Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Is Worth It?

global entryWe all want to speed through the long, unpleasant lines at airport security and customs, but what can you do about it?

You might not realize it, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has more than one program designed to expedite your trip though the airport. Trusted Traveler options include: FAST, FLUX, NEXUS, SENTRI, SES, Smart Gate and STEP. The TSA also offers TSA PreCheck.

That’s a lot of acronyms! Let’s break which ones matter for you and which ones don’t. FLUX, SES and Smart Gate all apply to frequent travelers to/from the Netherlands, Korea, and Australia. New Zealand has a similar program that’s missing the catchy name. These programs expedite and secure international travel with an automated border passage program. For North America, the State Department also has the NEXUS and SENTRI programs, which apply to border crossings between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico, both by land and sea.

The good news is, members of those programs can also participate in Global Entry. Global Entry helps you clear U.S. Customs and Border patrol faster regardless of where you are traveling from. The program is designed for low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arriving arrival into the United States. To receive Global Entry, you must submit an application that includes an in-person interview, background check, and fingerprinting. Once you pass, Global Entry members can then skip the lines at Customs and Border Protection and instead use touch-screen kiosks in the arrivals area of airports.

tsa-great-day-to-flyThat helps at customs, but what about the lines at security when you get to the airport? Here’s where TSA’s PreCheck program enters the game. Qualified flyers go through an expedited TSA security line, where they don’t have to remove their shoes, belts, coats, and laptops. Initially you had to have frequent-flyer status or be a member of a Trusted Traveler program (so if you have Global Entry you have PreCheck) to qualify for the program. But starting in September, you can apply online to be eligible for its expedited PreCheck program.

Should travelers invest in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck? How do these programs compare? Let’s break it down:

What the Programs Offer

Global Entry members skip the lines at Customs and Border Protection and instead use touch-screen kiosks in the arrivals area of airports. Global Entry members are automatically eligible to the TSA PreCheck program at no additional fee.

With TSA PreCheck, qualified flyers go through an expedited TSA security line, where they don’t have to remove their shoes, belts, coats, and laptops.

Fees

Global Entry has a $100 fee that must be paid when you send in your application.

TSA PreCheck has a $85 fee that must be paid online.

The Application Process

Global Entry starts with an online application, which if approved results in an in-person interview where a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer asks questions, take a photo, and scans fingerprints.

TSA PreCheck requires an online application. Then you are required to verify your identity and provide fingerprints at a TSA PreCheck and enrollment center.

How Long Is My Membership Active?

Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry memberships are valid for five years.

Airports

There are currently 58 airports in the Global Entry program, including outposts in Canada, Guam, and Ireland.

TSA PreCheck is currently available at more than 150 airports across the U.S. Participating airlines include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways, Sun Country, US Airways, Air Canada, and Virgin America. Click here to see where TSA PreCheck security lanes are available.

Access Granted & When/Where it Works

Global Entry allows expedited customs screenings 100 percent of the time at eligible airports.

Even if an airport offers a PreCheck lane, TSA PreCheck doesn’t apply 100 percent of the time. Even those who are approved may still be subject to random screenings and not have access to the expedited line.

So how should you invest your travel dollars? Well, for $15 more than the cost of PreCheck you can get access to all the benefits that come with Global Entry, so why not spend a little more to get a lot more?

For more information on these programs, check out:

By Lily J. Kosner for PeterGreenberg.com