If you've been searching for a faster way through the airport, you've probably come across two programs: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Both offer expedited airport screening, but they solve different problems — and most travelers only need one.
This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make the right call.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a program run by the Transportation Security Administration that lets pre-approved travelers use dedicated, faster security lanes at domestic U.S. airports. When you have PreCheck, you can:
- Keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on
- Leave your laptop and liquids in your bag
- Use shorter, faster-moving security lines
It applies to domestic flights and international flights departing from U.S. airports. It does not help you when you land back in the U.S. after an international trip — that's what Global Entry is for.
Cost: $78 for 5 years Approval time: 3–5 days after in-person enrollment (no background check delay) Interview required: Yes, but walk-ins available at many locations
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that gives pre-approved travelers expedited customs clearance when arriving in the United States from international destinations. Instead of waiting in the passport control line, you walk up to a kiosk, scan your passport, answer a few on-screen questions, and walk out — in minutes.
Global Entry also automatically includes TSA PreCheck, making it the better deal for most travelers.
Cost: $120 for 5 years Approval time: 2–6 months for background check, then you need to schedule an interview Interview required: Yes — at a CBP enrollment center (these fill up fast; see below)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | |---|---|---| | Cost | $78 / 5 years | $120 / 5 years | | Includes TSA PreCheck | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (included) | | Expedited U.S. customs on return | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | | Approval wait time | Days | 2–6 months | | Interview required | Yes (easy) | Yes (harder to schedule) | | Best for | Domestic-only travelers | International travelers |
Which One Should You Get?
Get TSA PreCheck if:
- You only fly domestically within the U.S.
- You want fast approval and don't want to wait months
- You fly internationally fewer than once every 2–3 years
Get Global Entry if:
- You travel internationally at least once a year
- You want to skip the passport control line on re-entry
- You want TSA PreCheck included (it is, automatically)
- You're willing to wait a few months for approval
The honest recommendation: For the vast majority of travelers, Global Entry is the better investment. You're paying $42 more over 5 years — less than $9 per year — to get TSA PreCheck plus expedited international customs clearance. If you ever fly internationally, that's a no-brainer.
The One Catch with Global Entry: The Interview Wait
Here's the part most people don't realize until they've already applied: once your Global Entry background check clears (Conditional Approval), you still have to schedule an in-person interview at a CBP enrollment center.
At major airports like JFK, LAX, and SFO, interview appointments can be booked out 6–11 months in advance. That's months of waiting even after you've been approved.
The workaround is monitoring for last-minute cancellations. When someone cancels their appointment, that slot reopens — and it's usually snapped up within seconds. You can manually check current appointment availability for your center, or use a service that watches for cancellations 24/7. Most users who set up alerts get an appointment within 2–5 days instead of waiting nearly a year.
Does Your Credit Card Cover the Fee?
Before you pay out of pocket, check if any of your credit cards reimburse the Global Entry fee automatically. Many premium travel cards — including Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, and others — completely cover the application cost. This makes the already-reasonable cost effectively $0.
The Bottom Line
If you fly internationally even occasionally, skip TSA PreCheck and go straight to Global Entry — you get PreCheck included anyway, plus the valuable customs benefit. Just know that the interview wait can be long, and plan accordingly.
Once you're conditionally approved, set up alerts so you don't have to manually refresh the CBP portal for months. That's exactly what our Global Entry alerts system is built to help with.
For official program details, see the TSA PreCheck FAQ and CBP's Global Entry page.