Global Entry PreCheck-fast Pass At The Airport

How to get Global Entry in 5 easy steps

You don’t have to be rich or famous to bypass long lines at the airport or US customs. All you need is Global Entry giving you a fast pass at the airport. But the surprising thing is that 90% of travelers are still not taking advantage of this easy to access program, which can potentially save hours of time. In fact, by spending $100 which covers five years, you can save your precious time, not waiting in long customs and screening lines.

More than ever people want to travel, and when they begin traveling again there will be long lines. Here’s a secret: Global Entry and Precheck are the fast pass you need right now! So follow along and find out about this Fast Pass and important tips when applying.

Have you ever traveled during the holidays and saw people in the “special line” just walk past? The ones in the lane that said Global Entry or TSAPre Check only!

How did they get a Fast Pass? It’s not hard. Just like the Happiest Place on Earth, there is a “fast pass” for airport and customs lines.

No need to stand in endless lines to get to your vacation or return home. You could just cut into the line, but hey, you are a rule follower.

So cut the line the right way.

The way to bypass the line is by using one of the Trusted Traveler Programs.

There are currently five different Trusted Traveler programs to choose from, but I’m going to focus on two of them and ultimately encourage you to go with just one.

Specifically TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

These trusted-traveler programs can be your fast pass to get you through airport security and customs quickly — and your credit card might even pay a fee. You might be thinking it must be difficult to get. It’s not. You can get Global Entry by following these five easy steps:

How to apply for Global Entry?

Sign up for Account

Each member of your party or household will need their own Trusted Traveler account to apply for Global Entry. This includes infants, toddlers, and children.

Fill out the application

Just like your account, each member must have their own account. (Parents or guardians of minors will be filling out applications for their children. Your application is reviewed and approved (or not). Be prepared to answer the questions about past residences and employment. A child’s application will be much easier than an adult’s for obvious reasons.

Pay fees

How much does Global Entry cost?

Global Entry costs $100. Just pay a $100 nonrefundable fee paid upon applying.

Schedule an in-person interview

After getting provisional approval, you need to make an appointment for your in-person interview. Each member of the family or traveler must have a separate interview.

Attend in-person interview

Don’t overlook this step. Just because you got “provisionally approved”, does not mean you are approved. You MUST attend the appointment in order to get approval for Global Entry.

How much time does should I expect to spent at a Global Entry appointment?

Your appoinment will be around ten to fifteen minutes on average.

Application Tips

What kinds of questions are on the Global Entry application?

The Global Entry Application looks at your background. Where have you lived in the past? Where have you been employed?

Before you pull up the application online, do your homework.

Have all previous addresses and dates you lived there handy.

The application asks for all previous addresses and employment for a certain number of years.

Consider this:

As long as you are making this list, go ahead and save it, either in paper form and save it in a file folder, or to your computer or to your “cloud” such as Google Docs or Google Drive.

Next, write down all the places you’ve worked. Have the names and dates handy of all employment.

Tip for filling out the Global Entry application:

If you’ve worked at several places or can’t remember the years, try reviewing prior tax returns or W2’s.

If you can’t remember the exact years of your employment, try looking at your employment W-2s or tax files.

Have a list of all the places you have traveled to and the dates.

Finally, make a list of all the places you’ve traveled to. This might be easy for some or more difficult for others.

It doesn’t matter if your travel was by cruise ship, airplane, or car, or on foot.

If you only have traveled within the US, Canada, or Mexico, your application process will be much easier.

When you have your lists compiled, you are now ready to begin your Trusted Traveler application.

At the time you apply you will pay the $100 fee.

This fee is non-refundable.

Regardless of if you are approved or not, they will take your money and you will NOT get a refund.

No one is guaranteed approval.

So take a few moments before you hit enter.

This is a Trusted Traveler Program.

Is anything going to come up from your past or background check to keep you from being approved?

If you have any hesitation, go to the website and further read the FAQs.

While filling out the application, take your time reading the questions, make sure you know what you are being asked.

