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TSA Precheck or Global Entry: How to Decide
Posted on 11/11/16 at 10:35 am
Posted on 11/11/16 at 10:35 am
Recently had this discussion with family and colleagues about whether to choose TSA Precheck or Global Entry. Ended up going with TSA Pre because I only travel internationally once or twice a year. I figured this thread can be used as discussion if you are interested in either one and are curious as to which one fits your travel patterns better.
TSA Pre:
For $85, TSA pre is good for 5 years. Application process is simple: go online to Universal Enroll, fill in your information (takes under 5 min), schedule an appointment at an identity verification location and wait for your known traveler number.
In baton rouge, the closest place is Identgo over off Siegen. For this location (and others) you can schedule an appointment online or just show up. Last Friday (11/4) I filled out my information online and scheduled an appointment for this past monday morning. Got there 10 min early, they scanned my passport and told me it'd be 2-3 weeks in the mail that I'd get my number. Low and behold, 5 days later (today) I have my known traveler number and tsa precheck. Surprisingly fast and efficient and can use this immediately for thanksgiving and christmas travel.
Global Entry:
GE is $100 and also valid for 5 years. To get global entry, you must first make an account here LINK and complete the application. CBP will review the application and if approved, you must then schedule an appointment to meet in person. You will need to bring a passport and a photo id.
The major advantage of global entry is expedited customs and immigration on your way back from international cities. Global entry also includes TSA Precheck so for $15 more you get both. However, the bigger issue with this is scheduling an appointment. Because Global entry is done by customs and border patrol agents, the only location that you can do this in Louisiana is at the New Orleans Airport. Their hours are 9am-3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
While I didn't opt for global entry this week, the last time I flew through DFW in early september it was a nightmare for everyone that didn't have it. Immigration line was over an hour and then after getting luggage the customs line was another hour. A 3 hour connection turned into just making my flight after going through security again. This is just to say it can be very worthwhile to have global entry if you travel internationally often.
Looking forward to hearing why everyone else did or did not choose to purchase TSA pre or global entry
TSA Pre:
For $85, TSA pre is good for 5 years. Application process is simple: go online to Universal Enroll, fill in your information (takes under 5 min), schedule an appointment at an identity verification location and wait for your known traveler number.
In baton rouge, the closest place is Identgo over off Siegen. For this location (and others) you can schedule an appointment online or just show up. Last Friday (11/4) I filled out my information online and scheduled an appointment for this past monday morning. Got there 10 min early, they scanned my passport and told me it'd be 2-3 weeks in the mail that I'd get my number. Low and behold, 5 days later (today) I have my known traveler number and tsa precheck. Surprisingly fast and efficient and can use this immediately for thanksgiving and christmas travel.
Global Entry:
GE is $100 and also valid for 5 years. To get global entry, you must first make an account here LINK and complete the application. CBP will review the application and if approved, you must then schedule an appointment to meet in person. You will need to bring a passport and a photo id.
The major advantage of global entry is expedited customs and immigration on your way back from international cities. Global entry also includes TSA Precheck so for $15 more you get both. However, the bigger issue with this is scheduling an appointment. Because Global entry is done by customs and border patrol agents, the only location that you can do this in Louisiana is at the New Orleans Airport. Their hours are 9am-3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
While I didn't opt for global entry this week, the last time I flew through DFW in early september it was a nightmare for everyone that didn't have it. Immigration line was over an hour and then after getting luggage the customs line was another hour. A 3 hour connection turned into just making my flight after going through security again. This is just to say it can be very worthwhile to have global entry if you travel internationally often.
Looking forward to hearing why everyone else did or did not choose to purchase TSA pre or global entry
Posted on 11/11/16 at 11:44 am to CuseTiger
I fly 150-200 segments a year and pre check saves my arse. I do a few international trips and have loved global entry. Like you said customs can be a mess. With a trump presidency I bet it gets more chaotic so global entry will be worth even more. I 100% would opt for global entry. I did mine at the Raegan building in DC when I was there for work. Super efficient.
Posted on 11/11/16 at 12:55 pm to CuseTiger
Global entry gives you pre chek for only $20 more.
Posted on 11/11/16 at 2:34 pm to CuseTiger
quote:
Looking forward to hearing why everyone else did or did not choose to purchase TSA pre or global entry
We chose GE before they even interviewed in Nola. We interviewed during a layover in Houston. Seemed a no brainer since pre check was included. We travel internationally a few times a year and during the time we've had GE, I've seen the lines grow longer and longer. It has saved us a lot of time. Pre check can be hit or miss depending on the airport/concourse, though. It's nice when available.
Posted on 11/11/16 at 2:47 pm to CuseTiger
Global Entry no doubt.
The extra $15 or whatever is worth it skipping customs just once. Over 5 years if you travel out of country 5 times that's $3 a skip. No brainer to me.
The extra $15 or whatever is worth it skipping customs just once. Over 5 years if you travel out of country 5 times that's $3 a skip. No brainer to me.
Posted on 11/11/16 at 5:33 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
What Teddy said. If you fly internationally at all and your point of entry has Global Entry it is a no-Brainer.
Posted on 11/12/16 at 7:53 am to CuseTiger
Global entry if you fly international even once or twice in 5 yrs is worth the extra few bucks.
Just get chase sapphire reserve cc and have them pay it for you.
-- Nola global entry frequent opens Friday and Saturday appointments monthly.
Just get chase sapphire reserve cc and have them pay it for you.
-- Nola global entry frequent opens Friday and Saturday appointments monthly.
This post was edited on 11/12/16 at 7:59 am
Posted on 11/13/16 at 4:04 pm to Odinson
I agree that Global Entry is worth the $15 over the TSA Precheck. Just one note, I believe if you fly with children they will also need to have Global Entry (even infants).
Posted on 11/14/16 at 9:03 am to Devenbaker
quote:
Just one note, I believe if you fly with children they will also need to have Global Entry (even infants).
This is what sucks about it, all family members must have it.
Posted on 11/14/16 at 3:37 pm to CuseTiger
Global entry, just schedule your appointment during a layover. I did it in Houston and it took all of 10 minutes, with most of that being a video.
Posted on 11/14/16 at 3:57 pm to CajunAlum Tiger Fan
Video?
They asked a few questions and took my picture. Then they gave me my known traveler ID number and I left.
They asked a few questions and took my picture. Then they gave me my known traveler ID number and I left.
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