Global Entry Is Worth It
I highly recommend Global Entry, whether you barely travel internationally or you think you’re sticking to U.S. based cities. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program, under the Trusted Travelers Programs, that allows expedited service on both leaving from and coming into the United States. (Think avoiding long customs line upon return from a foreign country.)
Global Entry also includes TSA-Precheck and if you’ve been to the airport in the last 8 or so years, you have a slight idea what is TSA-Precheck. You know, those people who are in the usually less-crowded line, who keep their shoes on, do not pull out any clear plastic bags full of liquids, and generally have a air of “I’m-better-than-you” about them??? Well, these people have TSA-Precheck, which allows them to get to the airport just a bit later (I tend not to get to the airport more than an hour before my flights for domestic and hour and half before international) because of the security of knowing I will bypass the long lines and (for the most part) breeze through security.
There are a few things you need to do before you’re approved for Global Entry and they include:
Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. Everyone, no matter the age, must have their own account.
Log in to your TTP account and complete the application. The application requires a $100 non-refundable fee.
If your completed application is conditionally accepted, then you will have to interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center (usually at an airport.)
The interview requires a valid passport and one other government-issued form of identification.
The above may seem like a lot, but it truly is not. The most daunting tasks are completing the application and finding an airport that has interview times that work for you. Global Entry lasts for 5 years and I believe it is a great investment for any level of traveler.
A free option, that does not include TSA-Precheck, but helps with bypassing long custom lines (but not accepted at every airport) is Mobile Passport Control. This is an app where you create a profile and it expedites entry back into the U.S. Something to consider if you do not want to commit to Global Entry just yet.
Happy Traveling Travelsetters!