How to Skip Airport Lines: Your Complete Guide to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

Ever spent over an hour waiting in line at international arrivals? Or missed your flight because security screening took forever? You’re not alone. But here’s the good news: Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can change your entire airport experience.

These trusted traveler programs let you breeze through customs and security while everyone else is stuck in endless queues. And yes, even non-U.S. citizens can apply. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about eligibility, costs, application steps, and insider tips to maximize your membership.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

How It Works

Instead of waiting in traditional immigration lines, Global Entry members use automated kiosks to complete their customs declaration in minutes. You simply scan your passport, verify your fingerprints, answer a few questions on the touchscreen, and you’re done.

Key Benefits

Skip the immigration lines – Use automated kiosks at major U.S. airports
TSA PreCheck included – Get expedited security screening at no extra cost
International agreements – Reciprocal expedited entry with select countries including Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, Singapore, and South Korea
Valid for 5 years – One application covers you for half a decade
Family-friendly – Children of any age can enroll

The biggest advantage? Global Entry automatically includes TSA PreCheck membership, giving you expedited processing on both ends of your journey.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a separate program focused solely on speeding up security screening at U.S. airports.

The Convenience Factor

With TSA PreCheck, you can:

Keep your shoes on – No more hopping around on one foot
Leave laptops in bags – No unpacking required
Keep liquids and gels packed – As long as they meet the 3-1-1 rule
Leave belts and light jackets on – Dress for comfort, not convenience
Use dedicated lanes – Typically 5-10 minute wait times vs. 30+ minutes in standard lines

TSA PreCheck is available at 200+ airports nationwide and works with 90+ airlines.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Should You Choose?

Feature	Global Entry	TSA PreCheck
Cost	$100 (renewing members)$120 (new applicants)	$78-$85
Validity	5 years	5 years
Expedited Entry	✅ Yes	❌ No
Expedited Security	✅ Yes (includes TSA PreCheck)	✅ Yes
International Benefits	✅ Yes	❌ No
Best For	International travelers	Domestic-only travelers

My Recommendation: If you travel internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry is absolutely worth the extra $20-40. You get both programs for essentially the price of TSA PreCheck.

Who Can Apply for Global Entry?

Eligible Applicants

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) can apply, regardless of age. Even infants can have Global Entry membership.

Citizens of Trusted Countries

If you’re a citizen of these countries, you can apply for Global Entry:

Mexico
Panama
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
Germany
Netherlands
Croatia
Argentina

Canadian Citizens

Canadians can apply through the NEXUS program, which provides similar benefits and costs only $50.

Non-immigrant Visa Holders

If you’re legally residing in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa (F-1, J-1, H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.), you may be eligible. However, approval is more selective and depends on your specific circumstances.

Who Cannot Apply

You’ll likely be denied if you:

Have a criminal record
Have customs, immigration, or agriculture violations
Are under investigation by any government agency
Provided false information on a previous application
Are inadmissible to the U.S. under immigration regulations

How Much Does It Cost?

Global Entry Pricing

New Applications: $120 (non-refundable)
Renewals: $100 (available up to 1 year before expiration)
Children: Same price as adults – no discounts

TSA PreCheck Pricing

Standard Application: $78-$85 (varies by enrollment provider)
Renewals: $70-$85
Children 12 and under: Can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling with enrolled parents (no separate membership needed)

Money-Saving Tips

1. Credit Card Reimbursements

Many premium travel credit cards reimburse Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees:

Chase Sapphire Reserve
American Express Platinum
Capital One Venture X
Citi Prestige
Bank of America Premium Rewards

2. Renewal Discounts

Current members pay $100 to renew Global Entry instead of $120 for new applications.

3. Family Strategy

If you have young children, consider that kids 12 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes with enrolled parents. However, for international travel, each family member needs their own Global Entry membership.

