Global Entry gives you TSA PreCheck automatically — here's how to use it

Global Entry is a trusted traveler program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that costs $100 for five years. When you enroll, you automatically receive TSA PreCheck as part of the membership at no extra cost. At security, you use your Global Entry card number or Known Traveler Number (KTN) to access PreCheck lanes, where you keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and liquids in your bag, and move through screening faster than standard passengers.

The key difference from buying TSA PreCheck alone is that Global Entry also covers your return to the United States — you go through expedited customs screening when you land. If you travel internationally even once every five years, Global Entry usually pays for itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, so you do not need to pay for PreCheck separately or enroll in it twice.
  • You receive a Global Entry card in the mail after your interview; use the card number or your Known Traveler Number when you book flights to set up PreCheck screening.
  • PreCheck benefits work at U.S. airports only; Global Entry benefits explore when you return to the United States from abroad.
  • You must add your KTN to your airline reservation before you arrive at the airport, or the TSA agent may not route you to the PreCheck lane.

Adding your Known Traveler Number to flight reservations

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-character code printed on your Global Entry card. When you book a flight, you enter this number in the "Known Traveler Number" or "Trusted Traveler" field during checkout. Most airlines ask for it on the same screen where you enter your name and date of birth.

If you booked your flight before you received your Global Entry card, log into your airline account and edit your reservation to add the KTN. You can do this up to 24 hours before departure. If you forget to add it before you arrive at the airport, tell the TSA agent at check-in; they can sometimes add it manually, though this is not may provide and may delay you.

The KTN links your reservation to the TSA PreCheck program. Without it in your booking, the airline will not flag you as a PreCheck member, and you will go through standard security even though you are may be able to access.

What to expect in the TSA PreCheck lane

When you enter the PreCheck lane at security, you will notice the line moves faster and the screening is less strict. You do not remove shoes, belts, or light jackets. Laptops, tablets, and liquids stay in your carry-on bag. You walk through the metal detector instead of the full-body scanner (though the TSA agent can direct you to a scanner if they choose).

You still need a valid ID and boarding pass. Have both ready before you reach the agent. The PreCheck lane is not available at every airport or every time of day — smaller airports may not have one, and very early morning or late evening flights sometimes use standard screening only. If you do not see a PreCheck lane, ask the TSA agent whether one is operating that day.

Renewing Global Entry before it expires

Your Global Entry membership lasts five years from the date of your interview. About six months before expiration, you can renew online through the official Global Entry website (trusted-traveler.cbp.dhs.gov). The renewal fee is $100, and you do not need another in-person interview unless the CBP asks you to come in.

If you renew online, your new card arrives in the mail about two weeks before your current card expires. Your KTN stays the same, so you do not need to update your airline profiles or frequent-flyer accounts. If your card expires before your renewal arrives, you can still use your old KTN for TSA PreCheck until the new card shows up.

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck alone

You can buy TSA PreCheck directly from the TSA for $78 to $85 for five years. The only difference is that TSA PreCheck covers U.S. airport security only, while Global Entry covers both U.S. airport security and expedited customs screening when you return from abroad. Both use the same PreCheck lanes and the same screening rules.

If you never travel internationally, TSA PreCheck alone saves you $15 to $22 over five years. If you travel outside the United States even once, Global Entry usually saves money and time. Some credit cards also reimburse the Global Entry fee, which can make it free.

What happens if your Global Entry card is lost or stolen

If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through the trusted-traveler.cbp.dhs.gov website. There is no fee for a replacement card, and it arrives in about two weeks. Your KTN does not change, so your airline reservations and PreCheck benefits stay active while you wait.

If your card is stolen, report it to CBP through the website so they can flag it. You can still use your KTN for PreCheck screening — the card itself is just a physical ID that proves your membership if you are asked. Many travelers use their KTN alone and never carry the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to show my Global Entry card at airport security?

No. The TSA agent checks your ID and boarding pass, not your Global Entry card. Your KTN in your airline reservation is what tells the system you are may be able to access for PreCheck. You can leave the card at home and still use PreCheck as long as your KTN is in your booking.

Can I use Global Entry for international flights departing the U.S.?

Yes. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, so you use the PreCheck lane for security when you leave the United States. The Global Entry benefit (expedited customs) applies when you return to the U.S., not when you depart.

What if I add my KTN but still get sent to standard security?

This can happen if the airline did not sync your reservation with the TSA system, or if the PreCheck lane is not operating that day. Tell the TSA agent your KTN and show your Global Entry card if you have it. They can manually verify your status, though it may take a few extra minutes.

Does Global Entry work for connecting flights?

Yes, as long as your KTN is in your reservation for each flight segment. If you booked two separate tickets instead of one round-trip, add your KTN to both reservations. PreCheck applies to every U.S. airport security checkpoint you pass through.