TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which Trusted Traveler Program Suits You Well?

If you are a constant flyer or a once-in-a-while traveler, you must have faced that sinking feeling at the airport? You are sprinting through the airport, desperately watching the clock tick down, knowing that your flight is minutes from closing the departure gates. Meanwhile, you are stuck in a never-ending security line, struggling to untangle your laptop from its case, and fumbling with your shoes and belts.

And if not this, all of us have faced a scenario; you landing at the airport after a long, tiresome journey, only to be met by a soul-crushing line at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This queue can sometimes be so long that it can make you regret your decision to leave the country in the first place. However, if both of these scenarios sound familiar to you, then you have landed on the right page. 

You must have heard of the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs), a set of government-sponsored initiatives designed to provide safety and speed back your travel experience. These programs are not only for the elite members, but for anyone who is willing to fly either domestically with or internationally with any airline.  In these programs, two names dominate the conversation. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. 

Passengers always get confused over these two programs, not knowing their benefits, rules, and needs. Here, we provide a distinct comparison of the two U.S. Government programs: TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry. We will guide you through their basics and help you determine which one to choose. Let’s dive in.

What Are Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs)?

Before starting to explore the TSA PreCheck and the Global Entry, let’s learn in brief about the bigger picture. The United States government operates various TTP programs designed to enhance national security while streamlining the experience for low-risk, pre-approved travelers. These programs help passengers sidestep the long security and customs wait lines for both domestic and international travel with any of the reputable airlines, including  Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. 

In this, two names always come into play: the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. These programs act as a VIP pass for the travelers that provide them with special queues and a seamless screening process at the airports. 

• TSA PreCheck: Your immediate pass to breeze through the airport security screening before you board your flight.

• Global Entry: It will be your ticket to pass through the U.S. Customs and Immigration lines when arriving from an international trip. 

“Now, let’s learn about the TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry, and check which is better for you!”

TSA PreCheck: The Domestic Travel Game-Changer!

TSA PreCheck is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is solely focused on improving your experience before you board your domestic or international outbound flight. This program is beneficial for the passengers whose itinerary primarily focuses on flying within the United States. Here are the benefits and rules for a TSA PreCheck that you need to learn before applying for it. 

The Core Benefits Of TSA PreCheck

How do you feel after seeing that TSA Pre✓® mark printed on your boarding pass? Do you feel happy knowing that you can literally skip the long security lines and breeze through the airport that you have always dreamed of? Or do you feel excited about the thought of a quicker and more convenient travel experience that allows you to spend more time at your gate or enjoying a coffee before your flight? 

Well, the TSA PreCheck will provide you with various benefits and provide you with seamless security checks. Whether you have laptops in checked bags or are wearing an overcoat, you no longer need to remain standing in that never-ending line for security screening procedures. 

• Keep Your Shoes On: Say no to that clumsy hopping on one foot to get your sneakers off at the airport during the security screening process. With TSA Precheck, you can keep your shoes on while completing your screening procedures. 

• Laptops Stay Put: Travelers can leave their electronics, including laptops and tablets, securely inside their bags. No more struggling to pull out and repack five devices.  

• Liquids Remain Stowed: The TSA PreCheck will also benefit you in carrying liquids in a carry-on bag, with compliance with the 3-1-1 rule. 

• Belts Stay Buckled: Passengers do not have to remove their belts, as a TSA PreCheck will simplify the re-dressing process post screening. 

• Dedicated Lines: You can also use a dedicated TSA PreCheck security line for a faster process. It is to be noted that not every airport has this dedicated queue; to inquire prior to your boarding date. 

These perks will significantly reduce your time in the security line from 30-60 minutes to often less than 10 minutes, making it convenient for passengers to fly to their dream destination without struggling to keep up the pace. 

The Cost & Application Process For A TSA PreCheck

After knowing the advantages of the TSA PreCheck service, you might be curious to know about the cost to enroll for this program and the step-by-step guidance for the application process, isn’t it? So, here is complete info about the TSA Precheck membership cost & application. 

• Cost: The application fee to apply for a TSA PreCheck is currently around US $ 78 to US $ 85 for 5 years (5-year program). This fee depends on the enrollment provider, including IDEMIA or Telos. This fee is non-refundable and covers all the costs of your background checks and administrative processing. 

• Validity: A TSA PreCheck Membership lasts for 5 years.

• Application Process: Here’s a step-by-step process on how you should apply for the TSA PreCheck security program online. 

• Complete a short online application form. 
• Schedule and attend a quick in-person appointment at one of the enrollment centers. This includes a 10-minute session, including fingerprinting and document verification. 
• Once your documents are approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This KTN must be added to your reservation every time you book a flight on any airline, such as Spirit Airlines or JetBlue.

