Standing in the regular security line at O'Hare, watching PreCheck lanes breeze through in 5 minutes while we waited 45... that was the moment.
We got TSA PreCheck. Then we discovered Global Entry. Then we realized most people only need one—and many credit cards cover the cost entirely.
Here's how to choose.
TSA PreCheck: The Domestic Traveler's Best Friend
What it is: Expedited security screening at U.S. airports.
What you get:
- No removing shoes, belts, or light jackets
- No removing laptops from bags
- No removing liquids under 3.4oz
- Dedicated lanes (much shorter lines)
- Under-18s free when traveling with you
Cost: $78 for 5 years (~$15.60/year)
Best for:
- Anyone who flies domestically 2+ times per year
- Families (kids under 18 ride your membership)
- People who check bags and want faster screening
After 15 flights with PreCheck, I can confirm: it saves 15–30 minutes per trip minimum. At busy airports like ATL or ORD, it's easily 45+ minutes.
Global Entry: For International Travelers
What it is: TSA PreCheck + expedited U.S. customs screening when returning from abroad.
What you get:
- Everything PreCheck includes
- Skip the customs line when re-entering the U.S.
- Use kiosks instead of talking to agents (usually)
- Includes TSA PreCheck benefits
Cost: $120 for 5 years (~$24/year)
Best for:
- International travelers (even once per year)
- Anyone who qualifies (see below)
Here's the thing: Global Entry costs only $42 more than PreCheck but includes everything. If you travel internationally even once in 5 years, it's worth it.
The Catch: Global Entry Isn't Guaranteed
You apply. They investigate your background. Then you might get approved, denied, or stuck in "pending" forever.
Things that can disqualify you:
- Criminal convictions (even minor ones)
- Certain immigration violations
- Providing false information on the application
- Outstanding warrants
Things that slow you down:
- Frequent international travel to certain countries
- Name changes (requires documentation)
- Common names (matches on watch lists)
Missy's application took 3 weeks. Mine took 4 months. There's no pattern.
How to Apply
TSA PreCheck
- Go to tsa.gov/precheck
- Create an account
- Fill out the application (15 minutes)
- Pay $78
- Schedule interview at enrollment center
- Bring required documents (passport OR driver's license + birth certificate)
- Interview (10 minutes—just questions about your travel)
- Wait for approval (usually 2–3 weeks)
- Get your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Global Entry
- Go to cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
- Create a GOES account
- Complete the application (longer than PreCheck)
- Pay $120
- Wait for "conditional approval" (weeks to months)
- Schedule interview at an airport enrollment center
- Bring passport and one other ID
- Interview + fingerprints
- Get your KTN
Pro tip: Schedule your Global Entry interview for when you're already at an airport. Many enrollment centers are inside terminals behind security.
How to Get It Free
Several credit cards reimburse the application fee:
Cards that cover BOTH TSA PreCheck and Global Entry:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee)
- Capital One Venture X ($395 annual fee)
- American Express Platinum ($695 annual fee)
- Chase United Explorer ($95 annual fee, first year waived)
We cover more about choosing travel cards in our credit card rewards guide.
Cards that cover TSA PreCheck only:
- Capital One Venture ($95 annual fee)
- Citi Premier ($95 annual fee)
If you have or plan to get any of these cards, get Global Entry. The math works even if you only travel internationally once.
Other Trusted Traveler Programs
NEXUS ($120 for 5 years):
- Includes Global Entry + TSA PreCheck
- Expedites entry into Canada
- Use SENTRI lanes entering the U.S. from Canada or Mexico
- Best if you travel to Canada frequently
SENTRI ($120 for 5 years):
- Includes Global Entry + TSA PreCheck
- Expedited border crossing from Mexico
- Best for frequent Mexico travelers
CLEAR (separate program; $189/year):
- Biometric identity verification
- Skip the ID check (but still go through security screening)
- Works WITH PreCheck (separate)
- Many credit cards cover this too
We don't recommend CLEAR unless it's free through a credit card. It's a nice-to-have, not essential.
The Real Value
At ~$15–24/year, these programs pay for themselves quickly:
- Time saved: 15–45 minutes per flight
- Stress reduction: Worth more than money
- Missed flights: Less likely when security is fast
- Arriving late: You can still make your flight
Before PreCheck, we arrived 2+ hours early for domestic flights. Now we show up 60–90 minutes before. Over 5 years, that's 30+ hours of our life back.
Adding Your KTN to Flights
Once approved, add your Known Traveler Number everywhere:
- Airline frequent flyer accounts (each one)
- Flight bookings (during checkout)
- Travel booking sites (Expedia, Kayak, etc.)
The KTN must match EXACTLY with your name on your ID. Middle name issues are the #1 reason PreCheck doesn't show up on boarding passes.
If you change your name (marriage, legal), you must update it with TSA/CBP and all airlines.
When It Doesn't Work
PreCheck isn't guaranteed every time:
- Random security screenings (rare but happens)
- Flying an airline not in the program
- International segments (some countries don't recognize it)
- Booking through third-party sites that don't pass KTN
We've been pulled aside for extra screening twice in 30 flights. No big deal—they just swab your hands and you're done in 5 minutes.
Our Recommendation
If you travel domestically 2+ times/year: Get TSA PreCheck.
If you travel internationally even once every 5 years: Get Global Entry.
If you travel to Canada regularly: Get NEXUS.
If you have a travel credit card: Apply for Global Entry. The fee is reimbursed.
This is one of the few travel expenses that genuinely makes every trip better. Between faster security, less stress, and arriving later at the airport, it transforms the flying experience.
Combine with our big airport navigation guide and packing light tips, and you'll wonder why you ever traveled any other way.
Have questions about the application process? Drop a comment and we'll help.