How to Apply for Global Entry: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) Account

Visit ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
Click “Get Started” and create an account with login.gov
Verify your email address

Step 2: Complete the Application

You’ll need to provide:

Personal information – Full name, date of birth, address, citizenship
Employment history – Last 5 years of employment
Residence history – Addresses for the past 5 years
Travel history – Countries visited in the last 5 years
Background questions – Criminal history, customs violations, etc.

Pro Tip: Be thorough and accurate. Incomplete or inconsistent information is the #1 reason applications get delayed or denied.

Step 3: Pay the $120 Fee

Payment is processed immediately and is non-refundable, even if you’re denied. Accepted payment methods:

Credit card
Debit card
Electronic bank transfer

Step 4: Wait for Conditional Approval

The CBP conducts extensive background checks through:

FBI criminal databases
DHS immigration records
Interpol records
Customs and border crossing history

Processing Time: Typically 2 weeks to 3 months, though it can take longer during peak application periods.

What to Do While Waiting:

Check your application status regularly in your TTP account
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Keep your contact information updated

Step 5: Schedule Your Interview

Once conditionally approved, you’ll receive an email notification. Now you must schedule an in-person interview.

Interview Locations:

Enrollment Centers – Over 100 locations at major airports, seaports, and land borders
Enrollment on Arrival – Available at select airports, allowing you to interview immediately after an international flight

Find an enrollment center near you

Booking Tips:

Appointments fill up quickly at popular locations
Consider less busy locations (often available same-week)
“Enrollment on Arrival” requires no appointment – just arrive and go

Step 6: Attend Your Interview

What to Bring:

Valid passport (or permanent resident card if applicable)
Conditional approval notification (print or digital)
Additional documents if requested (birth certificate, visa, etc.)

Non-immigrant visa holders should also bring:

Current visa
I-94 arrival/departure record
Status documentation (I-20, DS-2019, I-797, etc.)

What to Expect:

The interview is straightforward and typically lasts 10-15 minutes. The officer will:

Verify your identity
Review your application details
Ask basic questions about your travel history
Take your fingerprints and photo
Explain program rules and responsibilities

Interview Questions You Might Hear:

Why do you want Global Entry?
How often do you travel internationally?
Have you ever had issues with customs or immigration?
Where do you typically travel?
What do you do for work?

Important: You must complete your interview within 1 year of conditional approval, or your application expires.

Step 7: Receive Final Approval

Most applicants are approved immediately after the interview. You’ll receive:

Global Entry membership card (arrives by mail in 7-10 days)
Known Traveler Number (KTN) – Available immediately in your TTP account
PASSID number – For using Global Entry kiosks

Start Using It Right Away: You don’t need to wait for your physical card. Your KTN works for TSA PreCheck immediately, and you can use Global Entry kiosks with just your passport.

How to Apply for TSA PreCheck Only

If you rarely travel internationally, TSA PreCheck alone might be sufficient.

Application Process

Step 1: Pre-Enroll Online

Visit tsa.gov/precheck
Complete the pre-enrollment form
Select an enrollment provider (IDEMIA, CLEAR, Telos, or Alclear)

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

Choose from 500+ enrollment centers nationwide, often located at:

Airports
UPS stores
Staples office supply stores
IdentoGO centers

Step 3: Complete In-Person Enrollment

Bring government-issued ID and citizenship documentation
Provide fingerprints
Have a brief identity verification
Pay $78-$85 fee

Step 4: Receive Your KTN

Most applicants receive approval within 3-5 business days via email.

