TSA Pre Approval?

by rldunc, Sunday, January 26, 2020, 21:59 (2482 days ago)

Anyone have experience with TSA “pre Approval” for travels.
Advantages or Disadvantages. Is this worth the time/money?
Thanks

Avatar

TSA Pre Approval?

by Ray @, Zihuatanejo, Mexico and Chicago, IL USA, Sunday, January 26, 2020, 22:29 (2482 days ago) @ rldunc

As far as I know, TSA Pre-Check only works for travel within US and territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin islands, etc.). For international travel, Global Entry is preferable and only costs $15.00 USD more. Is it worth it? Definitely! Not only does it include TSA Pre-Check, but it'it makes returning to USA a breeze. In and out of Immigration and Customs in less than 5 minutes. GE is good for 5 years, and if you have one of those airlines miles card, most of them pay for renewals. Cost is $100.00. Finger prints and in-person interviews required with application. Best investment you'll ever make if you frequently travel internationally. Saves quite a bit of time both domestically (with included TSA Pre-Check) and returning home to USA.

TSA Pre Approval?

by Sun Seeker, Sunday, January 26, 2020, 22:39 (2482 days ago) @ rldunc

I agree with Ray.
Global Entry is amazing!

Avatar

TSA Pre Approval?

by Craig AKA the cruise ship guy @, Monday, January 27, 2020, 07:46 (2481 days ago) @ rldunc

We have TSA precheck only and it helps some but not the best. More times than not the line is closed in Las Vegas. Global entry is a days round trip from our house to complete so not worth it. The mobile passport app works well for us when we return to the USA.

TSA Pre Approval?

by midalake @, Monday, January 27, 2020, 09:54 (2481 days ago) @ rldunc

Anyone have experience with TSA “pre Approval” for travels.
Advantages or Disadvantages. Is this worth the time/money?
Thanks

I have done several 50 minute connections coming in from Mexico thru Houston. Try that without global entry once.

D

TSA Pre Approval?

by Donna, Bucks County, PA, Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 08:03 (2480 days ago) @ midalake

Last March I used mobile passport in Houston. I was the only person in that line

TSA Pre Approval?

by jay @, Monday, January 27, 2020, 10:40 (2481 days ago) @ rldunc

That's a very firm 'That depends....'
It depends how much you value your time. Pre-check will save you between 5 minutes and an hour going through security.
It depends how much you value your privacy. Pre-check will insist on knowing a lot more about you and your background.
It depends how much you value your serenity. Pre-check is a much more hassle-free experience.
It depends how much you value your money. Pre-check costs $100 for five years.
And Pre-check comes with Global Entry, which will save you time and hassle getting through US Customs.

Although I don't fly much I use it because I need air travel to be as stress-free as possible.

TSA Pre Approval?

by wisconsinjuan @, Monday, January 27, 2020, 18:13 (2481 days ago) @ jay

Jay-you got that backwards. TSA PRE does not come with Global Entry. Global Entry comes with TSA PRE.

TSA Pre Approval?

by h4Dan, California, Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 12:36 (2480 days ago) @ wisconsinjuan

No, you have it backwards

GLOBAL ENTRY
Costs $100 to apply. Some credit cards and elite frequent flier programs reimburse your application fee. Status lasts five years. This program is run by a different agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It refers to the Known Traveler Number as PASSID, but the number is used the same way. Global Entry includes TSA Precheck and its benefits but also gives you expedited customs screening when traveling internationally. Upon returning to the U.S., you can use an airport kiosk that should be far faster than traditional customs inspection lines. It also includes expedited processing at land borders with Mexico and Canada.

TSA Pre Approval?

by midalake @, Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 12:48 (2480 days ago) @ h4Dan

No, you have it backwards

GLOBAL ENTRY
Costs $100 to apply. Some credit cards and elite frequent flier programs reimburse your application fee. Status lasts five years. This program is run by a different agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It refers to the Known Traveler Number as PASSID, but the number is used the same way. Global Entry includes TSA Precheck and its benefits but also gives you expedited customs screening when traveling internationally. Upon returning to the U.S., you can use an airport kiosk that should be far faster than traditional customs inspection lines. It also includes expedited processing at land borders with Mexico and Canada.


Want something even BETTER! Look into Nexus.

D

TSA Pre Approval?

by kjgco @, Colorado, Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 13:00 (2480 days ago) @ h4Dan

That's pretty much what WisconsinJuan said:
"TSA PRE does not come with Global Entry. Global Entry comes with TSA PRE."

I think you're actually in agreement, and yes, that's how the programs work.

TSA Pre Approval?

by Paulf @, Mount Sterling, Ky 40353, Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 10:05 (2480 days ago) @ rldunc

We have used the GP since it has been approved flying all over the World. Where it really comes in handy is when you do connecting flights coming into the States. For us Houston is a disaster. With GP you go to one of their kiosk and do a finger check and put your passport in and receive a receipt. If there is a jumbo jet unloading passengers going through immigration can be a long slow snake line. In Chicago after getting your bags there is a exit by carousel 5 I believe and you don't have the long exit line. When we checked in at United for our flight down there is a special security line for GP and you do not have to do everything the regular security check. When we came down here there were only 5 people ahead of us for GP Security and a long snake line for the regular. The Pass has helped Kathie when she has flown domestic. If you have connecting flights, the GP can save time getting through Immigration and can make a difference if the connecting flights are close. Some of the States have not upgraded to secure drivers licenses and if not can not be used for ID flying in the States. For us it is hard to get a new license- with the GP pass card, that is our ID at the airport. Your passport will be updated for GP. Well worth the money.

Avatar

TSA Pre Approval?

by Curly! @, Great Pacific Northwet, Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 10:33 (2480 days ago) @ Paulf

Thank you for a very concise and relevant reply. I was on the fence about Global Entry and Pre-Check but I think you just convinced me :-)

--
Curly!