If your dates don’t coincide, you will get a pop-up warning. Read the question again and resubmit your answer as necessary.

Only when you are confident everything is the way it should be, submit your application.

What happens after I submit my Global Entry Application?

Within a few days of submitting your application, you should get an email notification letting you know if you have been (conditionally) approved and able to move onto the next step.

You will be conditionally approved until you complete and pass your in-person interview.

A picture compaing costs of trusted traveler programs and benefits

Trusted Traveler programs. So many choices.

You don’t have to be rich or famous to take advantage of these Trusted Traveler Programs. Anyone can sign up for the programs, but just keep this in mind:

While using any Trusted Traveler Program you give up some of your privacy, but inturn you get through lines faster at major airports and US Customs lines returning into the United States.

Give that a moment to sink in.

You give up your privacy, by allowing the government to check your background, run a credit check, photograph you and keep your fingerprints in a database.

Still with me?

These programs are not for everyone, and hey, that’s okay. If everyone took advantage of this fast pass option, then we would still all be standing in long lines like sardines.

What programs are considered thrusted traveler programs?

Both TSA Precheck and Global Entry are Trusted Traveler Programs and there is a cost and the benefits vary.

How much does TSA Pre heck cost?

TSA Precheck (as of December 2020) costs $85 with membership lasting 5 years.

How much does Global Entry cost?

Global Entry costs a bit more (as of December 2020) at $100 and membership also lasts 5 years.

There is an added bonus included with Global Entry. I’ll talk about that more in a bit.

The application fee for both TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is non-refundable, regardless if you qualify.

Besides PreCheck and Global Entry, there is another identity validation system called Clear.

How much does Clear cost?

Unlike PreCheck and Global Entry, Clear is priced per year. The regular, non discounted price for the Clear program is $189 per year. Some credit cards and airlines offer discounts to members.

How is clear different from Pre✔ ?

Unlike Global Entry and Preck, Clear can also help you get through lines at large venues like stadiums and concerts.

How does Clear work? You submit and application to Clear, and then come in for your interview. While at the meeting, you will have both your fingerprints and or retinas scanned.

If you are approved, when you arrive to the security check point, you will go to the kiosk and scan fingerprint or eye. Once the system approves you, a representative will escort you to the front of the screening line, bypassing the need to show your identification. Clear is the fast pass of fast passes.

Is Clear woth the cost?

Clear may be worth the cost if you enjoy arriving at the airport last minute. It may be worth it if you travel often or visit venues besides airports, or if your credit card or airline status provides Clear as a perk.

Is Clear available at every airport? Clear is available at larger airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor. Clear is available at 230 airports world wide.

TSA Screening: choose your adventure

Your Trusted Traveler application fee could be free

Check with your credit card company. Some credit card companies reimburse for Trusted Traveler application fees once every so many years. You might be able to get your Global Entry or TSA Precheck for free with your credit card or other membership. Don’t have a credit card that offers this benefit? A friend or family member with one of these credit cards can gift you the benefits.

These links below are provided for convenience only and Gallivanting Souls does not endorse any of these companies, their products, or services. This information is subject to change without notice at the sole discretion of the vendor and Gallivanting Souls Travel cannot guarantee that it is accurate or up to date. Please do your own research.

What Credit Card Companies reimburse for Global Entry?

The following credit cards and loyalty programs cover the TSA PreCheck® application fee as a member benefit, provide a statement credit towards the application fee, or allow members to use rewards points to pay for the TSA PreCheck® application fee.

(Getting application fee reimbursed: Our experience)

Immediately upon applying for Global Entry with our Capital One Venture cards, we had emails saying the application fees would be reimbursed within a few billing cycles.

Don’t have one of these cards, a friend or family member might be able to share the benefit with you! Or you can use my referral link below:

I have a Capital One Venture credit card and really like it. You should check them out. If you decide to apply for a card, use this link https://capital.one/42IgrFZ; if you’re approved, I’ll get a referral bonus.

