Getting through security and customs at an airport can be a real hassle. On your departure, you have to wait in a often huge line, remove coats/sweaters/scarves/shoes/belt, empty your pockets, take electronics out of your bag (including laptop, tablet, phone, e-readers, other larger gadgets), remove your liquids/gels/aerosols (that must be in containers under 3.4oz/100ml and all fit in a quart-sized clear plastic bag), send all your stuff through an x-ray machine, and take yourself through a metal detector or body scanner. Plus, there’s always the potential you’ll be searched a little more thoroughly…
On the flip side, when you arrive in the US there’ll most likely be another super long line awaiting you. Plus you have to fill out a customs form, maybe get your photo taken at a kiosk, and chat with a customs official. These security protocols on either end of a flight can take forever and be very frustrating experiences!
There are some ways to expedite the process, however, and even skip some parts. I’ll tell you all about them in this post and help you determine whether any of them are worth it for you. Plus, I’ll share a tip for how you might be able to get these authorizations for free!
TSA Precheck
Expedites TSA security procedures upon departure at major US airports.
Benefits:
Dedicated Precheck only lines.
No need to remove light jackets, shoes, and belts at security.
No need to remove electronics and liquids from your carry-on luggage.
Requirements:
Must be a US citizen/permanent resident.
A parent/guardian must consent for those under 18.
Application Process:
Apply online here and submit the application fee.
Conditional application approval is subject to passing a background check.
Once conditionally approved, complete a short, in-person interview at an Enrollment Center. Be sure to bring a paper copy of your conditional approval letter, your passport/permanent resident card, and one other form of ID. You will be fingerprinted at this interview.
Enter your KTN (Known Traveler Number – received at your interview, if approved) when booking travel and/or register it in your airline frequent flier profiles.
Cost: USD$85
Valid: 5 Years
Global Entry
Expedites customs upon arrival at major US airports.
Benefits:
Upon arrival in a US airport, you may skip the normal customs line and paper declaration form. Instead, check out at a kiosk where you must scan your passport/residence card and fingerprints, have your photo taken, and complete a short onscreen customs declaration. Take your receipt from the kiosk straight to baggage claim and/or the exit.
Access to expedited benefits in other countries.
=> Also includes Precheck benefits!
Requirements:
Must be a citizen of the USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, The Netherlands, Panama, South Korea, India, Colombia, Argentina or Singapore.
A parent/guardian must consent for those under 18.
Application Process:
US citizens apply online here and submit the application fee. More info on non-US citizen applications can be found here.
Conditional application approval is subject to passing a background check.
Once conditionally approved, complete a short, in-person interview at an Enrollment Center. Be sure to bring a paper copy of your conditional approval letter, your passport/permanent resident card, and one other form of ID. You will be fingerprinted at this interview.
Activate your Global Entry Card (received by mail 7-10 days after being approved at your interview) online within 30 days. You do not need your card at airports, only at land border crossings.
Cost: USD$100
(Could be $0! See below for how you might be reimbursed this fee.)
Valid: 5 Years
NEXUS
Expedites customs upon arrival at US or Canadian airports and at land border crossings.
Benefits:
NEXUS kiosks in Canadian airports & Global Entry kiosks in US airports reduce wait time.
Dedicated lanes at land border crossings for a shorter wait.
=> Also includes both Precheck and Global Entry benefits!
Requirements:
Must be a US or Canadian citizen/permanent resident or a Mexican national and member of Viajero Confiable (Mexico’s trusted traveler program).
A parent/guardian must consent for those under 18.
Application Process:
Fill out an application through GOES (Global Online Enrollment System) or by mail and pay the application fee.
Conditional application approval is subject to passing a background check.
Once conditionally approved, you must schedule and attend a short interview at a NEXUS Enrollment Center. There are only a few of these and all are near the Canadian border. You will be fingerprinted at this interview.
Both the US and Canada must approve you. Rejection by one country means you cannot participate.
Cost: USD$50 online, CAD$50 by mail.
Valid: 5 Years
Learn more about all of these programs here or here.
Which Program Is Best for Me?
NEXUS is the best overall program. It has the most benefits and is the cheapest! The application process is more difficult, however, and takes the longest (several months, most likely).
Global Entry is definitely the next best option. For only $15 more than TSA Precheck, you get the benefits of both! The application process typically takes days to weeks.
For the majority of people, TSA Precheck is not the right program. I would only ever advise choosing TSA Precheck if you only fly domestically, never internationally, and if you really need to pinch pennies and save that $15 over Global Entry. The application process normally takes longer than Global Entry, though not as long as NEXUS.
Are they worth it?
For frequent travelers, Global Entry and NEXUS are most likely worth it. Definitely worth it if you can get Global Entry for free! (See below)
For infrequent travelers, the time savings probably doesn’t justify the cost and interview hassle.
Choosing only TSA Precheck is usually NOT worth it.
Note: For those who value their privacy highly, even frequent fliers, the time savings may not be worth the trade of the government having your fingerprints on file and/or completing a background check.
How to Get Global Entry for FREE
There are two ways to get Global Entry for free.
- If you pay your application fee with a participating credit card, the credit card company will actually reimburse you. Some will even allow you to use your benefit for someone else or reimburse you for one or two authorized users as well. Be sure to check if your credit card has this benefit. If not, apply for one that does!
- If you are a Delta Platinum Medallion member, one of the choice benefits is reimbursement for the Global Entry application fee. Delta Diamond Medallion members can choose to be reimbursed for two application fees.
Related Posts:
- 5 Tricks for Getting the Cheapest Flight
- Know Your Rights! A Guide to US & European Airline Regulations
- How to Make the Most of Awkward Travel Patterns
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