If you’ve flown recently, chances are you experienced the frustration of having to wait in a long security line at the airport. Frequent flyers know the secret to speeding through security is trusted traveler programs such as TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry. Because there is a cost involved with each one, Nerd Wallet compared the two so you can decide which one would be better for you.
If you primarily travel domestically, then TSA PreCheck might be all you need. It speeds up security screenings for flights departing from U.S. airports. As the name suggests, it’s run by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. TSA PreCheck costs $78 for a five-year membership and $70 to renew.
On the other hand, if you travel internationally, then you might want to consider Global Entry . It includes TSA PreCheck, plus offers faster U.S. customs screening when arriving at U.S. airports from other countries. It’s run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership. Because Global Entry is a more comprehensive program, it has requirements that are more stringent than TSA PreCheck such as needing to have a passport and attending an in-person interview. There are also only 116 Global Entry enrollment centers, compared to TSA PreCheck’s more than 500 application and enrollment centers, so chances are unless you live near a major metropolitan airport the interview portion of this process will be a challenge.
Have you invested in either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or Twitter and let us know if you think it was worth it. Does it save you time when flying?
