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Global Entry Vs. TSA Precheck

Dec 27, 2018

Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check?

 

Which one is right for you and why?

More & more people are streamlining their air travel with “Known Traveler” programs like Global Entry & TSA-Precheck.  Below we’ll compare and outline the benefits of both programs, so you can decide which is best for you.

TSA Precheck

TSA PreCheck allows you to bypass the longer security lines to a special expedited line, and you’ll pass through without removing your shoes, laptop, belt, liquids or jacket. Membership is $85 and is good for 5 years, you’ll need to apply online, set an appointment and submit to a background check & fingerprinting.  Once that’s complete and you’re approved, you can now breeze through security at 180+ airports and 37 airlines across the country in 5 minutess or less typically.

If you travel frequently, it is well worth the cost to avoid hassles, headaches and delays, but TSA PreCheck alone only makes sense if all or the majority of your travel is domestic.  If you frequently travel internationally, Global Entry is right for you.

Global Entry

According to their website, “Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. What this means is that instead of waiting in the long lines at customs, Global Entry members use simple automatic kiosks at select airports, bypassing long lines & wait times.

Global Entry is also a 5 Year Membership, includes TSA PreCheck, and at $100 it’s only $15 more than TSA PreCheck. The process is a bit more involved, applicants undergo a rigorous background check and an in-person interview, but it isn’t difficult. CBP.gov outlines the process this way:

Before you apply, make sure you are eligible for Global Entry.

1. Create a Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account. Regardless of your age, you must have your own GOES account.

2. Log in to your GOES account and complete the application. A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.

3. After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your GOES account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.

4. You will need to bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine readable permanent resident card.

Here in Dallas we have a Global Entry Enrollment Center at DFW Airport in Terminal D. The process was simple, my interview lasted no more than 10 minutes and my card arrived in the mail 2 weeks later.

And the Winner is…

Global Entry by a mile. At a mere $15 more than TSA Precheck, it’s a no-brainer even if the majority of your travel is domestic. You never know when an opportunity will arise to take an international vacation, and even if it’s one time over 5 years, bypassing a 2 hour Customs line is worth $15.

Global Entry is just awesome, I breeze through security on the front end, then breeze through customs on the back end. And on top of that, the CBP has agreements with other countries that allow you to breeze through their customs & immigration lines as well.

If you’re interested in applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and need some advice or assistance, feel free to contact us via Phone or Email and we’ll be happy to walk you through it.

Maybe a Global Entry Card was just the extra push you needed to take that vacation to Tahiti you always dreamed of! Take a moment to peruse our incredible Travel Specials or contact one of our Specialists via Phone or Email to help you plan a vacation that suits you perfectly. Travel is more affordable than you think, especially when you’ve got one of our Seasoned Destination Specialists on the case, and remember…. it doesn’t cost you anything to use a travel agent!