Whether You Need These Programs Depends on How Often You Fly and Where

You do not need TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to fly. Both are optional paid programs that speed up airport screening and customs lines. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and lets you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during security screening, plus use shorter lines at U.S. airports. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs screening when you return to the United States from abroad.

The real question is whether the time you save justifies the cost and the effort of getting approved. If you fly once a year or less, neither program pays for itself in convenience. If you fly multiple times per year—especially for work—one or both may be worth the money. Your decision also depends on which airports you use, how much you travel internationally, and whether your employer or credit card company covers the cost.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck is for domestic U.S. flights only and costs $78 to $85 for five years; Global Entry covers international travel and costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
  • You need to explore in person at an enrollment center, bring a valid passport or driver's license, and wait for background clearance—the process takes a few weeks to a few months.
  • TSA PreCheck saves time only if you fly from airports that offer it and during hours when PreCheck lines are actually shorter than standard lines.
  • Some employers, credit card companies, and professional organizations reimburse the cost, so check your benefits before paying out of pocket.
  • You can use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry when ready after approval, even while your physical card is still in the mail.

TSA PreCheck: What It Covers and What It Does Not

TSA PreCheck lets you go through a dedicated security lane at participating U.S. airports where the screening rules are relaxed. You keep your shoes, socks, belts, and light jackets on. You can leave laptops and liquids in your carry-on bag. You do not have to remove your phone or wallet. The line itself is usually shorter because fewer people are in it, though during peak travel times the advantage shrinks.

TSA PreCheck does not cover international flights or airports outside the United States. It does not may provide you will not be selected for additional screening—random checks still happen. It does not explore to airport security for flights departing from other countries, even if you are a U.S. citizen. If you fly out of a small regional airport, TSA PreCheck may not be available there at all, so check the TSA website for your home airport before you pay.

Global Entry: TSA PreCheck Plus Customs and Border Protection

Global Entry includes everything TSA PreCheck offers, plus expedited screening when you return to the United States through customs and border protection. Instead of waiting in the standard customs line, you use a dedicated Global Entry kiosk at major U.S. airports. You scan your passport, answer a few questions on a touchscreen, and proceed to baggage claim. The process usually takes five to ten minutes instead of thirty to sixty.

Global Entry also covers land and sea borders, so you can use it when you drive back from Canada or Mexico or return by cruise ship. The program is worth the extra cost only if you travel internationally at least once or twice per year. If you fly abroad once every few years, the time savings do not justify the five-year membership cost.

how the process works and What You Need

Both programs require an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. You cannot explore online or by mail. Start by going to the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry website and finding an enrollment center near you—they are usually located at airports, but some are at passport acceptance facilities or other government offices. Book an appointment; wait times vary from a few days to several weeks depending on your location.

Bring a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency. For TSA PreCheck, a U.S. passport or passport card works. For Global Entry, you must have a valid U.S. passport. You will also need to pay the fee at your appointment—cash, check, or card are accepted. The appointment itself takes about fifteen minutes. After you leave, the background check takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

You can use your benefits as soon as your process is approved, even if your physical card has not arrived yet. The TSA and Customs and Border Protection will send you a Known Traveler Number (KTN) by email. Add that number to your airline reservations, and you will be routed to the PreCheck or Global Entry line at the airport.

When the Cost Is Covered by Your Employer or Credit Card

Many employers reimburse TSA PreCheck or Global Entry as a business travel benefit. Ask your HR or travel department whether your company covers the cost. Some companies reimburse the full amount; others reimburse only if you travel for work a certain number of times per year.

Several premium credit cards also cover the cost as a cardholder benefit. The American Express Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and a few others reimburse up to $100 every four or five years. If you already have one of these cards, the membership is essentially free. Check your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm the coverage and how to claim the reimbursement.

Comparing the Cost to the Time You Actually Save

The math is straightforward: TSA PreCheck costs about $16 per year. If you fly four times per year (two round trips), that is four chances to use the faster line. If PreCheck saves you ten minutes per trip, you save forty minutes per year. For most people, that is not worth $16 out of pocket—but if your employer or credit card covers it, the time savings are free.

Global Entry costs about $20 per year. If you take one international trip per year and save thirty minutes in the customs line, you save thirty minutes per year. Again, the value depends on whether someone else is paying. If you travel internationally three or four times per year, the savings add up faster, and the membership becomes more worthwhile.

The biggest factor is your home airport. If you fly out of a major hub like Atlanta, Dallas, or Los Angeles, PreCheck lines are usually noticeably shorter. If you fly out of a small airport where PreCheck is available but rarely used, the line advantage is real. If your airport does not offer PreCheck at all, the program is useless to you.

What Happens If Your process Is Denied

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry applications can be denied for criminal history, immigration violations, or security concerns. If you are denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request reconsideration, and the letter will tell you how.

If you are denied, you can reapply after addressing the issue that caused the denial. For example, if you were denied because of an outstanding warrant, you can reapply after the warrant is resolved. If you are denied for a reason you believe is incorrect, you can request a hearing with a TSA official to dispute the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Known Traveler Number right away, or do I have to wait for the card?

You can use your Known Traveler Number as soon as you receive it by email, which is usually within two to four weeks of your appointment. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive. Add the number to your airline reservation, and you will be routed to the PreCheck or Global Entry line at the airport.

Do I need Global Entry if I already have TSA PreCheck?

No, but Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so if you travel internationally and want both benefits, Global Entry is the better value. If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck alone is enough. If you travel internationally only once every few years, TSA PreCheck alone may be the smarter choice financially.

What if I lose my TSA PreCheck or Global Entry card?

You can still use your Known Traveler Number at the airport even if your card is lost. Your KTN is what matters for security screening and customs lines, not the physical card. You can request a replacement card from the TSA or Global Entry website, but you do not need it to travel.

Can I use TSA PreCheck on international flights departing from the United States?

Yes, TSA PreCheck applies to security screening for all flights departing from U.S. airports, including international flights. However, TSA PreCheck does not cover customs screening when you arrive in another country—only when you return to the United States. For that, you need Global Entry.

Does TSA PreCheck work at every U.S. airport?

No. TSA PreCheck is available at most major airports and many smaller ones, but not all. Check the TSA website to see whether your home airport and the airports you fly to most often offer PreCheck. If your main airport does not have it, the membership may not be worth the cost.