With lines at airports getting longer, everyone is looking for a way to speed things up so they can be on their way. We’ve already talked about TSA Precheck, but have you considered Global Entry? If you fly internationally, Global Entry can be a great way to save time.
Global Entry, which is run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, helps speed up the process of entering the United States from foreign countries. If you are thinking about applying for a global entry membership, you may wonder what is Global Entry and how it differs from TSA Precheck. I recently went through the process and learned a little bit along the way when I applied for Global Entry.
The information listed here is for your convenience, and we make no representations for its current accuracy – always check the US Customs and Border Protection website for the latest and most accurate information. Things are always subject to change.
Things To Know About Global Entry: Traveling With Family
What is Global Entry?
The Global Entry program is a trusted traveler program. You’ll start your global entry application online, and then once you are conditionally approved, you’ll complete an in-person interview. The process also includes a background check.
Global entry is used to expedite clearance back into the United States from an international flight.
Will You Automatically Get Expedited Entry Into the US?
Global Entry does not guarantee a quicker entry into the US. Members might be selected at the border for further screening/examination. Of course, you apply hoping that you won’t be selected and that you will get a quicker entry, but it’s not a definite guarantee. I’ve been lucky to have received it every time I tried to use it, and it’s always been very quick.
Keep in mind too, that even if you go through customs quickly, you’ll still have to wait at baggage claim for your bags. There have been times when I got through customs and waited a while for bags.
So you don’t necessarily save time, especially if bags take a while to come out to the carousel. Sometimes it’s just a matter of waiting in one location rather than another. But if you are carrying on, you can skip the baggage claim area, saving time.
If you are traveling through an international airport that offers US preclearance (US customs onsite), you should still be able to go through the Global Entry line. I experienced that on recent trips through Toronto and through Bermuda.
You won’t be able to use it to get into other countries, however. So when you arrive at your international destination, you will have to wait through the regular line to enter that country, even if you’ve been approved for Global Entry.
How is Global Entry Different From TSA Precheck? Should I Choose Global Entry or TSA Precheck?
It can be easy to confuse these two trusted traveler programs. TSA Precheck is run by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration, part of the Department of Homeland Security) rather than the US Customs and Border Protection.
TSA Precheck is used when you go through a security line in the United States before you fly, while Global Entry is used once you arrive back on US soil.
If you are a Global Entry member, you can use that number as your known traveler number (KTN) when checking in to a flight in the US. That should give you access to the TSA Precheck line (unless you are chosen for additional screening).
However, you can’t use TSA Precheck for Global Entry. If you are a frequent international traveler, Global Entry is probably the best option because it can cover both.
It’s a good idea to add your KTN to any frequent flyer accounts that you have, so it will be on file. Then, when you check into your flight, it should already be there and will be applied.
I have both TSA Precheck and Global Entry, because I had signed up for TSA Precheck first. When my five years are up, I won’t end up renewing TSA Precheck since I won’t need it.
Despite having both, there have actually been times when I wasn’t chosen to go through the TSA Precheck line. That too isn’t a guarantee.
How Long Can Global Entry Take To Get?
First, you’ll start the application process online, and wait for conditional approval. Once you receive that, you can proceed to the next step. In most cases, you’ll need to go to a local airport for your Global Entry interview, and appointments can be booked well in advance.
In Boston, I made an appointment in January and wasn’t able to find availability for the appointment until May. By May, they were booked up for the whole year. If you are planning an international vacation, it’s best to start the process for each member of the family ASAP.
Locally, I’ve talked to families that have chosen to drive to a nearby state, rather than wait for an appointment in Boston. Definitely look at your options if you can’t find a quick appointment locally, especially if you need one for upcoming travel.
Once you complete your in-person interview, it doesn’t take long at all to get an answer. You’ll also receive a Global Entry card in the mail. You won’t necessarily need to show the card (I haven’t needed it yet) but it’s good to have with you. I love the idea of having another photo ID on me.
Note that it does expire after five years. Then, you’ll have to go through the process of renewing it, if you want to continue using your number.
Keep an eye on the experience so you are able to renew with plenty of time before your next international trip. Often, you won’t have to go in person to renew.
How Does Global Entry Work With Families?
If your kids want to use Global Entry, regardless of age, they’ll need to go through the process. Every single person needs their own number. Even babies need their own number.
This isn’t necessarily the case for TSA Precheck, where younger kids can go through TSA Precheck with their enrolled parents. There are no exceptions to this.
If you are traveling with family members who don’t have global entry, you may look to see if your airport participates in Mobile Passport. That’s what my family uses when we are all together.
There’s no chance of getting global entry if you don’t already have it – unlike TSA Precheck where some lucky non-members sometimes have it printed on their boarding pass.
So, is Global Entry worth it when traveling with family? It really does depend.
If you frequently travel, especially internationally, it may be worthwhile. If you only travel internationally on occasion, it may be best to just wait in line, or try the Mobile Passport app. It doesn’t work at every airport, but it’s completely free.
Your Credit Card May Cover Your Global Entry Membership Fee
Depending upon which credit cards you carry, you may find that your application fee for the program gets reimbursed. If that’s the case, it really can make it worthwhile. Check out this post to learn more about which credit cards cover the fee.
My fee was covered by my Chase Sapphire Card, while some American Express cardholders (including Platinum Card holders) will have their fees covered.
In most cases, it’s only going to cover the fee for the primary cardholder, but find out from your provider before applying. You’ll usually charge the application fee to the credit card and then will receive a statement credit. Because these things are subject to change, check with your credit card company first.
How Does Global Entry Work?
Once you are assigned a Known Traveler Number, you can use that when you check in to your flight. If you are a frequent flyer with a particular airline, you can also add it to your profile. That will assist with you being identified as a TSA Precheck flyer on your boarding pass.
To use Global Entry once you arrive at the US border, you’ll follow the signs at the airport. In general, these tend to point to much smaller lines, while the longer lines are generally for travelers who aren’t signed up for the program.
The process has varied and changed in recent years. Often, you’ll scan your face or fingerprints at a Global Entry kiosk, and then get verified in the system. From there, you’ll head to an agent. It’s a much quicker process than the standard line, and the line is typically much shorter.
Once you finish with the agent, you’ll be directed with the other passengers to the baggage carousels.
Do you have Global Entry?
