Which Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) Is the One For You?

There are two main trusted traveler programs are run by our federal government. TSA Precheck and Global Entry let you go through special security lanes at the airport, which usually means faster and less intrusive screening. If you are anything like me,  then these programs are lifesavers and assist you in catching flights! Below we will examine them and others to see which is right for you.

TSA Precheck

To get TSA PreCheck you must pass a background check. The government is checking to see if you are considered “low risk.” Once you pass, you are issued a “known traveler number.” That number is to be used when making reservations with airlines. Add it to all of your loyalty accounts. If you print a boarding pass and it’s not there, go to counter to add the number and reprint them. There should be a little logo that allows you to zip past security by keeping your belt and shoes on, electronics and liquids can stay in the carry-on.

Note: each airport has its own rules. I recently experienced TSA PreCheck being closed after 9 pm for my 11 pm flight. All of my slip “rush through the line” perks were denied. Don’t be surprised if for any reason it’s not acknowledged at some airports.

Global Entry

Global Entry includes TSA Precheck and its benefits but also gives you expedited customs screening when traveling internationally. Once you return to the U.S., you use a kiosk instead of standing in line for an agent. It also includes expedited processing at land borders with Mexico and Canada. So you skip lines domestically and internationally! This is very important when you are coming from another country and have a connecting flight.  I missed a flight home due to the customs line that was extremely long in Miami and had to stay in the airport with my friends overnight.

Comparison and Differences

Both programs have fees TSA PreCheck ($85) and Global Entry ($100) and last five years. Both fees are non-refundable whether you are approved or not. They require interviews at a local office and do background checks where the government will have access to your fingerprints, photo, and information the government would not normally have “given” to it. Global Entry has fewer locations so your interview for it may be scheduled out far. You’re skipping the line and speeding through security quicker than regular lines. The difference between them is they are operated by different government agencies. TSA PreCheck is operated by US Transportation Security Administration and Global Entry is run by US Customs and Borders Protection. TSA PreCheck is only for domestic travel and may not be in every airport. Global Entry should be available at all international airports and ones that accept international flights. You MUST have a passport for Global Entry. Kids 12 and younger can travel with TSA PreCheck with a parent/guardian. I’ve also noticed that’s if I book vacations with me and my friends and I’m the primary traveler, that they will get TSA PreCheck with me on their boarding pass.  EVERYONE including children must have their own PASSID for Global Entry. There’s no piggybacking with Global Entry.

Other TTP’s

There are other programs that are seen in the airports but they are governed by either foreign governments or private companies. Nexus is Global Entry but it’s to enter Canada. Sentri is Global Entry but for only Mexico. Clear is privately owned and is normally the white kiosk that is by TSA PreCheck. It is like our phones and uses biometrics to confirm identities. Although you get to security quicker, you will take off shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, etc. Clear can also be found at concerts or sporting events where you can skip the lines there too. It’s a little expensive though. $180/ year vs every 5 years for  TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Which one should you choose out of the two main TTP?  If you mainly do domestic travel and are not worried about international travel then TSA PreCheck is the one for you. If you are by a Global Entry interview location and travel outside of the country often then go for Global Entry since it has TSA PreCheck included and it’s only $15 more. If you’re like me and pack last minute, get to the airport later than expected, normally running behind, then get either but just get it!