(Note: It is to be noted that the approval process for this program is generally quicker than the Global Entry program, which takes only a few days to a week after your visit.)

The Global Entry: The Ultimate International Advantage!

The Global Entry program is managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and is the premium program designed to expedite your entry back into the United States after traveling abroad. This is where your international travel efficiently is truly maximised. 

The Core Benefits Of Global Entry

If you fly often with international airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, or more, then this is to inform you that the Global Entry is an absolute must-have for you. The program comes with various benefits, including, 

• Speedy Customs Clearance: When arriving at any of the major U.S. airports from your international journey, you can avoid standing in huge wait lines for customs and immigration by using the Global Entry Program. You can seamlessly proceed to a special automated Global Entry kiosk line or use your Mobile Passport Control app in select places.

• Automated Kiosk Processing: At the kiosk, you scan your machine-readable passport, provide a fingerprint (or facial recognition on some specific (New) terminals), or answer some quick customs questions, and receive a transaction receipt.

• Faster Re-Entry: This process reduces the time it takes to clear U.S. Customs, which can frequently exceed an hour during peak travel times.

• TSA PreCheck Included: This is the most famous benefit of Global Entry, which includes a TSA PreCheck. Your Global Entry membership automatically grants you access to all the TSA PreCheck perks for your domestic and outbound international flights. 

The Cost & Application Process For A Global Entry Program

The application process for Global Entry is more lengthy and complex, reflecting the higher level of permissions and the multiple benefits it offers to approved travelers. This program is designed for expedited entry into the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Keep reading to learn about the cost and step-by-step procedure to apply for this program. 

• Cost:  The application fee to apply for Global Entry is US $ 100 for a five-year membership.

• Validity: A Global Entry Membership lasts for 5 years.

• Application Process: You can check the application process for the Global Entry program below:-

• Fill out the online application form in detail by visiting the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website, i.e., https://ttp.dhs.gov/ 
• Pay the non-refundable application fee (discussed above).
• Wait for the conditional approval. (It might take several weeks to even months to get approval for a global entry program.) 
• Once, get the approval, you can schedule an in-person interview with a CBP office, which is mandatory for the travelers. Enrollment centers are located at various participating airports in the US. 

NOTE: You can use an Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) if you have a conditional approval, and complete your interview whenever you land at a participating US airport after an international flight. It helps you avoid the need for a separate appointment. 

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: A Comparison To Help You Decide!

The TSA Precheck and Global Entry help passengers save their precious time and skip the stress of waiting in long airport lines, but which one should you choose? Both programs are designed to make your journey smoother, yet they offer different perks and benefits, depending on how you travel. 

If you mostly fly within the US, a TSA PreCheck might be all you need, but if you plan to travel internationally, Global Entry could be a smarter choice, offering faster customs clearance when you return home. But, no worries! We will help you choose the best by breaking down their benefits, costs, and the rules & regulations in the table below. 

Feature	TSA PreCheck	Global Entry
Administering Body	TSA (Transportation Security Administration)	CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
Main Benefit	Expedited security screening at U.S. airports for departing flights & special screening lines	Includes PreCheck benefits + expedited U.S. customs/immigration upon return from international travel
Focus on	Domestic travellers	International travellers (returning to the U.S.)
Documents Required	Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Passport, etc.)	Passport (Required for the application process)
Benefits For Children & Minors	Children under 12 may use the PreCheck lane with a parent if the parent is enrolled	Children must have their own membership to use Global Entry lanes
Cost (5-year membership)	Approximately US $76-85 (Non-refundable)	Approximately US $100-120 for 5 years (includes PreCheck) (Non-refundable)
Destinations Served	600+ in many U.S. cities	Fewer locations (100+), often airports
Application complexity	Online + in-person appointment (fingerprints)	Same + full interview at an enrollment centre (often airport)

Which Is Better, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?

Choosing between the two programs, i.e., TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry, depends heavily on your travel habits and the destination you are flying to. Here are some simple tips that will help you choose the best option for yourself. Let’s get started!

Passengers Should Choose A TSA PreCheck If:-

• Your regular flying routes are within the US, i.e., New York, LA, or Chicago. 
• If you prioritise a quick security line but rarely deal with international re-entry customs lines. 
• If you need the fastest approval, a TSA PreCheck program is beneficial for you, as it has a quicker turnaround time for approvals. 
• If you do not possess a passport, you can show any other ID to get a TSA PreCheck. 

Passengers Should Choose A Global Entry If:-

• If you travel internationally at least once every four years. 
• If you are a dedicated globetrotter or a business traveler whose flights regularly include international carriers like KLM Airlines, Singapore Airlines, or Air France, etc.
• If you need maximum services in just one tab, you can opt for the Global Entry program, which also provides you with perks that come with TSA PreCheck. 

Answers To Passenger’s Queries!