Using Your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

How to Use Global Entry Kiosks

Upon Arrival in the U.S.:

Look for Global Entry kiosks in the customs/immigration area
Scan your passport or permanent resident card
Place your fingerprints on the reader
Answer customs declaration questions on the touchscreen
Take a photo
Collect your receipt
Proceed to exit or baggage claim

Average Time: 2-5 minutes vs. 30-60+ minutes in regular lines

Available At: 50+ U.S. airports including JFK, LAX, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and more

How to Use TSA PreCheck

Before Your Flight:

Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to:
- Airline frequent flyer profiles
- Individual flight reservations
Check your boarding pass for “TSA PreCheck” or “TSA PRE✓” indicator

At Security:

Look for TSA PreCheck lanes (usually marked with blue signs)
Show your boarding pass and ID
Proceed through security without removing:
- Shoes
- Belt
- Light jacket
- Laptop (keep in bag)
- Liquids/gels (keep in bag, following 3-1-1 rules)
Walk through standard metal detector

Average Time: 5-10 minutes vs. 20-45 minutes in standard lanes

Pro Tips for Maximum Benefits

1. Always Add Your KTN

Add your Known Traveler Number to your airline profiles permanently. This ensures TSA PreCheck appears automatically on all future bookings.

2. Arrive Earlier for International Flights

Even with Global Entry, arrive at least 2-3 hours early for international departures. Global Entry only helps with arrivals, not departures.

3. Check Which Airlines Participate

While 90+ airlines accept TSA PreCheck, not all international carriers participate. Check before booking.

4. Download the Mobile Passport App

For even faster entry, use the Mobile Passport Control app in conjunction with Global Entry.

5. Keep Your Passport Updated

If your passport number changes, update it in your TTP account immediately. Failure to do so can result in delays at kiosks.

Common Reasons for Denial

Understanding why applications get rejected can help you avoid issues:

Criminal History

Any felony conviction
Recent misdemeanors (especially related to theft, fraud, or violence)
Outstanding warrants
Pending criminal charges

Immigration Violations

Overstayed previous visas
Worked without authorization
Made misrepresentations to immigration officials
Previous removal or deportation orders

Customs Violations

Failed to declare goods
Attempted to bring prohibited items
Agricultural violations
Currency violations (failed to declare $10,000+)

False Information

Inaccurate employment history
Omitted travel to certain countries
Failed to disclose name changes
Misrepresented criminal history

Other Disqualifying Factors

Active investigation by law enforcement
Suspected involvement in terrorism or smuggling
Previously denied Global Entry with no changed circumstances
Unstable immigration status (for non-citizens)

What to Do If You’re Denied

If your application is denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reason.

Your Options:

1. Request Reconsideration

If you believe the denial was in error:

Log into your TTP account
Submit a request for reconsideration
Provide supporting documentation
Explain any circumstances

2. Appeal Through the Ombudsman

If reconsideration is denied, you can file an appeal through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP).

3. Reapply Later

If circumstances have changed (criminal record expunged, time has passed, etc.), you can submit a new application with the $120 fee.

Important: Fees are never refunded, even if you’re denied.

Renewal Process

Global Entry memberships are valid for 5 years. You can renew up to 1 year before expiration.

How to Renew

Step 1: Log Into TTP Account

You’ll receive a reminder email when eligible for renewal.

Step 2: Submit Renewal Application

Update any changed information
Answer new background questions
Pay $100 renewal fee

Step 3: Interview Waiver (Maybe)

Many renewals qualify for “interview waiver,” meaning no in-person visit required. You’ll be notified if this applies to you.

Step 4: Conditional Approval

If interview is waived, you’re approved immediately. Otherwise, schedule an interview appointment.

Pro Tip: Renew as early as possible. If approved, your new 5-year period starts from the expiration date of your current membership, not from approval date, so you don’t lose any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: Is Global Entry worth it?

Absolutely, especially if you travel internationally 1-2+ times per year. The time savings alone justify the cost. Plus, with TSA PreCheck included, you save time on domestic travel too.

Q: Can I use Global Entry at any airport?

Global Entry kiosks are available at 50+ U.S. airports. Check the CBP website for the complete list.

Q: Does Global Entry work when leaving the U.S.?

No, Global Entry only expedites re-entry into the U.S. However, the included TSA PreCheck helps with departure security screening.

Q: Can my family share my membership?

