Eppley Airfield has an office onsite where final interviews will be held. The interview process usually takes about 15 minutes. The Global Entry interviews are Available by Appointment Only.
Other Trusted Traveler Programs
Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry exist under an umbrella called Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP). Other TTP include NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST. NEXUS and SENTRI may both offer access to the TSA PreCheck line as well.
If you were wondering how to use Global Entry for TSA PreCheck access, you now know how you may be able to use your Global Entry ID number when booking airfare. If you are eligible, this may allow full access to the TSA PreCheck lanes, while still allowing you to benefit from the customs benefits when returning to the U.S. from abroad.
If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ve probably asked yourself whether it’s worth applying for TSA PreCheck in order to skip the standard airport security lines, and if you travel internationally on a regular basis, you might wonder if it’s worth applying for Global Entry so you can access the time-saving Global Entry kiosks when you return to the U.S.
But if you travel both domestically and internationally, which program should you apply for? Should you apply for both? Let’s take a closer look at both programs to help you decide which Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) is right for you.
TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Once you complete the online application and pass the in-person background check, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can enter whenever you book a flight.
Once your Known Traveler Number is added to your flight reservation, your ticket will be given the TSA PreCheck stamp of approval. This is how you’ll get access to an expedited airport security line. When you’re in the TSA PreCheck security line, you’ll no longer need to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket before clearing airport security. You can even leave your laptop and your TSA-approved liquids and gels in your carry-on bag.
Keep in mind: TSA PreCheck does not override the authority of airport security. You can still be subject to the occasional random selection for traditional airport security screening, so you should factor that in when asking yourself how early to leave for the airport.
For most travelers, the biggest benefit of TSA PreCheck is the expedited airport security line. Whether you like being able to clear airport security in less time or simply enjoy keeping your shoes on and your luggage packed during the screening process, TSA PreCheck has a lot to offer. If you travel often, it’s worth taking the time to complete a TSA PreCheck application and become a Trusted Traveler.
TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 domestic airports and 90 airlines. If you want to know whether your local airport or favorite airline offers TSA PreCheck, check TSA PreCheck’s Airports and Airlines map.
If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent U.S. resident, you are eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck.
Should you get both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
Since the Global Entry program includes TSA PreCheck, there is no reason to apply for both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
If you already have TSA PreCheck and want to switch to Global Entry, you’ll need to complete the entire Global Entry application process and pay the $100 application fee. This is why it’s a good idea to think about the benefits of having both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck before applying for either program.
Once you’ve settled on a program that works for your travel needs, you can start focusing on streamlining other aspects of your journey, such as using a co-branded credit card for flights or hotels.
Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, but TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry. So, if you’re planning on traveling internationally, you should just apply for Global Entry. That way, you’ll get the advantages of having both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. And if you have a travel credit card that comes with statement credits for TTP benefits, the full cost of your application will be reimbursed.
For more travel tips and tricks, check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit.
Accessing PreCheck with Global Entry
If you have Global Entry, you may want to know exactly how to use TSA PreCheck with Global Entry. When you're approved for Global Entry, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This nine-digit number, also called the CBP PASSID for Global Entry members, is found on the back of your Global Entry membership card. You can also find this number by logging into your Trusted Traveler Program account.
To access TSA PreCheck, you must enter this number into the Known Traveler Number box when booking your airfare. Provided you're eligible and the airline you're flying partners with TSA PreCheck, your boarding pass will display a little TSA PreCheck logo, indicating you can use the PreCheck security line.
Two commonly asked questions when comparing TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are:
In brief, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck may share the same benefits when it comes to boarding flights in the United States. However, Global Entry could offer the additional benefit of expedited customs when arriving in the United States after an international trip.
It is important to note that not everyone with a Global Entry membership will be eligible for TSA PreCheck. For example, some citizens of other countries are eligible for Global Entry but will not be eligible for TSA PreCheck.
Global Entry application process and cost
The Global Entry application includes the following steps:
The Global Entry application process can be more time-consuming than the TSA PreCheck application process. The Department of Homeland Security states that applications are typically vetted within two weeks after the submission of the application, but if a manual review of the application is needed, then processing time can jump drastically — between 12 to 24 months, at the time of writing.
Some travelers may be able to use the Enrollment on Arrival program to speed up the process, however. If you are flying into the U.S. after traveling internationally, and you’ve been conditionally approved, you may be able to complete your Global Entry interview as you clear customs without having to set up an interview in advance.
As with TSA PreCheck, many top travel credit cards offer statement credits to cover the cost of your Global Entry application fee — which is good because Global Entry is a little more expensive than TSA PreCheck. In fact, these types of credit cards will typically offer a benefit of up to $100 in statement credits to cover either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees.
TSA PreCheck application process and cost
The TSA PreCheck application process includes two simple steps:
This two-step application process costs $78 if you enroll through IDEMIA, $77.95 if you enroll through Clear and $85 if you enroll through Telos. Your TSA PreCheck enrollment status remains valid for five years. Once it’s time to renew your membership, you can do so online or in person:
However, many top travel credit cards offer reimbursement in the form of statement credits for the full TSA PreCheck application cost, so you might want to see if your credit card covers TSA PreCheck membership fees before you apply.
The best travel credit cards also come with other cost-saving benefits like travel insurance and airport lounge access, so it would be useful for all frequent flyers to have at least one good travel credit card in their wallets.
Like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program administered by the federal government. Unlike TSA PreCheck, which is for domestic travel, Global Entry is designed to help travelers expedite the customs process when returning to the United States after traveling internationally.
Travelers with Global Entry membership can use Global Entry kiosks when re-entering the United States. This eliminates the need for an in-person customs interview and allows travelers to skip the process of filling out customs paperwork. Global Entry kiosks use fingerprint verification to confirm identity, and travelers can complete their customs declaration at the kiosk.
Notably, Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck membership. This means that travelers with Global Entry can enjoy a faster screening process whether they’re traveling domestically or returning to the United States after a trip abroad.
For most people who travel internationally on a regular basis, the biggest benefit of Global Entry is the ability to access expedited customs processes on their return to the United States. Plus, since Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, successfully completing the Global Entry application process gives you access to two Trusted Traveler Programs instead of just one.
Global Entry kiosks are available at more than 75 airports. If you want to know whether your nearest airport offers expedited customs processes to travelers with a Global Entry membership, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) website offers a complete list of airports with Global Entry kiosks.
If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent U.S. resident, you are eligible to apply for Global Entry. Citizens of select countries may also be eligible to apply.
