Is Global Entry worth it?

Photo by Amanda Bartel on Unsplash

Is Global Entry worth it? Global Entry has to be one of the best investments I have ever made!

For $100, you get five years of travel benefits. With Global Entry, you also get the bonus of TSA Pre-Check. Are you asking “what is Global Entry?” or “what is TSA Pre-Check?”

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Let’s start with TSA Pre-Check! 

TSA Pre-Check allows you to skip the regular security lines at the airport for U.S. flights. This expedited security allows you to keep your liquids and laptop in your bag, shoes and jacket on, and there's no invasive body scan. 

I have never waited more than 10 minutes to go through security with TSA Pre-Check. 

Now, let’s talk about Global Entry! 

Global Entry allows you to get through customs quickly. You go up to a computer kiosk to fill out your claims form, scan your passport and fingerprints, and a receipt of your completion. This could save you HOURS when you land back in the U.S!

How do you get Global Entry?! 

First, go to https://ttp.dhs.gov/ and continue to the Global Entry application. You will need to pay a $100 non-refundable fee and complete thorough background questions for the governmental background check. Allow yourself some time to complete this! 

After the application is complete, it will be reviewed and you will await a conditional approval email.

Once you receive conditional approval, you must schedule your “interview” either at a border patrol site or at an enrollment upon arrival site. The “interview” is very quick. The border patrol agent will review your background check and ask you if you’ve ever lied on a customs form. Once you complete your fingerprinting, you will be approved as long as your background check is clean. The interview is the last step of the process. 

Once you have been officially approved, you will receive a known traveler number. This number is very important! You must put this number into the airline website or app for your flights before check-in to receive the benefits of Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check. I usually put this information in while I’m booking flights so I don’t have to worry about it later. 

So, is it worth it?

The process can be a bit of a hurdle but it is 100% worth it!! I recommend Global Entry to everyone because of how convenient it is. Even if you don’t fly internationally often, the benefit of TSA Pre-Check makes Global Entry worth the cost. For comparison, if you wanted to only get TSA Pre-Check, it would cost $85 for five years. I feel like for an extra $15 for five years ($3/year), Global Entry is the better choice. 

I hope this helped you decide if Global Entry is right for you! I know I love it and will never let it lapse!