So in my first post I mentioned standing in line for the TSA at an airport as part of why I decided to create this blog. The couple in line behind us was saying they were going to go and sign up for the TSA PreCheck program when they got home so they could avoid the long lines in the future. Hearing this I turned to them and asked “Well do you ever go out of the US?” and the husband replied “Yes we go to Canada”.
Why does it matter? What are these programs? Why apply?
Well, as I explained to that couple as we stood in that TSA line for over an hour, if you want to pay the $85 for the TSA Precheck (Good for five years) that is fine! BUT for only $15 more ($100 total as of today), you can sign up for the Global Entry program with US Customs and Border patrol which COMES WITH 5 YEARS OF TSA PRECHECK INCLUDED AND HELPS WITH THE CUSTOMS PROCESS WHEN YOU RETURN FROM INTERNATIONAL TRIPS!
To me, if you even THINK you may travel outside the US within the next 5 years, it makes more sense to do Global Entry. But, you don’t need to just take what I say as a why. Check out the sources directly:
Tsa PreCheck: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-apply-tsa-precheck
Global Entry: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply
Let me just leave you with this last thought on why Global Entry is worth the $15 more rather than just paying the $85 for TSA PreCheck.
When two of my fellow travel agents and I arrived at JFK after our trip to Amman Jordan this past September, two of us had to wait for Customs and Border patrol clearance. A process that took us roughly an hour to get through. Our friend Anne had Global Entry so guess what, she zipped right through, grabbed her checked bag plus each of our bags, and sat waiting for us!
Jenn's Travel Adventures 