Over the past month, I’ve been renewing my Global Entry and TSA PreCheck status. With increased immigration scrutiny at all borders, they’re more useful tools than ever. Both, part of the government sponsored Trusted Traveler programs, have been updated to provide even faster service at security checkpoints.
I am a frequent business and leisure traveler who gets impatient with lines. When I arrive at my destination, maybe like you, I am ready to go. I’m also concerned about security. That’s why I’m eager to try any enhanced security system that speeds the airport phase of travel. Fortunately, these programs are constantly refreshed and work better now than when I first joined them.
Read on to learn more about them.
How Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Are Different
The Department of Homeland Security runs Trusted Traveler programs. Five available options “provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improve security by being more efficient during screenings, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.” Check which program is right for you.
The primary difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck is that the former expedites immigration and customs for Americans traveling internationally, and the latter expedites security checks for Americans traveling domestically.
- Global Entry travelers enjoy: “… expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.”
- Global Entry participants use self-serve kiosks while others wait in long lines. That’s what I call entering the U.S. in an expedited fashion.
- TSA PreCheck benefits anyone traveling within the U.S. with separate, speedy TSA Security lines.
- Even better for families, with TSA PreCheck: “No need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets.” Another plus: your kids age 17 and under without TSA Precheck can go through the speedy PreCheck with you!
Trusted Traveler programs are not interchangeable. Global Entry pass holders get TSA PreCheck privileges automatically. TSA PreCheck members do not get expedited international immigration and customs clearance.
Trusted Traveler Status Is Like A Theme Park First in Line Pass
Imagine the thrill of whizzing past a long line of people waiting for CBP agents to review their passports when entering the U.S. Instead, officers direct Global Entry passholders to a line of kiosks. Despite the program having 13 million members, these kiosks are often almost empty. Insert the main page of your passport and take your photograph. It’s instantly compared to the file photo taken at the CBP office. At the most modern kiosks, you’ll walk away with your instant approval and head to Baggage Claim.
If something doesn’t quite work with the machine, you have First-on-Line status in the regular show-passport-to-Immigration queue, as well as at the Customs checkpoint.
Feel equally thrilled if your TSA PreCheck line is shorter than the regular TSA Security Line. At travel-savvy airports like LGA and SFO, however, most people are already enrolled in PreCheck. If lines seem long, you still whizz through without disrobing, removing your electronics, or scrambling for your toiletries. Trust me, that’s worth a lot!
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Application Process
The Global Entry program is currently open to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents with a passport and citizens of 20 other countries. Plan ahead. The Global Entry application process involves a lengthy online application and payment of a $120 fee. In good news for families, minors (under 18) with a legal guardian enrolled in the program do not have to pay the fee.
That process has been greatly accelerated if you’re already traveling internationally. CBP’s new Global Entry mobile app allows travelers to complete their entry processing on their phones before leaving the aircraft. Available at 78 locations, the app is available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Conditionally approved members may use the app and then use the Enrollment on Arrival option to complete their interview without a prior appointment upon returning to the U.S.
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck, as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS. If you don’t have any of those clearances, apply directly for TSA PreCheck. Use suggested providers, who arrange for fingerprints after your online application. They charge the basic $76.75 or more. Again, plan ahead so you have time for the paperwork.
Biometric Tools and Even Faster Security Checks for U.S. Travelers
The CBP recently announced its airport modernization enhancements. They say using biometric data is “allowing officers to focus on higher-risk travelers, which aligns with CBP’s national security mission.”
Expect to encounter Enhanced Passenger Processing at major airports. This involves photographing travelers using auto capture technology to provide a complete customs assessment (biometric confirmation, eligibility, enforcement) before they reach the CBP officer. It’s already in effect in Orlando, which received 57 million passengers last year. In more good news, the Brightline highspeed rail station is almost complete there!
Global Entry members now have Seamless Border Entry at select international gateways. The CBP explains that it uses Trusted Traveler Programs data plus “On the Move” technology so there’s minimal interaction with a CBP officer, depending on officer discretion.
New Mobile Apps For Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Members
CBP mobile apps are available through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, or by visiting the CBP Mobile Apps Directory. Here are a few ways to expedite your airport security process.
- CBP’s Global Entry mobile app allows travelers to complete their entry processing on their phones before leaving the aircraft. Currently, 78 airports accept it.
- Travelers arriving to the U.S. from Canada may also apply for NEXUS, a fee-based, voluntary program, designed to expedite CBP processing for vetted, low-risk trusted travelers at 12 land border locations and eight Canadian airports.
- Travelers who are not TTP members may use the Mobile Passport Control app for a fast and secure way to submit their passport and travel information in advance. MPC is available at 53 ports of entry, including 14 Preclearance locations and four seaports.
- Non-U.S. citizens eligible to enter under the Visa Waiver Program have the option of using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization mobile app to submit ESTA applications from their smartphones, mobile devices, or tablets.
Please note the CBP’s current disclaimer regarding entry to the U.S.:
“Whichever option is chosen to enter the United States, CBP reminds visitors they must meet legal requirements, have proper documents, undergo background checks and inspection, and adhere to visa terms. If statutes or visa terms are violated, travelers may be subject to detention and removal. A visa is a privilege, not a right, and only those who respect our laws and follow the proper procedures will be welcomed.”
Apply for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck If You Can
These are very handy tools in your travel toolkit. The PreCheck sure beats waiting in line with the kids to even begin your journey, the Global Entry helps you get home faster, and I believe they makes the air travel process safer for everyone.
If you family travelers are going to apply for Global Entry, remember — it works only for the individual with the Global Entry status. It does not take care of your family members, who would each need GE status to join you in this very efficient and forward-looking process. Note that minor children 18 years or younger are required to have parental or legal guardianship permission to apply.
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