What Is Global Entry and Do You Need It?

Breakdown between TSA Pre-Check, Clear, Global Entry, and Mobile Passport

I get a lotttt of questions about the differences and benefits of all of the different type of line-skipping options at the airport, so I thought I’d put all the info you need to know in one convenient email.

DOMESTIC TRIPS

*expedited security experience within the US

TSA Pre-Check

Benefit: faster security lines, no need to take off shoes or jackets, no need to remove liquids, laptops, or anything else from bags

Cost: $78

Duration: 5 years

Eligible: US citizens, US permanent residents

Clear (US airports only)

Benefit: fastest security line at airport (does not include TSA pre-check so if you want those benefits you’ll want to get both)

Cost: $189

Duration: 1 year

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS

*expedited process coming back into the US from other countries

Global Entry

Benefit: faster customs experience when coming back into the US from another country, includes TSA pre-check

Cost: $100 (a lot of travel credit cards will reimburse this charge - see below)

Duration: 5 years

Eligible: US citizens, US permanent residents, select foreign nationals (several other countries)

*note that approval has been taking on average 4-6 months in 2023

Mobile Passport

Benefit: faster customs experience when coming back into the US from another country

Cost: FREE

Logistics: you can download the app and input your information ahead of time, and then follow the Mobile Passport signs upon arrival

*note that not every airport offers this. Global entry is a better option if you are someone who travels internationally often!

I personally use Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check (which came WITH my global entry).

I use a couple of travel credit cards that I swear by and that come with FREE global entry + TSA pre-check!

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Delta Platinum Card

Happy traveling!