Learn About Global Entry and TSA Programs

Understanding Global Entry and What It Does

Global Entry is a U.S. government program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows certain travelers to move through customs and immigration screening more quickly when returning to the United States. The program was created in 2004 to reduce wait times at airports for low-risk travelers while still maintaining security standards.

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When you participate in Global Entry, you receive a trusted traveler card that you can use at participating U.S. airports. At these airports, you use dedicated kiosks instead of waiting in the standard customs line. You scan your passport or card, answer a few questions on a touchscreen, have your photo taken, and then proceed through the process without needing to interact with a customs officer in most cases. The entire process typically takes only a few minutes.

The program currently has members from all 50 states and numerous countries. According to CBP data, Global Entry members process through customs and immigration significantly faster than standard travelers. On average, the process takes 5 to 10 minutes instead of 30 minutes to an hour during busy travel periods.

Global Entry works at more than 50 U.S. airports, including major hubs like Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Miami. The program also offers benefits at some preclearance locations in foreign countries, meaning you can clear U.S. customs before boarding your flight, arriving at your destination with no customs wait.

Practical takeaway: Global Entry provides a faster way through customs screening at U.S. airports by using dedicated kiosks and background verification instead of waiting in standard lines with all arriving passengers.

The TSA PreCheck Program Explained

TSA PreCheck is a security screening program managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Unlike Global Entry, which deals with customs when you return to the U.S., TSA PreCheck helps you move through domestic airport security checkpoints more quickly when you're departing on a flight.

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With TSA PreCheck, you can use expedited security lanes at participating U.S. airports. You keep your shoes, light jacket, and belt on while going through security. You can also leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on instead of removing them for inspection. These shortcuts reduce the time you spend in the security line, which is especially valuable during peak travel hours.

The TSA PreCheck program has grown significantly since its start in 2011. As of 2024, over 20 million people have enrolled in the program. The TSA operates PreCheck enrollment centers at more than 380 locations across the country, including some airports, post offices, and other facilities.

TSA PreCheck works at nearly 200 U.S. airports and on participating domestic flights from U.S. airlines. Major carriers like American, Delta, United, and Southwest all participate in the program. When you check in for your flight, you provide your known traveler number (KTN), which signals to the airline that you're a TSA PreCheck member.

The benefits are notable: TSA reports that PreCheck members can reduce their security screening time from an average of 20-30 minutes to just 5-10 minutes. This time savings adds up over multiple trips throughout a year.

Practical takeaway: TSA PreCheck streamlines domestic airport security screening by allowing you to keep certain items on and use faster security lanes, reducing wait times at the checkpoint.

Comparing Global Entry and TSA PreCheck: Key Differences

While Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are often discussed together, they serve different purposes and cover different parts of your travel journey. Understanding these differences helps you decide which programs may be useful for your travel patterns.

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TSA PreCheck focuses on your departure experience. It addresses the security screening process at U.S. airports when you're leaving the country or traveling domestically. Global Entry focuses on your arrival experience when returning to the United States. It addresses customs and immigration screening when you land back at a U.S. airport after international travel.

The costs differ as well. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for a five-year membership, depending on the enrollment location and any promotional pricing. Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership. Some credit cards offer reimbursement for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fees as a cardholder benefit, which can reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket cost.

Coverage also varies by travel type. TSA PreCheck covers all domestic U.S. flights regardless of destination. Global Entry covers international travel to the U.S. from anywhere in the world, as well as some preclearance locations. If you travel mostly domestically, TSA PreCheck provides more regular benefit. If you travel frequently internationally, Global Entry provides more regular benefit.

There is also a relationship between the programs: if you enroll in Global Entry, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck benefits. This means a Global Entry membership covers both your departure security screening and your return customs screening. However, if you only enroll in TSA PreCheck, you only get the departure security screening benefits.

The enrollment process differs too. TSA PreCheck involves an online application followed by a quick in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Global Entry requires an online application and an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment office, typically at an airport, which involves more detailed background questioning.

Practical takeaway: TSA PreCheck speeds up domestic departure security, Global Entry speeds up international arrival customs, and Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

How to Understand the TSA PreCheck Enrollment Process

The TSA PreCheck enrollment process is designed to be straightforward. Here are the steps involved in understanding how the process works.

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First, you complete an online application on the official TSA PreCheck website. This application collects information about your background, including your personal details, residency history, criminal history, and immigration status. The application takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. After submitting the application online, you receive instructions to schedule an in-person appointment.

Second, you attend a brief in-person appointment at one of the TSA's enrollment centers. These centers are located at airports, post offices, and other locations throughout the country. During your appointment, you bring required documents such as your valid passport or driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and your Social Security card. The enrollment agent verifies your information, takes your fingerprints digitally, and takes a new photograph for your TSA PreCheck card.

The in-person appointment typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. The TSA conducts background checks on all applicants before approving membership. This background check includes fingerprinting and a review of your criminal, immigration, and traffic history. Most people receive approval within days or weeks, though some cases may take longer if additional information is needed.

Once you're approved, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is a nine-digit code that you enter when booking airline tickets. You can start using your KTN immediately on flight bookings, even before your physical TSA PreCheck card arrives in the mail. When your card arrives, you can use it at enrollment centers if you ever need to renew or update your membership, though the KTN itself is what gives you the TSA PreCheck benefit at airport security.

Your TSA PreCheck membership lasts five years. When your membership approaches expiration, you can renew it by going through a similar but often faster process, as the TSA already has your background information on file.

Practical takeaway: The TSA PreCheck enrollment involves an online application, an in-person appointment with document verification and fingerprinting, background checks, and then receiving a Known Traveler Number to use when booking flights.

How to Understand the Global Entry Enrollment Process

Global Entry enrollment is more detailed than TSA PreCheck enrollment because it involves an international customs and border security component. Understanding this process helps you know what to expect if you decide to pursue membership.

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First, you complete an online application through the official Global Entry website or through an expedited program such as Trusted Traveler Programs. The application asks detailed questions about your background, travel history, residence history, criminal and immigration history, and employment information. This application is more comprehensive than the TSA PreCheck application and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

Second, you pay the membership fee, which is $