Travel Tips Airport Info Global Entry VS TSA Precheck: Choosing a Trusted Traveler Program

Known Traveler, NEXUS, PreCheck: navigating global entry rules

December 16, 2022

Getting through airport security can be a long process. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) If you’re in the habit of showing up to the airport with little time to spare or you just hate tedious security screening, consider using a Trusted Traveler Program. If you’re not familiar with these programs, keep reading for a closer look at what’s offered.

Trusted Traveler Programs

These are programs specifically designed to expedite the security process. If you are a pre-approved member of one of the programs, you can move through screenings faster. Trusted Traveler Programs include:

  • Global Entry
  • NEXUS
  • SENTRI
  • TSA PreCheck
  • FAST

Some programs are specific to the mode of transportation, such as Free and Secure Trade (FAST), which applies to commercial drivers on the US/Mexico and US/Canadian borders. Others are specific to the way you are traveling, such as Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), which applies to only US/Mexico and US/Canadian land and air borders.

As people grow busier in their daily lives, programs like this that help save time have gotten much more popular. This year alone is expected to produce record numbers of applicants.

Trusted Traveler Programs go all the way back to the 90s and early 2000s when US Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) had the INS Passenger Accelerated Service System (INSPASS). This program would eventually evolve (as would the INS itself, transitioning into the Department of Homeland Security) to incorporate multiple options. The previously mentioned five are the result of various citizen needs and cooperation between countries.

When it comes to deciding which program might benefit you the most, take into consideration where you tend to travel and how often. Do you tend to fly internationally, or are your vacations and business trips more domestic? Are you a frequent traveler? Do you often fly with your family? The following programs show a range of options that could fit your habits.


What Is Global Entry?

Effective since March 2012, Global Entry aims to expedite the security process for low-risk travelers. The pilot version of this program, the International Registered Traveler program, launched in 2008 and included expansions of airports and eligible members, as well as name changes. This program is targeted toward international travelers who are returning to the United States.

These entry ports are not only in the United States—Global Entry also has international airports where membership applies. For example, Global Entry is accepted at Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates and Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport in Canada.

Benefits

If you regularly travel internationally, this could be a massive time saver. Not only will this speed up your process in the United States, but there are multiple airports around the world that will also accept this membership. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which means you won’t have to spend additional money on another program. As a two-in-one deal, Global Entry only costs $100 for a five-year membership.

Disadvantages

Unlike other programs, if you have Global Entry, everyone in your group needs to have Global Entry as well to use it. This impacts families the most, as children of all ages must have Global Entry. This would increase the cost of membership, as you would need an application for each person in the family. However, solo travelers don’t have to worry about this aspect.

Another disadvantage might be the effort it takes to apply. The following steps need to be taken in order to complete a Global Entry Application:

  • Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account
  • Complete the online application and pay the non-refundable $100 per applicant
  • After review and conditional approval, you’ll have to set up an interview (one per applicant)
  • Bring your passport and additional form of identification to the interview

Some potential documents you may be asked to provide in addition include:

  • Proof of citizenship
  • Proof that you are allowed to enter the United States
  • Permanent Resident Card (if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States)
  • Valid driver's license
  • Proof of residency at current address (such as a utility bill)

According to the Global Entry help site, you will need the following information for your application:

  • An email address
  • Address history for the past five years
  • Employment history for the past five years
  • International travel history for the past five years
  • Court documents (if you have ever been convicted of a crime other than a traffic violation)
  • Vehicle information (if driving from Mexico into the United States)
  • A phone number
  • Documentation to prove any other citizenships (if applicable)

With all of the information needed to apply, Global Entry is definitely a time-consuming process. In addition, processing could take over 90 days. However, if you spend the time now, you could save it later—especially if you travel frequently or at least more than once a year.

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What Is TSA PreCheck?

If you are not much of an international traveler, you might want to consider TSA PreCheck instead. This is a domestic program, so there are no other countries where this would apply. Opened in 2013, TSA PreCheck has over 10 million members throughout the United States.

Benefits

With this program, you’ll be able to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on while passing through security. In addition, your laptop and liquids can stay in your bag. This can drastically reduce the time you spend in the screening process. Leave the not-so-good old days of long lines, shoe bins, and dirty airport-floor socks in the past. According to the TSA, 93% of TSA PreCheck members waited less than five minutes.

In addition, finding TSA PreCheck-approved locations is easy. Just check the official TSA map to see if your regular destinations are in the circuit of airports—there are more than 200 participating airports nationwide.

In contrast to Global Entry, if you are traveling with a family, there are fewer restrictions on who can pass with you. Children 12 and under are fine without registering, though you’ll need to get them registered once they turn 13.

Disadvantages

As stated before, this is only a domestic program, so it may not be worth the money if you travel internationally as well. Costing $85 for a five-year membership, you are saving $15 dollars in total. Based on your own travel habits, be it international or entirely domestic, you can decide if one option is more worth it than the other.

