Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck

Flying with airlines is a quick way to reach the desired destinations. But boarding the flight is equally lengthy and full of hassle. It is due to border controls, screening procedures, entry procedures, or passport control. Moreover, one could not feel the same with the Travel Trusted Program, which includes TSA PreChecks and Global Entry. Further, this program allows enrolled passengers to use express lanes at the U.S. airports for security screening and immigration for a smooth boarding. Thus, more information on the Global Entry versus TSA precheck can be located below.

Is it Better to get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?

The Global Entry and TSA PreChecks is a part of the Travelers Trusted program, which offers quick security screening and immigration to its members. They are both part of one program, but still, it has a lot of differences in the operations. To learn more about Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck, you can check the explanations here.

Functions of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

A “Global Entry” is an expedited clearance program for low-risk travelers entering the United States. Further, it is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program. Moreover, global entry will accelerate immigration to the U.S., and this comes with the TSA PreChecks. Also, if you are a member, then you don’t need to touch your passport because Global Entry kiosks just need a photo, and by that, you can bypass immigration within a minute.

A TSA PreCheck is a security screening program at U.S. airports. So, when you have this membership, then you can clear your security checks without waiting in a long queue. Moreover, it can be used at major airports in the United States. It basically aims to enhance security and provide a smoother travel experience for its flyers.

Eligibility Criteria for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

The Global Entry and TSA PreCheck program is used to provide a seamless flying experience, but it is restricted to certain travelers only. Furthermore, to join the “Global Entry,” a member has to be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a select foreign national. However, the eligibility criteria for the “TSA PreChecks” are U.S. citizen, U.S. national, and U.S. lawful permanent resident. So, you get to fulfill the requirements of your enrollment program and seek swift flying experience.

Easy Process to Become a Trusted Traveler Member

When you are qualified as per their set criteria, you can become a member. Moreover, Global Entry and TSA PreChecks have different ways of getting membership, and you can choose the most effective one.

Global Entry

Get to the Trusted Traveler Program website, www.dhs.gov
Create your scout and log in.
Locate the “Global Entry” option and choose the Get Started icon.
Complete the application process with the $120 nonrefundable fee.
Then, an interview could be scheduled at the Global Entry Enrollment Center.
As this process is completed, you can receive the nine-digit Trusted Travel Number.

TSA PreCheck

Visit the official website of the Travel Trusted Program, ttp.dhs.gov
Now, could you create an account and log in with it.
Choose the TSA Precheck options and complete the form.
There, you get to submit $76.75 for new enrollment.
Schedule your interview and complete the process.
Once this is finished, you can receive the KTN number.

Note: The minimum processing time for TSA PreCheck is 5 days, and the maximum is 60 days, but it has a 90% approval rate. On the other hand, the Global Entry time varies depending on the conditions of the applications.

Benefits of Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck

When travelers have to ease out their flying process, they can enroll in either of these as per their requirement and have one of these. Moreover, the benefits of Global Entry vs TSA Precheck are also ways to determine superiority. Hence, you can identify their perks by going through the bottom.

Global Entry: Streamline the immigration process for entering the U.S.

There is no need for paperwork.
It does not have a processing line.
Accessed at the major airports of the United States.
Redacted wait times.
Global Entry comes with the TSA PreChecks.

TSA PreChecks: Accelerate security checks at U.S. airports.

It is less hassle for travelers not to have to remove their belts, shoes, and laptops from bags, light jackets, and so on.
Enhanced aviation security.

Does Global Entry skip the customs line?

Yes, with Global Entry, you can skip the customs line. But it is available only to qualified members. In order to bypass the imitations, one had to visit the Global Entry kiosk, and there they had to be verified digitally by showing a passport and presenting a live photo. In some cases, members are not required to show their passports. However, if any questionable behavior is observed, then you might be asked to follow up with a regular check-in.

Does Global Entry override TSA?

No, Global Entry does not override TSA. This is because the TSA PreChecks is included in the Global Entry program, and frequent international travelers mostly use it to bypass immigration or customs. On the other hand, the TSA PreCheck has a separate lane for travelers who only want to get clear security screening quickly.

What happens after you get Global Entry?

A frequent flyer of international destinations can become a member of Global Entry and use the Trusted Traveler Number in the itinerary. Furthermore, it is available only to qualified members. Moreover, the things that you can have after becoming a member are as follows:

Get expedited immigration while arriving at U.S. Airports from international destinations.
Able to use the services of TSA PreChecks.
The membership is valid for five years.
Have an automated Kiosk for quick and easy customs clearance.

What is the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

Travelers can ease their flying experiences by enrolling in the Trusted Travelers Programs as Global Entry and TSA PreChecks. Moreover, these programs offer pre-approved memberships. However, there are certain differences between these programs. Hence, you can encounter the PreCheck vs Global Entry by going through the following tables.

TSA PreCheck	Global Entry
Accelerate the security screening at the United States selective airports.	Smooth and well-organized trip arrival at the U.S. airport from international destinations.
It is suitable for all travelers, both international and domestic.	It is useful for frequent international travelers.
Process time could be from 5 to 60 days.	The time for processing an application could vary.

Can I Upgrade to Global Entry from TSA PreCheck?

No, you cannot upgrade to the Global Entry from the TSA PreCheck. Moreover, they both have different eligibility criteria and enrollment procedures. So, while becoming a member of one, you might not upgrade it to another program. Further, if you have to get to the Global Entry, then you will get to schedule your interview at the Global Entry Enrollment Center and finalize the application process.

Conclusion

Hence, the specifications shown here clearly show a bifurcation between Global Entry and TSA PreChecks. With that, you can also conclude that global entry is the same as TSA precheck in some way, but not entirely. More than that, you could also identify that when you take an international flight more than four times a year, then the Global Entry program could be best fit for you, while TSA PreChecks is best for a lesser trip and proves to be a great choice for the domestic travelers. So, determine your requirements and pick a program accordingly.