What is Global Entry & are the Benefits Worth It?

As someone who travels frequently, I can attest to the benefits of the Global Entry program. For those who don’t know, Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to expedite their entry into the United States. I can’t tell you how many hours this has saved me from standing in line. I do know that it has definitely saved me from missing a connection due to congestion at passport control. Enrollment in Global Entry also gives you access to the TSA PreCheck program. TSA PreCheck allows for a quicker pass through airport security. In this article we’ll answer the questions, “What is global entry?” and “What are the Benefits?”

What is Global Entry?

What is global entry anyway? Global Entry is a program that allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance when entering the United States. Upon arrival in the US, Global Entry members are able to bypass regular customs lines and instead use dedicated kiosks when arriving at select airports. In addition to expedited entry into the United States, Global Entry members also receive expedited entry into other participating countries, including Canada and the Netherlands.

What is the Benefit of Global Entry?

There are a few reasons why Global Entry is beneficial for travelers. First, it saves time. With Global Entry, you can bypass the long lines at customs and immigration. Second, it’s convenient. Once you’re enrolled in the program, you can use the kiosks at select airports to quickly and easily enter the United States. Third, it’s affordable. The cost of the program is $100 and it is valid for five years.

Expedited entry into the United States

The primary purpose and benefit of the Global Entry program is that allows qualified travelers to expedite their entry into the United States. Members are directed through a separate queue through passport control. There are special kiosks reserved for Global Entry members that make the process simple. You just scan your passport and fingerprints, answer a few questions, and take your receipt to the customs agent. Depending on when and where you are re-entering the country, this can save hours of waiting in long lines.

Access to the TSA Pre✓® lane

Another benefit of Global Entry is that your enrollment also includes TSA Precheck. This comes in handy for domestic travel. The TSA Precheck is a trusted traveler program allows travelers to move through a separate security line and avoid (in most cases) having to remove their shoes, belts and light jackets. This process is typically faster than going through the traditional security line. You don’t have to do anything extra after applying for Global Entry. While it is definitely a convenience, it can also save substantial time. In some airports (Denver, for example) security can be chaos. Precheck will save you time and sometimes it will save you from missing a flight.

Once approved for Global Entry, you are automatically enrolled in TSA Precheck. Just make sure to add your KTN (Known Traveler Number) to your upcoming reservations for faster access through security. Combining Global Entry clearance with a few simple tips will reduce your time at the TSA security checkpoint.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Global Entry

1. Determine if you are eligible for the Global Entry program. In order to be eligible, you must:

-Be a citizen or national of the United States, or a citizen of Canada, Mexico, South Korea, India or the Netherlands

-Be 18 years of age or older or, if a minor, have the permission of a parent or guardian.

-Have a valid passport

-Have no criminal convictions

-Have no history of customs violations

2. If you are eligible, create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and complete an online application. All applicants must have their own TTP account, regardless of age. To create an account, you must have an email. So, if you don’t already have one you will need to create one. If you are applying for a minor, the minor will need their own email address as well.

3. Once you have submitted your application, you will be asked to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

4. At your interview, a CBP officer will confirm your identity and collect biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the Global Entry program.

5. If you are approved for Global Entry, you will be issued a Global Entry card, which will be valid for five years. You should receive your new identification card in the mail within a few weeks.

What to Do After Approval?

Congratulations! You’ve been approved for Global Entry. You no longer have to worry about long airport security and customs lines. Now that you have your card, you might be wondering if there is anything you need to do to make sure you enjoy the benefits of Global Entry. The answer is, yes.

The first thing you will need to do is activate your new membership card in your TTP account. Be sure to complete this step within 30 days of receiving it. Once this is done, your approval automatically enrolls you in both global entry and TSA Precheck. However, airports won’t have this information if you don’t provide it. During the process of booking your next flight, be sure to enter your Known Traveler Number while completing your reservation when prompted. If you are a member of the airlines’ frequent flyer program such as United MileagePlus or Southwest Rapid Rewards, you can save your KTN to your travel profile.

Is Expedited Security Clearance Guaranteed?

One important thing to note is that enrollment in TSA Precheck doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your ticket will always be cleared for expedited security. Before entering the TSA Precheck security lane at the airport you’ll need to make sure your boarding pass is marked with the Precheck indicator.

It isn’t often that you won’t receive clearance but there’s a chance. Usually, this happens because the name of the ticket doesn’t exactly match the name on your global entry id, your membership expired, or you were randomly chosen for the dreaded SSSS. Every once in a while, it is simply random or a glitch. In this case, take your boarding pass to a ticket agent and politely ask them to re-add your KTN. Most of the time, you’ll get lucky.

Now that You Know What it is, is Global Entry Worth it for You?

If you travel domestically at least semi-regularly with an occasional international trip, global entry is well worth the expense. TSA Precheck is $80 on its own so applying for Global Entry instead will only cost you an extra $20. However, if air travel is a rare occurrence, you should probably opt to save your money.

Spending $100 or even $80 to only use precheck or global entry benefits one time isn’t really worth it. One exception is if you have a credit card that covers the cost of program fees. Some credit cards offer a $100 reimbursement for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. In this case, there is really no reason not to have it even if you don’t travel all that often.