Similar to Global Entry, there is a multi-step application process:

  • Submit your online application and schedule an appointment at an enrollment center
  • Have a 10-minute in-person meeting, which includes taking fingerprints for a background check
  • Wait for your application to be approved, then use your Known Traveler Number to travel with TSA PreCheck

You will also have to bring some required documents to your appointment. Depending on where you live and your resident status, you may have different requirements. Check on the TSA PreCheck website for more information on your specific situation. Wait time for approval could take between 3-5 days or as long as 90 days.


The Bottom Line on Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

Global Entry may be a better choice for people that often travel internationally and want to expedite their return to the United States. This program also has “entry ports” at different airports around the world, so it can benefit travelers on outbound flights as well.

TSA PreCheck is a domestic program that can only be utilized when traveling within the U.S. Since the five-year membership cost is slightly less expensive than a five-year Global Entry membership, this might be a better choice for someone that knows they won’t be traveling internationally.

Keep in mind that Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, which means you can get a two-in-one deal for a slightly higher price.


An Overview of Other Popular Trusted Traveler Programs

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are two of the most well-known Trusted Traveler Programs, but they are not the only programs used by travelers in the U.S. Below, you will learn more about NEXUS and CLEAR, both of which support more efficient traveling experiences.

What Is NEXUS?

This program is designed for people who frequently travel between the United States and Canada. As a joint program between both countries, NEXUS allows you to expedite border clearance for air, land, and sea travel each way.

The original pilot program was initiated in 2000 between the US and Canada. It halted following 9/11, though it would resume the following September as a part of the Smart Border Declaration. Since then, NEXUS has grown to over a million users, including members from both sides of the border (as well as Mexican nationals who are members of the Mexican trusted traveler’s program).

NEXUS Benefits

If you often travel between Canada and the United States, this is directly targeted toward you. At $50, this is the cheapest of the Trusted Traveler Programs alongside FAST. Whether your purpose of visiting is for work, vacation, or visiting family, you can get to your destination (or home) faster with this program.

As with the other Trusted Traveler Programs, your membership lasts for five years. Once you get approved, you’ll be issued a radio frequency ID card that you can use when you travel to either country from the other. There are dedicated processing lanes, as well as access to NEXUS kiosks (in Canada) and Global Entry kiosks (in the United States). One especially nice perk is the ability to report your arrival.

Children under 18 can apply and, if eligible, be admitted without the $50 fee.

Disadvantages of NEXUS

This program only applies to travel between the United States and Canada. If you only really travel between the two, this might be worth it, but if you don’t have a regular reason to cross the border, you’ll have to weigh the worth.

The process is a little more complicated than the other programs as well. Since this is a binational program, both countries need to approve your application. This means the NEXUS application process will look like this:

  • Submit an online application and go through the registration process on the TTP site
  • Satisfy the eligibility criteria (including being admissible in both the US and Canada)
  • Pass risk assessments from both countries—at this point, you will be conditionally approved
  • Schedule an interview at a NEXUS center and complete the application process
  • Visit a designated center to have your iris captured

What documents you need to have on hand depends on your citizenship status and residency. Check your requirements on either country’s all-encompassing application information sites.

Is CLEAR a Trusted Traveler Program?

No. Though it is approved by the Department of Homeland Security, it is a privately owned company and not one of the DHS Trusted Traveler Programs. It is still a completely acceptable and, in many ways, beneficial program to go with if you decide not to use any of the former options.

With over 12 million members, 40 airports, and hundreds of partners, CLEAR can’t be written off solely because it’s privately owned. In addition to regular CLEAR, there is also the option of CLEAR Plus, which is an airport membership program allowing a faster security experience through designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints.

CLEAR Benefits

CLEAR operates on biometrics. This means that instead of using a passport, your face or fingerprints can be used in tandem with your boarding pass to get through ID verification. It’s also incredibly easy to sign up, and you can do it right at the airport. Though you’ll need to physically go to a CLEAR center to input your fingerprints, this does not require an appointment. You’ll only need to show up with a government-issued ID.

Price-wise, it may be more expensive than other programs mentioned, but you can also add up to three members of your family to your account for an additional $60 each. This could save money in the long run if your family is older than the designated limit for the other programs, where they would have to register with their own full-price account. Additionally, there are discounts for certain users, such as Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members.

CLEAR Disadvantages

Unfortunately, CLEAR does not come with TSA PreCheck, so unless you purchase it separately, you’ll still need to go through the screening process. Seeing as CLEAR is more expensive than Global Entry (which does already come with TSA PreCheck), you’ll be spending a bit more if you go with this option.


Improving Airport Efficiency

Finding the program that works best for you doesn’t have to be a hassle. Multiple online comparison tools and information sites can help you decide which, if any, would benefit you the most. We at The Parking Spot are here to help make your travel as hassle-free as possible.

For more advice on your travel experiences, download our app or join The Spot Club. You can earn points towards free parking and waived reservation fees. No one likes unnecessary time wasters, especially when you’re traveling. Just as airport security can be tedious and draining, circling parking lots can be incredibly frustrating. Take the next step toward timesaving and book with us today!

More Advice from Travel Tips by The Parking Spot

If you travel for business, take a look at the business travel advice collected from our veteran road warriors. You should also sign up for the Spot Club to be notified of sales and discounts.

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