What are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry memberships?
- Abigail Gaston
- Mar 12, 2019
- 6 min read
With the amount of travel Jeff and I do annually, we decided to apply for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's TSA PreCheck with Global Entry. One year later, I am here to inform you of our experience with this airport and border protection approved membership, who I recommend it for, and why. But first, what is it?
Who is this program for?
Before moving forward, I figured an important starting point would be to identify who qualifies for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Membership is available for purchase, to those who meet the following requirements:
U.S. citizens or
U.S. nationals or
Lawful Permanent Residents
- and -
Individuals who are NOT past violators of transportation security regulations, or have disqualifying offenses.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a fee membership system that allows eligible, low-risk travelers to enjoy expedited security screening when traveling by air. It is a program monitored by the Transportation Security Administration.
What is Global Entry
Global Entry is an add-on to TSA PreCheck. It too is a pre-approved paid membership for low-risk travelers. However, the Global Entry extension allows you to receive expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Plus, there are Global Entry Kiosks at various partnering airports around the globe (see the full list of partnering airports).
How do I apply for TSA PreCheck and /or Global Entry?
TSA PreCheck application process takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes:
Go to tsa.gov/precheck
Click "Apply Now" and then enter and submit the required information.
Global Entry application process takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes:
Go to trusted-traveler-programs global-entry application website and fill in and submit the required information.
Note: If you wish to acquire a Global Entry membership, you need not apply for both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Just choose the Global Entry application option and if approved, you automatically are enrolled for TSA PreCheck.
What happens next?
For both TSA Precheck and Global Entry, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was submitted. With it, you will receive a member number. The member number will allow you to check the status of your application, and if approved, will be your PreCheck identification number.
The TSA website estimates the processing time-frame as 2 - 3 weeks. Within that time-frame, you should receive a pre-approval or denial reply. With the above said, Jeff and I received our pre-approvals within one week of submitting our application.
You are pre-approved, now what?
If your application is approved to move forward, you will receive an invitation to schedule an in-person interview with the Transportation Security Association at a location of your choosing. This is a manual scheduling by you and typically is scheduled at the nearest airport to your home.
All you need to do is login to your TSA PreCheck membership account (account created during the application process) and select the "schedule an appointment" option. You will be able to choose from any of the 380+ enrollment centers and can narrow the list down by location.
What do I need to bring to my in-person interview?
You must bring with you, proof of identification and citizenship. I recommend your US Passport; one document to prove it all.
What is the in-person interview like?
Like any appointment, I recommend you arrive a few minutes early so to not miss your appointment window. Once you arrive, sign in and wait to be called back for your in-person interview.
During your interview, you will undergo a criminal background check, complete your fingerprinting, as well as answer a few easy questions. This is when you will also provide your passport to the TSA officer for verification.
The TSA website informs you that the appointment time is a brief 10 minutes; however, Jeff and I were in and out in half that time.
Why is the TSA in person interview so quick?
Although it may seem a bit scary how quickly an interview is for a very high honor security membership, do note that the TSA, and all Government Securities, takes this program very seriously and only allows memberships for those who truly qualify.
The reason the in-person interview is so speedy is because during the time between submitting your application and being informed that you are "pre-approved," the US Transportation Securities Administration truly already completed a background check. I know I stated above that your background check is completed at the appointment; however, when you complete an application for this program, the TSA definitely looks into who you are and your background before pre-approving you. Think of it as double security! I am definitely OK with double security!
The in-person interview solely is to get your finger prints on record (an FBI requirement) and to ensure in person that you can provide proper identification of who you say you are in your application. There are also a few identification questions you must confirm in person. Rest assured that airport and border securities are taken very seriously for everyone's safety.
How much does each membership cost, how long does it last, and which should I get?
TSA PreCheck - $85.00
Global Entry - $100.00
Each membership lasts for 5 years. At the end of the 5 years, you have the option to renew or exit. Renewal cost is the same as the original, which equates to $17/year for PreCheck and $20/year for Global Entry - paid in full; $85 or $100 membership cost.
Jeff and I travel often; domestic and international. Therefore, $15 extra was a no-brainer for us. With that said, my personal opinion remains the same; for $15 additional, or $3 extra per year, you can become a Global Entry member. Global Entry definitely pays off when you are a globetrotter wandering around the world. However, even if you only travel internationally once per year, Global Entry pays off in the amount of time it saves you from standing in long lines. I do not know about you but the sooner I can get to the beach the better!
Why should I apply?
We have already discussed one huge feature of TSA PreCheck; speed through airport security. How you are able to speed through security is the key, however. So, what does the process consist of:
- Shorter lines because of less TSA PreCheck members compared to general public security lines and pre-screened security process.
- Ease through airport security checkpoints without removing any of the following (rules may differ at individual locations):
Shoes
Lap Tops, Tablets, Cell phones
Jackets and Belts
Liquids and Gels from Carry-On's
- Because of the above, which allows you to move through security at a faster rate, you may be able to arrive at the airport a little later than the common 'rule of thumb' 2 to 3 hours prior to departure.
*Bonus: If you have children (12 years of age and younger), only the parents need PreCheck! Children 12 years of age and under who are flying with adults who have TSA PreCheck automatically receive TSA PreCheck as well.
*Note: The small print states that just because you purchase the 5 year TSA membership, does not mean that you automatically receive TSA PreCheck each time you fly.
Despite paying for the fee, attending the interview, and being cleared and awarded TSA PreCheck membership, TSA has been known to not give TSA PreCheck each and every time. According to multiple TSA agents, a ratio of 1:10 is fairly accurate that you will not be awarded TSA PreCheck and you will have to undergo the normal security checkpoint process.
*Personal Testimony: As you know, Jeff and I have TSA PreCheck. This past December, we traveled to NYC with our 13 year old niece. As it turns out, her ticket printed with TSA PreCheck because it was purchased with two TSA PreCheck members' tickets. Now, this is just one instance and she is only 1 year over the 12 year old priority cut-off, but we were able to utilize our TSA PreCheck while traveling with our 13 year old niece and it was much appreciated.
- Global Entry -
We already know that adding Global Entry to your TSA PreCheck membership for only $15 extends your membership from domestic to international. However, an added bonus is that Global Entry allows you to use the "Fast Pass" line at border securities between the United States and Mexico and the United States and Canada.
How to use Global Entry Airport Kiosk
At airports, Global Entry members proceed to Global Entry kiosks
Once in front of kiosk, present members machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card by placing it face down on the designated screen to be scanned
Members will then place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification
Your photo will be taken
Complete a customs declaration questionnaire
Finally, kiosk will issues the traveler a transaction receipt
Proceed to baggage claim
Once luggage is obtained, proceed to customs agent with kiosk receipt
Additional Global Entry Programs Included:
NEXUS - Program that allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada via airport, motor vehicle, and marine ports of entry.
SENTRI - The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes into the United States at Southern land border ports (entering at border by car).
Travelers must be pre-approved for the SENTRI program (part of the Global Entry membership package).
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