When you go to any airport in the US, there are usually lines.
Then there are more lines.
Aaaaand yet more lines.
And, if you’re traveling from outside the United States back into the United States, there is likely – you guessed it – more waiting to get through immigration.
Ever since 9/11, lines at airports have been understandably, and miserably, long. Now, as a traveler, you have to take off shoes and jackets. You must liberate your liquids from your bags. Don’t forget your laptop…
No wonder some people avoid traveling.
As someone who is eternally optimistic about just how long it will take me to get to and through the lines in the airport, I would do anything to avoid lines.
And that’s where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can make a killing. And they do.
Enter the TSA Pre-Check program and, my personal favorite, the Global Entry Program.
What the… What?
In response to traveler riots displeasure at having to wait in these lines, the Department of Homeland Security has an opportunity for people willing to pay to avoid standing in line.
Interested U.S. citizens and permanent residents can submit an online application for one of these programs. Then you wait.
The TSA Pre-Check Program allows members to go in that short, fast-moving line at security. Yep, the one where you don’t have to take off your shoes. Or your jacket.
However, at the risk of sounding like a late-night spokesperson for the latest as-seen-on-TV item, for just 15 dollars more, you can get some added benefits!
The Global Entry Program includes the TSA Pre-Check for domestic flights, and has expedited entry back into the United States.
As someone who has waited between 15 minutes and 3 hours to clear US Immigration (oftentimes on a full bladder), this program was an immediate YES.
Here is the breakdown of what each program includes:
How does the thought of line-skipping sound to you?
Sounds pretty sweet. How much does it cost?
TSA Pre-Check costs $85 for a five-year membership (or $17 per year), whereas Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership (or $20 per year).
It’s important to know that you will pay this in full at the time of application. Just like a passport.
If you plan on doing any international travel and are already sold on the TSA Pre-Check, that extra $15 (or $3 per year if you want to look at it that way) is more than worth it.
The lines. You would skip the lines that suck out your soul.
Shut up and take my money. So what’s the application like?
Let’s focus on Global Entry.
The application is just as serious – if not much more serious – than a job application. Be prepared to provide the following information or documents:
- Your name and personal information
- Date and place of birth
- Contact information
- Citizenship Information (this would ideally be your U.S. passport, but a birth certificate would do as well)
- Admissibility document (if you used your passport, that counts for this section)
- Your primary residence (and all other residences from the past five years)
- Your current job (and all other jobs in the past five years – there can be no breaks in your employment history. So include a one-month unemployment. They care.)
- Your international travel history from the past five years outside of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
- Your criminal history
This will likely take you at least a half-hour to complete, or more if the system crashes. #whoops #beenthere
You do have to pay for your application online in order to submit it. You can pay by credit card or bank account.
Then, your application will either be conditionally approved or, well, not. If it is conditionally approved, you are required to show up at an enrollment center for an interview.
If you live near a major city, celebrate! You will probably not have to go on a trek for your interview. Since I live near D.C., both enrollment centers are only a short public transportation ride from me.
However, if you live in upstate New York, for example, you will interview either at the Canadian border or in New York City. It’s worth the adventure!
You can find the locations of all of the enrollment centers on the Customs and Border Protection website.
Once Homeland Security (hopefully) approves you, you will have a Known Traveler Number. This is the number you will enter every time you book a flight.
One thing to keep in mind is that, once you get a new passport, you have to update your Global Entry account.
Unless you want to be stuck at the border.
Potentially forever.
I’m looking forward to the next time I travel internationally – avoiding lines is everything to me!
Would you pay to have a smoother and shorter travel experience? Share in the comments below!
Related:
11 Things You Need to Research Before Traveling
13 Things on My Carry-On for Long Trips
Study Abroad Guide: Preparation Phase
Getting a Visa: Facts to Know
Why You Should Use the STEP Program