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Getting through the airport is about up there with packing as the most hated and stressful part of traveling for many people, but I am here to tell you; that it is truly getting better, and there are ways to avoid some of that headache! (You can always go for that cocktail at the airport lounge to relieve the rest of the headache—am I right??)

Now that we are over the hump ( cross my fingers) of Covid with vaccines and boosters now readily available, the travel industry is seeing an uptick in business reaching almost pre-pandemic levels this past Memorial weekend. According to the U.S. Travel Association, nearly six in ten Americans intend to take at least one summer trip! That’s great but that means those airports are going to be slammed this summer.

Travel advisors like myself are always happy to assist you but remember we can’t stand in line for you. That means if you can, enroll in the Trusted Traveler Programs available if possible.

I’m sure most of you have heard of TSA Pre-Check for getting through security lines quicker—it’s starting to become very popular—but how many of you know about Global Entry?

Note: Read all the way to the end for a BONUS way to get through security faster!

It’s crazy to think about how early airports tell you to arrive for your flight—but they’re right! (Especially after you think about how much TIME you spend, parking the car, gathering all your stuff, checking in, going through security, taking off all your clothes, waiting for the person in front of you to take off all their clothes, get the screaming kid, and then get on the tram to get to your gate—ok just thinking about it, is making me a little sick.) Yeah, two or three hours early sounds about right.  

…. But what about those international trips?

TSA Pre-Check is great, don’t get me wrong, it means one less pat-down, but if you are flying back from your trip abroad, knowing you can skip the customs lines too is an even better feeling. (I have left my hubby standing there in line plenty of times but the tradeoff was I had to go get the car from the parking garage!)

While TSA Pre-Check might be the way to go if you do not do too much traveling outside of the U.S., if you are planning on vacationing in the islands or the vineyards in Tuscany even twice a year, the smart choice is Global Entry—which ultimately gives you a bigger bang for your buck. Just so you know with TSA precheck you get to walk through a separate security line which allows you to keep your shoes, belts, jackets, and even hats on. You also don’t have to remove that laptop you have been carrying. Again this only works domestically.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is great for those who travel outside the US. I say to all my frequent international travelers opt for Global because it also includes TSA PreCheck.

According to CBp.gov, 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 several airports around the country.

What are the benefits of Global Entry?

With Global Entry, you get:

• No lines,

• No paperwork,

• Expedited entry in other countries,

• Reduced wait lines,

• And, it doubles as TSA Pre-Check!

Who’s eligible for Global Entry?

All US citizens (kids, as well, with consent from parents) are eligible.

But wait, not only US citizens but also the following:

• Those who live in India,

• UK,

• Columbia,

• Germany,

• Panama,

• South Korea,

• Switzerland, and

• Mexico

Keep in mind there may be additional requirements depending on the country.

How do I apply for Global Entry? What’s the Process?

Login to the cbp.gov website and create a Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account.

Pay a $100 non-refundable fee with your application (it’s good for 5 years).

Then the CBP will review. Once conditionally approved, then you can go into your GOES account and set up an interview at a GOES Center (usually, at your local airport).  

Note: Bring your ID and passport.

It’s really that simple! I was in and out in less than 10 mins. The hardest part was making the drive from Gainesville to Orlando—luckily, I was headed out the next morning so it worked out perfectly.

So, as a comparison, let’s just look quickly at TSA Pre-Check for those of you who prefer to keep it stateside.

The hardest part of the whole process is the long questionnaire online and then the waiting game that takes a few months as there is a backlog of applications due to the pandemic closures and increased demand.

What is TSA Pre-Check?

TSA Pre-Check allows you to go through airport security quicker.  If you have TSA Pre-Check, you don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, light outerwear, laptop, and bag with liquids. There is often a separate TSA Pre-Check line, which is usually shorter and faster than regular lines. TSA Pre-Check is currently available at 200 airports nationwide, including most major cities, with 37 participating airlines.

Note: Keep in mind, the TSA always incorporates random security measures so TSA Pre-Check and is not guaranteed on every flight.

You will know if you are eligible for TSA Pre✓ as it will be printed on your boarding pass near your name. 

The real benefit: Never take your shoes off again, or have to unload your laptop, belt or jacket.

Who is eligible for TSA Pre-Check?

The TSA requires you to be a US Citizen. But, unlike Global Entry, no passport is required. Once approved, a traveler will be given a Known Traveler Number or KTN. You add this to flight reservations just like your loyalty numbers and it will appear on your boarding pass allowing you to enter the streamlined security line. It is important to note that children under the age of 12 can join the TSA PreCheck adults in line without being part of the program themselves so it’s a win for the kids!

How Long Does It Take?

Some people receive approval in less than 72 hours while others have stated it has taken a few months, sheesh but once your in you are in and it was really easy to renew online.

How much does TSA Pre-Check cost?

The cost is $85.00 for 5 years.  

Note: Some credit card companies and loyalty programs offer their customers rebates on the TSA membership fee, so that’s one money-saving option worth checking out.

How are Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check similar?

Both have pre-enrollment online. From there, you will have to visit an enrollment center for both to provide fingerprints and verify IDs.

The biggest thing to take away from comparing the two is Global Entry INCLUDES TSA Pre-Check, whereas TSA Pre-Check only covers the expedited screening at participating airports.

I mean, at the end of the day, Global Entry only costs $15.00 more than Pre-Check, but your Global Entry includes the TSA perks so it is well worth it even if you aren’t an international traveler…you never know when you could start traveling internationally, and it lasts 5 years—so what the heck?

Let me know if any of you have Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check, and tell me what you like about each! You know I love hearing a good travel story!

Eat, Drink and Be Carried Away

Courtnie
xoxo

BONUS TRAVEL TIP: CLEAR & PRIORITY PASS

Who’s heard of it?? It’s one of the newest programs and is owned by a private company. CLEAR is still not at every airport, but they are in a lot of places—including some sporting arenas!

I first discovered CLEAR when I was traveling through Dallas airport. I remember looking over at the TSA Pre-Check line one day, and it seemed to be longer than usual. I saw a man who just skipped right through the Pre-Check and I thought I am the Travel Queen, why am I in this line, well, that man was using CLEAR. Needless to say, my husband and I are both enrolled and it pays for itself if you have an AMEX platinum. (use those statement credits)

CLEAR uses biometrics – a fingerprint or scan of the eye – to verify a flyer’s identification. At participating airports, passengers go to the CLEAR kiosk where they tap their finger on a pad or blink to verify their identities and then scan their boarding pass. A CLEAR representative escorts them to the front of the TSA Pre-Check lane, basically.  The program is available at 50 + airports nationwide, and there’s an annual membership fee of $189. The price has gone up but if you travel a lot it’s worth it. They have even come out with a health pass for business. A few locations for CLEAR include: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, two in Houston, two in Miami, 5 in LA, and five in New York. It also works in stadiums and other concert venues in the U.S.

For those who travel and go to sporting events often, it’s worth taking a look. You can become a member by completing the form online and then going to an airport to finalize it during your next flight. The registration is less than five minutes and there is no appointment when you arrive. You will be able to use it right away.

Now let’s talk about another luxury on the block! This club is simultaneously inclusive (affordable to all) and exclusively for those who value a little piece of civilization on their journey. In short, a place where you are always treated like No. 1, rather than part of the herd.

Priority Pass
When you are just sitting in the airport bored AF and have nothing to do but scroll or troll people on social media this is where you need to be especially if you can’t get into that Delta or Centrium Lounge. This pass has saved me when traveling worldwide and my last trip to Turkey, I wouldn’t have survived without it!

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.