TSA Pre-Check vs Global Entry vs Nexus
So, you love to travel. But you hate the hassle that comes along with airports these days. I get it. But there are so many fantastic programs out there now that can make the process so much less painful! Dare I even say, downright easy breezy?
TSA PRE-CHECK
First off, TSA Pre-Check is the bomb dot com. Yep, I said it. Bomb. But I don’t mean literal bomb. I have to clear that up because traveling with bombs is a BIG no-no and could get you in some serious trouble!
Now, here is the scoop from Trusted Traveler website:
“TSA Pre✓® is an expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience. Passengers considered low-risk who qualify for the program can receive expedited screening either as a member of the program or another specific trusted traveler group.”
TSA Pre-Check Website
You are able to keep on your shoes, keep your laptops in your luggage, you don’t have to remove your liquids, and you get to keep most of your clothes on (woohoo!).
The $85 fee will provide you TSA Pre-Check coverage for FIVE years.
This service isn’t available to every airline or airport so make sure to check which ones are included before applying to make sure you can use it at your home airport and airline you use most. This service is available to U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.
Sounds pretty good, right? It is almost like traveling in the 90s!
BOTTOM LINE? TSA Pre-Check is basically a "skip the line" option for security when traveling to a domestic or international destination.
GLOBAL ENTRY
Now that we’ve covered TSA Pre-Check, let’s talk about the Global Entry program. This program is very similar to the TSA program, but for International travel. In addition to United States Citizens, Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals. Please check their list for more details to see who is eligible.
Here is the scoop from the Trusted Traveler website:
“Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.
At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.
Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.”
Global Entry Website
Again, this service isn’t available at every airport or port of entry so make sure to check which ones are included before applying to make sure you can use it at your home airport.
The application fee for Global Entry is $100 and is valid for FIVE years. Children under 18 need to apply and pay for their own service if you want them to use the same re-entry lines as you. One great thing about Global Entry is that it comes with TSA Pre-Check. This is a great deal if you do a lot of domestic and international travel without children.
One note: There is a great mobile app called Mobile Passport that gives you free or a low cost (if you want it to save your information) alternative to Global Entry. It depends on the airport but you will often follow the same lines as the Global Entry holders. This app allows you to pre-fill out the customs declaration form so you can avoid the kiosks. It can even be faster sometimes! I recommend both Global Entry and Mobile Passport if possible.
BOTTOM LINE? Global Entry is basically a "skip the line" option for bypassing customs upon re-entry to the United States.
NEXUS
Canadian citizens and residents are eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program. Here is what the Trusted Traveler website has to say about it:
The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. Program members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.
NEXUS Website
This service is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals. It is always best to check their list of who is eligible to apply for this program.
The application fee for NEXUS is $50 and is valid for FIVE years. As a bonus, children under 18 can be covered for free. They just have to apply just like the adults. Another bonus is that NEXUS comes with Global Entry AND TSA Pre-Check benefits so this is a fantastic deal. The problem is that you generally have to apply in person near the Canada/USA border so this isn’t always a good option for everyone.
BOTTOM LINE? NEXUS is basically the Canadian version of Global Entry. It allows fast "skip the line" entry between Canada and USA by car or air.
So, now you’re equipped with all this awesome knowledge on TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry and NEXUS. They now have a central website where you can apply for all three programs (and more) plus they have some handy information about each.
Now, don’t you feel less stressed about the prospect of traveling by air? The time you save is enough to make the stress melt away! Now, pick a destination and let’s get you in the air!
This blog post was written on Feb 15, 2016 by one of our previous Travel Agents, Pam Taylor, who has now moved on from our company. We can help you plan a similar trip as we have Honeymoon Travel Experts on our staff. Contact us to get started!