Things to know about Global Entry

Global Entry and Precheck-the fast pass you need right now US Customs Agent

Line at customs

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

How does Global Entry work?

When arriving back into the US from a foreign country, instead of waiting in the long lines to meet with a customs agent and fill out paperwork, you use a kiosk. Then scan your passport and provide your fingerprints, which will confirm your identity.

Instead of filling out a form, the kiosk will print you out a receipt. No worry about having to answer questions from customs agents, or waiting in long lines.

Within no time you will be on your way! Global Entry “eases” your customs experience when returning to the United States, where TSA Precheck expedites the security process.

When you are at the airport, you get the benefit of TSA Precheck and get to bypass the long lines at security, and get to keep your carry-on bag packed and shoes on your feet.

Especially during this time of a Global Pandemic of COVID-19, it is more important than ever that we be able to not be crowded together in tight spaces. Having something like Global Entry that keeps us from being herded in lines and able to better social distance could be one way to better try and stay healthy in this trying time

Where can I use Global Entry?

As of 2018 Global Entry was available at over 57 US airports and expanding each year. Over 5.1 Million people were members. Global entry can be used at entry points by both land and sea.

Your Global Entry Card can be used as Federal Identification. It helps you bypass TSA security lines. You can use the SENTRI lanes if you have registered your vehicle ahead of time when crossing by land from either the US to Mexico or Mexico to US borders.

In several other countries, you can use the e-gates for faster admittance into the countries and while traveling in Canadian airports you get to use the NEXUS lanes (similar to our TSA Precheck lane)

“U.S. citizens, U.S nationals, and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents may apply for Global Entry as well as passport holders from Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Canadian citizens and residents enrolled in NEXUS may also use the Global Entry kiosks.” Currently, Global Entry is not available to residents of the state of New York.

You get TSA PreCheck included free!!!!!!!

What identification is needed for Global Entry?

Global entry requires a machine-readable US passport or machine-readable Permanent Resident Card. You cannot use a birth certificate and driver’s license to apply.

How long is Global Entry valid for?

Global Entry and PreCheck are both valid for five years.

Who benefits from Global Entry?

Global Entry benefits those who travel internationally who do not want to waste extra time going through US Customs. Upon arrival back into the United States, just head for the closest kiosk and scan your passport, Global Entry card, and fingerprints.

But wait, I don’t think I will travel internationally.

There’s more to Global Entry than just going through Customs lines. Global Entry also includes TSA Precheck which helps you expedite the security lines in US airports. If you’ve registered your vehicle, you can use the SENTRI lanes when crossing the US- Mexico land border.

After you are a member of the trusted traveler program you can also use E Gates in ten other countries.

At Canadian airports, you get the use of the NEXUS lanes.

So for just a little more money, you have the convenience of both speeding through Customs and the convenience of shorter lines at most airports. Even benefits in other countries.

Also that you can keep your shoes and belts on and your computers and liquids stowed in your carry-on bags.

Even if you only ever travel via cruises from the US, or travel internationally once in a while, for only $3 more dollars a year, you are ensuring no matter how you travel, you are choosing the best-Trusted Traveler Program.

Global Entry Benefits anyone who travels internationally and arrives in the US or anyone by using its included TSA Precheck traveling in any of over 200 US airports and counting. Global Entry may soon be available in other countries as well.

The Global Entry card is also a valid form of identification. It can come in handy in instances where you might have lost your driver’s license and need identification. When I check in for flights, I never even pull out my passport. I just hand the airline employee my PreCheck card as my identification. The same when I go through the TSA screening point.

What about the little children?

Global Entry benefits are only for the individual member and do not extend to family or friends traveling together. All minor children must have their own membership and must have the permission of their legal parent or guardian to apply.

Children must also attend their interviews, (a parent will be present) but I have been told that the agents don’t ask children questions. Can you imagine asking a toddler what countries have you visited?

Scheduling your in-person interview

Assuming you got an email telling you that you are conditionally approved, the next step is scheduling the in-person interview. Appointment locations can be found in most major airports. Check the website for your closest location.

