, because even on vacation, time is money.
