TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Is Worth It Right Now?
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry
Which One Is Worth It Right Now?
If you've ever stood in a 2-hour TSA line watching people breeze through a separate, much shorter line, you've probably wondered: What do they have that I don't? The answer is usually TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
With the government shutdown causing TSA wait times to stretch to 3+ hours at major airports, the question isn't really "Should I get expedited screening?" It's "Which program should I get?"
Both programs help you skip the worst of airport security, but they work differently, cost different amounts, and serve different types of travelers.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which one is right for you.
If you only fly domestically, TSA PreCheck is all you need. If you ever fly internationally, Global Entry is the better deal.
The Programs: Side-by-Side Comparison
TSA PreCheck
What You Get:
- Access to dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes (usually much shorter)
- Keep shoes, belt, and light jacket ON
- Keep laptop and liquids IN your bag
- Faster, less invasive screening
- Available at 200+ U.S. airports
- Works for all domestic flights
Best For:
- Domestic travelers who fly within the U.S. frequently
- People who rarely leave the country
- Budget-conscious travelers
Global Entry
What You Get:
- Everything TSA PreCheck offers (yes, it includes PreCheck automatically)
- Skip customs and immigration lines when returning to the U.S.
- Use automated kiosks at major U.S. airports
- Available at 75+ U.S. airports for customs
- Access to expedited entry programs in other countries
Best For:
- International travelers (even 1-2 times a year)
- Business travelers who cross borders
- Anyone who wants both domestic AND international perks
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | TSA PreCheck | Global Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $78 / 5 years | $100 / 5 years |
| Expedited TSA screening | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Skip customs line (U.S. re-entry) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Keep shoes/belt/jacket on | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Keep laptop/liquids in bag | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Available at U.S. airports | 200+ | 200+ (TSA) + 75+ (customs) |
| Works internationally | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Application process | Easier (faster approval) | More thorough (longer process) |
| Typical approval time | 3-5 days | 2-4 weeks |
Is It Worth It Right Now (During the Shutdown)?
Short answer: Absolutely.
Here's why:
The Real Cost Analysis
TSA PreCheck: $78 ÷ 5 years = $15.60 per year
If you fly just 2-3 times a year, that's roughly $5-8 per trip to skip the long security line.
Global Entry: $100 ÷ 5 years = $20 per year
For an extra $4.40 per year, you get international expedited screening on top of everything PreCheck offers.
Real Impact During the Shutdown
The Numbers Don't Lie:
Real example from last week:
- Houston IAH airport: Regular TSA line = 3 hours. PreCheck line = 8 minutes.
- JFK Terminal 4: Regular TSA line = 2.5 hours. PreCheck line = 12 minutes.
- LAX Terminal 1: Regular TSA line = 2 hours 45 minutes. PreCheck line = 6 minutes.
If you're flying even twice in the next year, PreCheck/Global Entry will save you hours of standing in line.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your Decision Tree:
✈️ Choose TSA PreCheck if:
- You only fly domestically (within the U.S.)
- You want to save $22 and don't need international perks
- You want the fastest approval process (3-5 days vs. 2-4 weeks)
- You rarely or never travel outside the United States
🌍 Choose Global Entry if:
- You fly internationally even once a year
- You want the best value (more perks for only $22 more over 5 years)
- You travel to Canada or Mexico and want access to NEXUS/Viajero Confiable
- You want both domestic and international expedited screening
My recommendation? If you're on the fence, go with Global Entry. It includes everything PreCheck offers, plus international benefits, for just $22 more over 5 years. Even if you only use the international perks once, it's worth it.
How to Apply
TSA PreCheck Application Process
- Go to tsa.gov/precheck
- Fill out the online application (5 minutes)
- Schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center
- Bring your ID and payment ($78)
- Get fingerprinted and background check
- Approved in 3-5 days
- Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is emailed to you
- Add your KTN to your airline profiles
Total time to approval: Usually under 1 week
Global Entry Application Process
- Go to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
- Create a Trusted Traveler Programs account
- Fill out the Global Entry application online (10-15 minutes)
- Pay $100
- Wait for conditional approval (can take 2-4 weeks)
- Schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center
- Attend interview (bring passport, ID, and proof of address)
- Get approved on the spot (usually)
- Your Global Entry number doubles as your TSA PreCheck KTN
Total time to approval: Usually 3-6 weeks
Common Questions Answered
Can my family use my PreCheck if I have it?
No. Each person needs their own enrollment. However, kids 12 and under can use the PreCheck lane with a PreCheck-enrolled parent.
Does it work on all airlines?
Most major U.S. airlines participate (American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, etc.), but not all budget or international carriers. Check tsa.gov/precheck for the full list.
Will I always get PreCheck on my boarding pass?
Usually, yes — but not always. TSA randomly selects some PreCheck members for standard screening as a security measure. It's rare, but it happens.
Can I use Global Entry in other countries?
Global Entry itself only works for U.S. re-entry, but it gives you access to similar programs in Canada (NEXUS) and Mexico (Viajero Confiable).
How long does it last?
Both programs are valid for 5 years. Set a calendar reminder 6 months before expiration so you don't accidentally let it lapse.
The Bottom Line
If you fly at all — even just a few times a year — TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is worth it.
Right now, with TSA lines at their worst due to the shutdown, the value is even higher.
My Final Recommendation:
- Fly domestically only? Get TSA PreCheck ($78)
- Fly internationally even once a year? Get Global Entry ($100)
Either way, you'll save time, reduce stress, and make every airport experience smoother.
And in a world where travel is increasingly unpredictable, that's worth every penny.
✈️ Travel Smarter, Not Harder
Want to make your airport experience even smoother? Check out our TSA-Ready travel gear designed to help you breeze through security — whether you have PreCheck or not.
Shop TSA-Ready Bundles →Organized luggage, packing cubes, and accessories that make security screening faster and easier.
Safe travels. ✈️