Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are two different US government “Trusted Traveler Programs” that allow travelers to minimize potentially lengthy airport delays. Which of these programs is the better choice for you depends in part on where you travel, says travel expert Christopher Elliott. Here’s how to choose…
| TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | |
| Run by… | US Transportation Security Administration | Department of Homeland Security |
| Available at… | 200+ US airports | Major US airports on international flights; it also includes TSA PreCheck |
| Speeds Up… | Security screening | Security screening and US Customs |
| Enrollment Centers in the US | Approx 600 | Approx 100 |
| Requirements | Background check…in-person interview | Background check…in-person interview |
| Timeline for approval | Weeks or a bit longer | Months |
| Initial Cost | $77.95 to $85 for five years | $120 for five years |
| Renewal Cost | $68.95 to $78 for five years | $120 for five years |
| Best For… | People who rarely or never travel abroad | People who travel abroad or plan to do so |
| Contact Info | TSA.gov/precheck | CBP.gov |
Run by the US Transportation Security Administration, TSA PreCheck gives travelers access to speedier security lines at more than 200 US airports. Travelers on these lines don’t (usually) have to take off their shoes and belts or remove their laptop computers or small containers of liquids from their baggage. A recent report found that approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck travelers experienced airport security delays of less than 10 minutes. Children can join parents who are enrolled in the program in TSA PreCheck lines.
Travelers must pass a background check that includes a brief in-person interview conducted at any of about 600 enrollment centers. The entire process often takes just a few weeks, though sometimes takes longer. The price is between $77.95 and $85 for a five-year membership, depending on which of the TSA’s three partner organizations the applicant opts to enroll through. Renewal costs between $68.95 and $78. (Visit TSA.gov/precheck for more details including links to the partner organizations.)
Run by the Department of Homeland Security, Global Entry gives international travelers access to an expedited customs screening process when they fly into many major US airports on international flights. Enrollees in Global Entry also receive TSA PreCheck membership, described above.
Travelers must pass a background check that includes an in-person interview for this program as well. The Global Entry interview must be conducted at one of approximately 100 enrollment centers—would-be enrollees sometimes endure long waits to land interview slots. The time required to get from application to approval has been decreasing, but it still tends to take several months, sometimes longer. The price currently is $100 for a five-year membership, but that’s slated to increase to $120 as of October 1, 2024. Renewal prices are the same as initial membership prices. (On CBP.gov, select “Global Entry” from the “Travel” pull down menu.)
If you rarely or never travel abroad, TSA PreCheck is likely the better choice—its price is slightly lower, its approval process is often speedier, and it has more enrollment centers to choose among.
If you travel abroad or expect to do so in the next five years, you’re probably better off with Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck as well as additional time savings for international travelers.
