TSA Precheck and Global Entry are two essential services that any frequent traveller should have, whether they are crossing the nation or globetrotting. These services will significantly improve your airport experience. TSA Precheck and Global Entry both speed up dreaded airport procedures, with TSA Precheck guiding you through immigration. It's probably worth the little expense for them if you don't already have them and you travel at least a few times per year. Do you need Global Entry or TSA Precheck, though? Get both is the solution.

Describe Precheck.
TSA The Transportation Security Administration (TSAPreCheck )'s programme enables pre-approved travellers to go through accelerated security screening at airports. If you have Precheck, you will normally enter a different (and occasionally quicker) line than regular security. (Fun fact: According to NerdWallet, in June 2021, 97 percent of travellers who used TSA Precheck waited fewer than five minutes at airport security.) Precheck customers not only benefit from a shorter line, but they also get to keep their shoes on, their laptops, and correctly sized drinks in their bags.

There are a few restrictions. TSA officers have the right to request that you take off your shoes, liquids, and laptops for any reason. Additionally, TSA Precheck security lines may operate at different times than standard screening lines. TSA Precheck is not available on all airlines, despite the fact that many do. (The whole list is available here.) You must enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) into your travel reservation in order to use TSA Precheck. You can do this online using your airline's website or app, or in person at the airport check-in counter.

A five-year TSA Precheck membership is $78. Thereafter, you can renew for another year for $70. (A feature of many credit cards is that they will pay for TSA Precheck.) An added benefit: TSA Precheck members may accompany youngsters under the age of 12 without incurring additional membership fees.

Describe Global Entry.
Global Entry is a program run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service, and it allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to breeze through immigration upon landing in the U.S., no matter which airline you've flown. You can avoid the lengthy line of those who do not have Global Entry when you get closer to border control and head straight for a kiosk. A CBP officer will then call your name and admit you into the country after the system takes your photo and automatically processes your information. Since the procedure is largely automated and swift, there is rarely a line.

Global Entry costs $100 per year (many credit cards offer reimbursement for it as a member benefit) and is valid for five years, after which you'll need to apply for renewal. Additionally, it includes TSA Precheck, giving you the best of both worlds. But do note that you won't be able to bring children with you—they need to apply for Global Entry separately.

Do I require both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
If you travel domestically and internationally regularly, it's worth getting both TSA Precheck and Global Entry. The good news is that Global Entry comes with TSA Precheck—but TSA Precheck does not come with Global Entry. If you plan on traveling internationally once a year or so, it's likely worth paying the extra $22 for Global Entry to get both Global Entry and TSA Precheck. If you never travel internationally, you can save money and just apply for TSA Precheck.

Can I go through TSA Precheck with my Global Entry card?
Global Entry includes TSA Precheck, but you don't need to show the physical ID card you receive with Global Entry at airport security. To use TSA Precheck, you must enter your KTN into your airline reservation, and your boarding pass must designate that you've done so (look for something that says TSA Precheck on your paper or digital boarding pass). As for using that Global Entry card, CBP agents can request that you show it, but it's not very common for them to do so. For that reason, keeping it on you while you travel is a good idea. Plus, Global Entry cards count as a Real ID for airport security.

How long does it take to get Global Entry?
Unfortunately, there's no definitive answer. As of late 2022, there are delays in Global Entry processing, and CBP says that new applications may take more than 90 days to process. The application process includes filling out information online, paying the fee, and submitting your information for a full background check. (On that note, you may not be approved for Global Entry if you have a criminal record, or if you've had issues with immigration before.) Once you're conditionally approved, you'll have to go for an in-person interview, where they'll take your fingerprints. Because interview appointments can be hard to come by, you can also do your interview upon arrival at certain airports in the U.S. and abroad (full list here). After the interview, you might have to wait a few more days (or longer...) to be fully approved. Altogether, you might have to wait six to 18 months for Global Entry Approval.

TSA Precheck, on the other hand, moves a lot faster. You'll typically receive approval in about three weeks or so—and you can even apply at Staples. The process is similar, however, and includes an in-person interview with fingerprinting.