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If you are going to be traveling a few times per year, no doubt you will want to make the process more enjoyable. One of the ways to do this is to cut down on the time you spending waiting while traveling. Reduced wait times can come in multiple different forms, most commonly TSA precheck and global entry. In today’s Wanderlust Wednesday post, you will learn the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Let’s start with WHY this is important

Several years ago on a trip to Panama we were connecting back through Miami on our way home. Our flight landed at the same time as about 10 other international flights. Our 90 minute connection was not even close to enough so we got stuck in Miami on the way back into the US. The waiting was so stressful knowing our flight was going to leave without us.

However when we landed in LAX coming back from New Zealand (our most recent ex-US trip), there was a long customs line. But thankfully we both have Global Entry so it took less than 15 minutes to get through. Then we were off to the lounge to relax. Quite different from our Panama experience.

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Difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. This costs $85 for a five year membership. This allows you to not have to remove electronic devices from your bag, keep your shoes on, and leave your 3-1-1 liquids in your bag as well.

Not surprisingly, this usually makes things go a lot faster in line as people aren’t having to take their stuff out. The TSA reported in January that the average wait time for TSA Pre-Check was 5 minutes.

Global Entry provides the TSA PreCheck benefit plus expedited US customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry costs $100 for a five year membership. If you are interested in Global Entry must apply through the Trusted Traveler Program website.

If you glossed over that paragraph:
Global Entry = TSA PreCheck (fast security) + expedited entry back into the US

Global Entry is only $15 more than buying TSA PreCheck alone and it lasts 5 years so it is totally worth it to go straight for Global Entry.

Logistics for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

When considering the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, another important piece is the in person interview. Not all airports/cities have enrollment centers. Just because your city is not one on the list, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Instead you need to be creative.

When I originally applied for TSA PreCheck (because I didn’t know that I should get Global Entry instead), I went to the Salt Lake City airport, where I am located. There I did a walk-in appointment after a flight.

However, for Global Entry, the wait times in Salt Lake City were several months. So I looked at my travel schedule over the next month and realized that I was going to be in Albuquerque and Albuquerque had a Global Entry enrollment center. I scheduled my appointment in Albuquerque around my already planned travel and was able to get this done faster.

Another important piece of logistics is how you are going to pay for either of these options. Many credit cards offer this as a benefit. I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which gives this as a benefit every 5 years (conveniently the exact duration of your membership). Check with your credit card company to determine if this is one of your perks before you pay out of pocket.

What other questions do you have about the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry? Let me know in the comments! Looking for other travel tips? Check out some flights tips from a frequent flyer here.

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