Since we live in the Phoenix metro area, we choose Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Getting your appointment could be hit or miss. It only took us a few weeks after being approved to get an appointment, but we spoke to a woman at the airport who stated she had waited over 14 months. ? Truth or Fiction?

Disclaimer: this is during COVID-19 and likely not your typical time frame.

Keep checking the website for the latest appointments and watch your email for openings. I was only able to get an appointment quickly because I checked my email daily, followed through quickly, and reserving the appointment.

If you have an upcoming trip and will be flying into a major airport, another option is to go as a walk-in. Walk-ins are offered at the PHX airport arrivals Terminal 4. Verify your particular airport is taking part in this option. Your mileage might vary during this time of COVID-19.

Do not overlook attending the interview. It’s not an optional experience. You will not be given your GE card without attending and passing the interview portion!

The interview: Our experience

I won’t give away specifics of the interview, but if you filled out the application and got initially accepted, you should have no problem.

You might be asking how long does the interview takes?

Our interview took minutes. It took longer to find the correct place to park at the airport.

Just bring the required documents and if your address doesn’t match your state-issued id, make sure to bring supporting documents such as a power bill or mortgage bill. They may or may not ask to look at your documents.

Each adult will have a separate appointment. Children of any age will have their own appointment but be accompanied by their legal parent or guardian.

Upon checking in at the Phoenix airport, we were greeted by a Customs officer who checked us in.

Within minutes, I was called into my appointment, sat down with the officer, and answered some brief questions.

I was asked to remove my mask, took a quick photo, (put my mask back on) did fingerprints on a screen, and offered hand sanitizer.

The officer then told me about what Global Entry was and that it also included TSA Precheck, and what to expect next. He then congratulated me on qualifying and was on my way. All this took less than ten minutes.

How long does it take to get your Global Entry Card?

During the interview,I was told I should receive my card in about two weeks but could start using the benefits right away with my new Trusted Traveler Number or Known Traveler Number.

I suspect with the Christmas holidays in full force, it will take longer than two weeks to get my card.

Update: (It took only nine days to receive our cards in the mail and this was during the Christmas holidays.)

What to bring to the Global Entry Interview?

Bring your machine-readable US Passport, or Alien Resident card, as well as your state-issued driver’s license. If you driver’s license or ID card does not have your up-to-date address, also bring an item of mail such as your utility bill, mortgage bill, or rental agreement.

Look for TSA PreCheck or TSA PRCHK on your boarding pass

In case you still are considering just getting TSA Precheck, here is info on that:

Things to know about PreCheck

Where can I use TSA PreCheck?

TSA Precheck is not available at every airport but is available to use in most major airports and expanding to more airports each year.

Keep this in mind: It might not be an option at your home airport, so this ultimately might be a decision to take a pass on it.

You can find out which airports it is available by checking out the TSA website

What I.D is required for TSA Precheck?

TSA precheck requires either an unexpired US Passport or a state issued driver’s license and birth certificate.

If you don’t have a passport yet, this is just another reason to get one. Check out why aWhy you should always travel with a passport.

How to sign up for PreCheck

Applying for TSA Precheck is as easy as:

Create a Trusted Traveler Account.
Pay the fee.
Your application is reviewed, then approved (or not).
Schedule your interview appointment.
Attend your interview.
Fill out the initial application online.
Be photographed.
Have fingerprints taken.
Activate your card.
Wait for your membership to come in the mail.

Pro tip:

Just like applying for a passport, there is no reason to EVER pay a third party or pay extra to take care of your application. NEVER use a broker. There is no need.

Make sure to go to the official website https://ttp.dhs.gov/ when applying.

How does TSA Precheck work?

When you make reservations and buy your airline tickets, you will add your known traveler number (KTN) to your booking.

Make sure to book with the same exact name as that you used on your TSA Precheck application.

Add your KTN to any airline frequent flyer accounts that you have, but double check your bookings to make sure it is on your reservations. You know technology. – It’s great when it works!

