Confused about TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry? Wonder what the benefits are or what the difference is? Do you need both? Let me make it simple for you!
If you have been to an airport and are about to go thru security, you may have noticed these blue awnings that say TSA Pre-Check. And I'm sure you have also noticed a considerable difference in the length of the line compared to another security checkpoint close by. Well, that is not by accident. You see TSA Pre-Check is a security checkpoint reserved for people who went thru a vetted process and obtained a special clearance essentially. With that clearance, you can go thru security without having to take off your shoes, belt, or even jewelry in most cases.
The Process: The application process is very simple and costs $85. When you apply you will eventually get an email asking you to schedule an in-person interview and an airport listed. Make sure you show up on your scheduled date and time and I promise you, you will be in and out of there within 10 minutes. In a matter of days, you should receive an email with what is called a Known Traveler Number. You will add this number when booking flights going forward, and will be included on your boarding pass. And the best part, once you are approved, it is good for 5 years!
Click on this link to start the process! https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE! (classic infomercial line lol)
Now if you ever came back from traveling out of the country, you know you have to go thru border control like everyone else. Depending on the airport and time of day, in most cases, that line is going to be as long as those lines you see on TV from back in the day of immigrants arriving in America via Ellis Island lol. There is a way to avoid the hassle, headache, and frustration of that too with what's called Global Entry!
The Process: Now the cool thing is if you apply for Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check is included! The price is only $100 and it is also good for 5 years. This process is simple as well. You need to have a valid U.S. Passport to apply (you only needed a valid U.S. ID for TSA Pre-Check), and you will need to show up for a scheduled interview for this process as well. Once you interview and assuming you get approved, you will receive an identification card in the mail and you will travel with that card going forward...just stick it in with your passport holder and forget about it. In some instances, when you go to the Global Entry kiosks in some airports, it only asks for you to provide and scan your passport. The kiosk will provide a receipt for you to take up to a Customs Agent who will ask you a couple of questions and before you know it, you will be on your merry way!
Click on this link to start the application process! https://ttp.dhs.gov/
All of this is optional of course, but if you are an avid traveler or wish to become one, to me this is just as vital as obtaining a passport! As I mentioned earlier...if you value your time and wish to minimize the hassle, headache, and frustration that inevitably will happen when getting to and thru airport security, spend the $100 for Global Entry and go thru the process for this added luxury/convenience to your airport experience...Happy Travels!:)
Additional Note: Be advised that most travel credit cards provide a voucher for TSA Pre-Check and or Global Entry! So be sure to check with your credit card provider before you apply.
In addition, when checking into your flight the day before, if you download your boarding pass to your phone, and you do not see the TSA Pre-check along with the barcode, you will be denied! I am speaking from experience of course. You might assume the TSA Pre-Check or KTN will be tied into your name or passport but it is not. If you do not have those sweet words on your boarding pass you will have to go thru the regular security line like a schmuck!
Also, be aware when applying for Global Entry, that if you have a felony of any stature, you will likely be denied...still worth trying!✈
