Happy Travel Tuesday everyone! Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from readers about TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry. Use this post as your guide to TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry so you understand the differences between the two and can easily decided which option might be best for you! I’ll be making sure to update this post on a regular basis so you have the most current information at your finger tips! Your Guide to TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry
TSA Pre-Check
TSA Pre-Check is $85 and 200+ airports in the U.S. participate in the program, including the 30 busiest airports in the nation. No more taking off your shoes to go through airport security! The most noticeable difference by being part of this program might be that you can finally just leave them on when using TSA Pre. Additional perks include leaving on light outerwear and jackets, belts, and keeping laptops and small liquids in your bag.
Essentially, it makes having carry-on luggage a breeze as you won’t have to take everything you carefully packed out as you go through security.
Please note: TSA Pre-Check is only a U.S. Program. Therefore, if you are at an international airport outside the U.S., you will have to wait in the normal security line with everyone else.
Additionally, you MUST add this feature to your airline profile, or during the booking process. Many airlines will allow you to do this online, but you can also call the airline to have your number added to your reservation. Otherwise, you will not be ticketed with a TSA Pre-Check ticket and will be forced to wait in the general security line. Therefore, before traveling, make sure you add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation to ensure you have access to TSA Pre-Check.
You can also add this to your frequent flyer accounts so it will be automatically included when you book your flights.
To apply, and to answer any lingering questions you still might have, check out this site!
Global Entry
Global Entry is $100 and includes TSA Pre-check, so if you think there is a chance you might fly internationally in the next few years, I’d highly suggest you apply for this program rather than simply TSA Pre. For those who frequently travel overseas, you know how difficult (read: time consuming and annoying) it can be for an international traveler to get through customs upon arrival. To lessen the painful wait, the U.S. government created a program called Global Entry that gives pre-approved clearance to low-risk travelers entering the United States.
Currently, this program is one of the five available Trusted Traveler Programs. All programs except TSA Pre-Check are governed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection unit. As its name implies, TSA Pre-Check is managed by the Transportation Security Administration.
Applying for Global Entry is a little bit of a process and can be lengthy, but it’s totally worth it. I suggest you refer to the Global Entry website to make sure you have all the required documents before you begin your application.
The four steps to get approved are:
- Create a Login.gov account (here)
- Complete the application and pay the $100 fee. Just FYI, so there credit cards which will reimburse you for this cost. See the list of participating cards here.
- Schedule your security interview once you’re conditionally approved, you will be prompted for this step, at one of the Enrollment Centers.
- Bring your passport (or permanent resident card) and one other form of ID to the in-person interview. It’s also a safe idea to bring a print out of your conditional approval letter.
Because Global Entry does take a while to get accepted into, I suggest you begin this process at least 3-4 months prior to your next International flight. This way, you’ll have time to be accepted and go through the interview process prior to your next flight.
In case your local international airport is booked WAY out for the interviews, or you do not live near an enrollment center, definitely check other nearby enrollment airports interview availability OR you can enroll upon arrival at airports in 25 U.S. states, plus Canada, the Bahamas, Abu Dhabi and Bermuda.
This service allows you to complete your Global Entry enrollment interview as part of the customs process when arriving at the airport after an international trip. In order to do take advantage of this, follow the signs in the airport for the “Enrollment on Arrival” lanes. Lastly, make sure that your flight will arrive during hours when ‘interviews upon arrival’ are being offered. This way you can complete your interview process on your return into the United States.
Remember that along with your Global Entry program approval, you’ll also get access to the TSA Pre-Check, which itself is valued at $85. Note that this card cannot be used in place of your passport! Always travel internationally with your passport on you.
Real ID & Global Entry
What is Real ID? Unlike Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check, Real ID is not a program that you can enroll in. Real ID refers to a law which passed after 9/11 to address security concerns with photo IDs and establish uniform standards. Beginning on October 1, 2020, Americans will need to present a photo ID that meets the Real ID Act’s standards in order to be allowed through a security checkpoint at an airport, federal facility or even nuclear power plant.
To acquire a Real ID, visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a Real ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.
TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry are great programs which will save you time clearing airport security and customs.However, even if you’re registered in one of these expedited security programs, you’ll still need a compliant Real ID when you travel, unless you carry your Global Entry card with you, which is a Real ID-compliant form of identification (btw, your TSA Pre-Check card is not!).
I hope you enjoyed this overview of TSA Pre vs Global Entry! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
Happy Travels!
XO,
Marissa
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