A sample boarding pass showing TSA PreCheck in top left corner — Double check your boarding pass. Are the words TSA PreCheck on it? If not see airline staff to make sure it is added to your reservation.

When you get your boarding pass, it will show the words: TSA PRCHK.

Just in case you can’t find your card and ever need to be reminded of your Known Traveler Number, you can just sign back onto the TSA UES Service Status page and enter your information and it will remind you of your number.

TSA Precheck gets you through security lines faster using a known traveler number and allows you to wait in a much shorter line. Just follow the signs at security and use your fast pass to fly past the crowds.

Who does TSA Precheck Benefit?

TSA Precheck benefits US Citizens and Permanent Residents who only fly within the United States. It benefits citizens who want to move quickly through airport lines. It benefits those travelers who don’t want to bother taking off their shoes, remove belts, bother taking computers out if carry on luggage.

With TSA Precheck you save time by not having to take off your shoes, belts or remove your liquids from your carry-on baggage, and gives you expedited screening through security. The lines are also usually very short if any.

Does PreCheck benefit my travel party?

Children under twelve years of age traveling with an adult who have TSA PRCHK stamped on their boarding pass do not need to have their own TSA Precheck.

However, kids thirteen and older will need their own TSA Precheck or go through the security line on their own.

It’s always recommended that you go through the line with your child, even if you must forgo the quick line.

Update: Since COVID, we have flown 6 or more round trips From Phoenix to Long Beach, San Diego, Miami, and Pensacola. Having the included PreCheck has been an absolute joy. As a unscientific test, I compared how long it took to get through TSA with other travel companions who didn’t have PreCheck.

I timed each of us and compared our times. PreCheck has consistently go me through TSA ten minutes or more faster each time

Keep in mind if using an airline that you normally don’t use, their process might be different.

Example, for Southwest, you only need to enter your known traveler number one time and you will have PreCheck auto populate on your boarding pass.

Recently, we flew American Airlines. I added our known traveler number to the profile. We printed out boarding passes at airport. No PreCheck was on the passes, but we didn’t realize until we were already in the TSA line. Not wanting to walk all the way back to the counter and stand in line again, we went through the regular TSA line. What a pain taking off shoes, belts, and pulling out liquids. For our return flight, I made sure it was listed every time after that. I refuse make that mistake again!

Another thing I started doing was upon check in at the counter, I don’t give my passport as my identification. I hand over my Global Entry card. This way, if my boarding pass does not show PreCheck, the employee can catch and fix the error on their end. I also used the Global Entry card to go through security. No fumbling through your passport for the correct page.Please, still travel with your passport and have it handy if asked for it.

Final thoughts

I don’t know about you, but I have really become accustomed to social distancing and I don’t ever want to go back to being stuck in a line like sardines or herded like cattle. This is just one of the reasons that I chose Global Entry and would recommend the same for most travelers.

For just $15 more, the benefits of moving through US Customs quicker and expedited lines at TSA are worth every penny. Did you know that often times waiting in line after an international flight, can be over an hour?

After a long flight, I just want to be on my way to eating a good meal or taking a long, hot shower. We all have the same twenty-four hours in a day. Why waste any more time standing in lines if we don’t have to!

If you travel more than once in five years, or travel out of the country for any reason, and are looking for a way to speed through airport lines or customs in a flash, take advantage of Global Entry and the added bonus of free TSA Precheck.

TSA Precheck is good, but Global Entry is even better, especially at only around $3 more per year! Make the decision now about which trusted traveler program you will use. With Global Entry, TSA Precheck is included free.

If you choose TSA Precheck now and later decide you want the other benefits of Global Entry, you cannot just upgrade to Global Entry. You will have to start over at step one again. Global Entry is good for five years.

Global Entry is definitely the fast pass you should be taking advantage of.

Please like, share, and subscribe for more Cruise 101 and beyond tips.Head over to our Facebook page and let us know your experience with Global Entry or PreCheck!

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