TSA PreCheck & Global Entry: Why You Need It & How to Get It

If you will be flying in the next five years, then this episode is for you! Today I’m sharing all about TSA PreCheck & Global entry. I’ll explain what it is, what the benefits are, the cost, how to get it for free, plus how to sign up.

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What is TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

TSA PreCheck is an expedited service at over 200 airports in the United States.
TSA PreCheck allows you to get in a special (shorted line) at the airport and bypass the general security line with different rules for what needs to be unpacked from your bag for screening.
Global Entry is an expedited service used to clear customs when entering the United States from another country. You get to bypass the customs agents at the windows (and generally long lines) and head straight to a Global Entry kiosk where you scan your passport, scan your fingerprints, and enter your customs declaration.

Why you Need TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

If you will be flying at least once a year for the next five years, I think it is worth it.
The cost for only TSA PreCheck is $85 for five years. You can add Global Entry for only $15 more.
When going through the TSA PreCheck line, you get to keep your shoes on, keep laptops, food, and liquids in your bags, and keep on jackets and belts. This is a big-time saver, especially when traveling with a family.
You skip the line at the agent when entering the United States and head straight to a kiosk.
You save all of the time and hassle of the regular airport lines.

Success at our in-person appointment! Best government run experience ever.

How to Apply for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Head to the TSA Website to start your application.
It is one application for both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Enter all of the requested information. Have your passport available as you will also need that Information.
Wait for approval. This took months. I logged in to check on our account status every month and It said pending. Just be patient.
Eventually, you will (hopefully) receive an email saying that your application has been approved.
At this point, you need to schedule an in-person appointment at a local TSA office. The site options are listed on their website. You book an appointment right on the website. We live in the Phoenix area and signed up to go to Sky Harbor Airport.
The available appointments were months away.
As you can see, there is a lot of waiting time involved. You wait for your application to be approved, then you wait even longer for your appointment time to arrive. Plan on this process taking a few months.
On the day of your appointment, arrive with your passport and second photo ID. I had read that it was an interview, but it only involved taking my picture and having my fingerprints captured digitally.
Within a couple of hours of the in-person appointment, we were emailed our Known Traveler Numbers.

Good to Know

Many credit cards offer a refund on Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Our credit card offered it so getting it was free.
You renew this service every five years.
Once you receive TSA PreCheck, you will be given a Known Traveler Number (KTN.) Enter this number on the airline site when you book your flight. The number needs to be linked to your airline ticket in order for you to use the TSA PreCheck service.
If you forget to add your KTN when booking your flight, you can contact the airline and ask them to add your number to your reservation.
On many airline sites, you can save your KTN to your profile so it’s saved for each airline booking you make.
You do not need to do anything extra to use Global Entry once you are approved. This service is linked to your passport. Just swipe the passport at the Global Entry kiosks when you enter the United States and you are good to go.
Parents/guardians can bring along any children 12 years and younger into the precheck line.

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