No, each person needs their own Global Entry membership. However, children under 12 traveling with an enrolled parent can use TSA PreCheck lanes.

Application Questions

Q: How long does the whole process take?

From application to final approval, expect 2-4 months. During peak periods, it can take longer.

Q: Can I schedule my interview before conditional approval?

No, you must receive conditional approval before scheduling an interview.

Q: What if I can’t make my interview appointment?

You can reschedule or cancel appointments in your TTP account. There’s no penalty, but you may need to wait for the next available slot.

Q: Can I do my interview at any location?

Yes, once conditionally approved, you can schedule at any enrollment center, regardless of where you live or usually travel.

Usage Questions

Q: What if TSA PreCheck doesn’t appear on my boarding pass?

This happens occasionally due to:

Random security selection
Booking through third-party sites (always add KTN directly with airline)
Flying on an airline that doesn’t participate
Technical issues

Q: Can I bring guests through TSA PreCheck with me?

Children 12 and under can accompany enrolled parents. Children 13-17 may be allowed but it’s not guaranteed. Adults must have their own membership.

Q: What if the Global Entry kiosk doesn’t recognize me?

See a CBP officer for manual processing. This doesn’t affect your membership but may indicate:

Need to update passport info in TTP account
System maintenance
Biometric reading issue

Q: Does Global Entry work at land borders?

Yes! You can use NEXUS/SENTRI lanes at land border crossings with Canada and Mexico if you’re in a vehicle.

Problem-Solving Questions

Q: My application has been pending for months. What should I do?

Contact CBP through your TTP account message center. Delays often occur due to:

Extensive travel history requiring verification
Common name requiring additional vetting
Foreign addresses needing verification
Background check complications

Q: I made a mistake on my application. Can I fix it?

Yes, log into your TTP account and update the information. For significant changes, you may need to contact CBP directly.

Q: Will a DUI disqualify me?

It depends on:

How recent (within last 10 years is problematic)
Severity
Whether it’s your only offense
Whether you completed all requirements

Recent DUIs typically result in denial.

Alternatives and Related Programs

NEXUS (U.S.-Canada Border Crossings)

Cost: $50 for 5 years
Best for: Frequent travelers between U.S. and Canada
Benefits: Expedited processing at land, air, and sea borders
Bonus: Includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

SENTRI (U.S.-Mexico Border Crossings)

Cost: $122.25 for 5 years
Best for: Frequent travelers between U.S. and Mexico
Benefits: Dedicated SENTRI lanes at land border crossings
Bonus: Includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

CLEAR

Cost: $189/year
Best for: Frequent flyers who want the fastest security experience
Benefits: Biometric verification to skip ID check lines
Note: Pairs perfectly with TSA PreCheck – CLEAR gets you to the front, TSA PreCheck speeds up screening

Mobile Passport Control

Cost: Free
Best for: Occasional international travelers
Benefits: Faster customs processing via smartphone app
Note: Not as fast as Global Entry but free and easy

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Let me be clear: if you travel internationally even once or twice a year, Global Entry is absolutely worth the investment.

Here’s the math:

Cost: $120 for 5 years = $24/year = $2/month
Time saved per international trip: 30-60 minutes at customs
Time saved per domestic trip: 15-30 minutes at security
Stress reduction: Priceless

After using Global Entry for years, I can’t imagine flying without it. The peace of mind knowing you’ll breeze through customs while jet-lagged travelers wait in line for an hour is worth far more than $2 per month.

My recommendation:

Travel internationally 2+ times/year → Get Global Entry
Only travel domestically → Get TSA PreCheck
Frequently cross Canadian border → Get NEXUS (includes Global Entry)
Want the ultimate speed → Get Global Entry + CLEAR

Don’t wait until peak travel season when appointment wait times balloon to months. Apply now, and your next trip will be exponentially less stressful from the moment you arrive at the airport.

Resources and Links

Official Application Sites:

Helpful Tools: