TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States.
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If you mostly travel domestically and want access to expedited security screening, TSA PreCheck may make sense for you. If you travel internationally and want access to faster customs screening upon reentry to the U.S., consider Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, instead.
Global Entry can be a useful program for travelers entering the United States or select other countries. Specifically, this Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) has benefits for U.S. Customs screenings that usually expedite entry into the country.
If you're approved, at the end of the interview, you'll immediately be enrolled into the program and be given your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Your Global Entry membership card will arrive in the mail anywhere between seven to 10 business days after approval and you have 30 days to activate your card.
Global Entry has the edge if you travel abroad. Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck, giving you even more opportunity to save time as you travel. Some travelers who are considering Clear vs. Global Entry may want to apply for both — especially if they have a lot of international travel in their future.
Travelers cannot upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global EntryA main reason is that the programs have distinct purposes. TSA PreCheck can help travelers pass through airport security checkpoints. Meanwhile, Global Entry is specifically for travelers arriving in the United States from another country.
There's no TSA PreCheck in Europe (womp womp), but at select Europe airports, travelers can reserve a time slot in advance (free of charge) then head to the front of the security line. There's no need to experience a repeat of last year's flightmare at Amsterdam's Schiphol.
While your card isn't required to access Global Entry kiosks at the airport, there are other scenarios in which you'll need it. If you plan to take advantage of Global Entry's access to NEXUS or SENTRI, your Global Entry card will be required.
Global Entry is everything that TSA PreCheck is and more. If you have Global Entry, you'll automatically also get TSA PreCheck and all of its benefits. On top of that, you'll get to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad.
Initially, the program was only offered at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) but has since been expanded to over 58 U.S. airports and 17 preclearance international airports.