TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Are They Really Worth It?

Misty Watkins

Sep 14

5 min read

If you've ever stood in a long airport security line while watching other travelers breeze through expedited screening, you've probably wondered whether TSA PreCheck or Global Entry is worth the investment.

My short answer: yes, especially if you travel regularly.

As an airline employee who flies frequently, I use the TSA PreCheck benefit included with my Global Entry membership on nearly every trip. The convenience, time savings, and reduced stress have made it one of the best travel investments I've made.

What Is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program that provides expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports.

With TSA PreCheck, travelers can typically:

Use dedicated security lanes
Keep their shoes on
Leave laptops in their bags
Keep liquids in carry-on luggage
Leave belts and light jackets on

The goal is simple: spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying your trip.

TSA PreCheck Is Best For:

Domestic travelers
Frequent flyers
Business travelers
Families who fly several times a year
Anyone looking for a smoother airport experience

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows pre-approved travelers to return to the United States more quickly after international travel.

One of the biggest benefits is that Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck.

With Global Entry, you receive:

Expedited airport security screening
Faster customs and immigration processing
Streamlined entry into the United States
TSA PreCheck benefits on domestic flights

Global Entry Is Best For:

International travelers
Frequent vacationers
Business travelers
Airline employees and industry professionals
Anyone looking to maximize convenience when flying

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: What's the Difference?

The primary difference comes down to international travel.

TSA PreCheck helps you move through airport security faster before your flight.

If you only travel domestically, TSA PreCheck may be all you need.

Global Entry helps you move through airport security faster and speeds up your return to the United States after international travel.

If international travel is even occasionally part of your plans, Global Entry is often the better value because it includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

My Personal Experience with Global Entry

As an airline employee, I fly quite often, which means I have plenty of opportunities to use both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

One of the biggest advantages is that I use TSA PreCheck on nearly every trip. Being able to keep my shoes on, leave my laptop in my bag, and move through the expedited security lane makes the airport experience significantly easier. When you're flying regularly, those small conveniences add up quickly.

Global Entry has also proven its value during international travel. Recently, I returned to the United States from Amsterdam and was reminded exactly why I signed up. After a long international flight, I was able to move through the Global Entry process quickly while many travelers faced longer waits in standard customs lines.

For me, the value isn't just about saving time. It's about reducing travel stress and making the overall journey more efficient. As someone who spends a lot of time in airports, I can confidently say that Global Entry has paid for itself many times over.

How to Sign Up for TSA PreCheck

Applying for TSA PreCheck is relatively simple.

Complete the Online Application
1. Fill out the online application with your personal information.
Schedule an Enrollment Appointment
1. Choose a nearby enrollment center and schedule an appointment.
Attend Your Appointment
1. Bring:
  1. A valid government-issued photo ID
  2. Proof of citizenship or legal residency
2. During your appointment, officials will:
  1. Verify your identity
  2. Collect fingerprints
  3. Conduct a background check
Receive Your Known Traveler Number
1. Once approved, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
2. Add this number to your airline reservations to receive TSA PreCheck benefits.

How to Sign Up for Global Entry

The Global Entry application process requires a few additional steps.

Create a Trusted Traveler Programs Account
1. Complete your application through the Trusted Traveler Programs website.
Submit Your Application
1. You'll provide:
  1. Passport information
  2. Address history
  3. Employment history
  4. Travel information
Wait for Conditional Approval
1. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will review your application and conduct a background check.
Complete Your Interview
1. After receiving conditional approval, schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center or use Enrollment on Arrival when returning from an international trip.
Receive Final Approval
1. Once approved, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number that includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

What You'll Need Before Applying

Before applying for either program, have the following ready:

Government-issued photo ID
Current address information
Employment history
Contact information

For Global Entry, you'll also need:

A valid passport
International travel information, if applicable

Is TSA PreCheck Worth It?

For many travelers, absolutely. If you fly several times a year, skipping long security lines can save hours over the life of your membership. The convenience of not removing shoes, belts, and electronics also makes the airport experience much less stressful.

TSA PreCheck is especially worthwhile if you:

✅ Fly multiple times per year

✅ Travel frequently for work

✅ Value convenience

✅ Frequently encounter long security lines

✅ Want a more efficient airport experience

Is Global Entry Worth It?

If you travel internationally, my answer is an easy yes. Global Entry provides value on both ends of the trip. You enjoy TSA PreCheck when departing and expedited customs processing when returning home.

Global Entry is particularly valuable if you:

✅ Travel abroad regularly

✅ Take international vacations

✅ Travel internationally for business

✅ Want the benefits of TSA PreCheck included

✅ Value your time and convenience

Don't Forget Credit Card Benefits

Many travel rewards credit cards reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Before applying, check your card benefits. You may already have access to a statement credit that offsets the enrollment cost.

Who Might Not Need Either Program?

These programs may not be necessary if:

You rarely fly
You travel only once every few years
You typically fly through smaller airports with short security lines
You don't mind arriving significantly early

For occasional travelers, the benefits may be less noticeable.

Final Verdict

If you're deciding between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, here's my recommendation:

Choose TSA PreCheck if you primarily travel within the United States.
Choose Global Entry if you travel internationally, even occasionally.

As an airline employee who flies frequently, I use the TSA PreCheck benefit that comes with Global Entry on nearly every trip. The faster security screening alone is worth it to me. When international travel is involved, the expedited customs process becomes an even bigger advantage.

My recent trip home from Amsterdam was another reminder of why I recommend Global Entry. After a long overseas flight, being able to move through customs quickly made the journey home far less stressful.

Bottom line: The less time you spend standing in lines, the more time you can spend enjoying your trip. For frequent travelers, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are well worth considering, and if international travel is in your future, Global Entry would be my recommendation.