Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs) revolutionize the airport experience by offering expedited security procedures for approved travelers. Programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, and to a lesser extent NEXUS and SENTRI are leading initiatives, granting members access to shorter security lines, reduced screening procedures, and faster immigration clearance. In other words, these membership gets you in and out of the airports faster, and can significantly improve your travel experience.
In this edition, we’ll give you all the in-and-outs about these programs, how much they cost, which one to pick and if they’re at all worth it!
Make Sure your travel ID is REAL
In order to apply for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI, you must have a REAL ID or passport. AREAL ID is a form of identification that meets federal security standards They are typically state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that have undergone enhanced security measures, such as additional identity verification processes and document requirements. This usually means going to your DMV prepared with multiple forms of government issued IDs (social security card, birth certificate, passport, etc.).
Soon (dates keep pushing back), individuals will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board commercial aircraft for domestic flights.
Of course, having a valid (i.e. one within its validity period) passport is the golden passage for flying both domestically and internationally.
What is TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States.
It allows approved travelers to experience expedited security screening at participating airports. PreCheck members benefit from shorter security lines, keeping their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leaving laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags. This program enhances travel efficiency and convenience for eligible passengers, making the airport experience smoother and more predictable.
How to apply for one
Fill out the online application on the TSA PreCheck website or by visiting an enrollment center near you.
Schedule an appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center prepared with the required IDs, Upon which you will undergo a background check and fingerprinting.
Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via mail or email within a few weeks.
Cost: $85 per applicant good for 5 years
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members can bypass traditional customs lines and use automated kiosks to complete their entry process quickly at select airports.
To apply, travelers must complete an online application, undergo a background check, and attend an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Once approved, members receive expedited entry benefits for five years.
The process is similar to TSA PreCheck with one BIG notable difference. As indicated above, obtaining a Global Entry approval requires an in-person interview. This is no trivial matter as these enrollment centers are few and far between AND securing an appointment can take months!
But once you get it, Global Entry does wonders. You’ll enjoy the same benefits of TSA PreCheck when boarding your flights at a U.S. Airport as well as the privilege (yes, privilege!) to fly through those dreaded U.S. Customs line when you return from your international trip after a long flight.
Cost: $100 per applicant good for 5 years
What the heck are Clear Plus, NEXUS and SENTRI?
CLEAR Plus is a trusted traveler program that uses biometric technology to expedite the airport security process. Members undergo a one-time enrollment process where they provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, which are then linked to their identification documents. Where available, members go through dedicated lanes where their biometric data verifies their identity without the need to show physical identifications. However, there are only 55 airports (out of 500) in the U.S. that participate in Clear Plus. The real kicker? Membership is $189 per year! That’s 11x more expensive than TSA PreCheck for similar perks.
NEXUS is a trusted traveler program jointly operated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It facilitates expedited travel between Canada and the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. NEXUS members enjoy benefits such as dedicated lanes at land border crossings, expedited processing at airports, and simplified customs and immigration procedures. To enroll, applicants must undergo a thorough background check, attend an in-person interview, and pay one-time $50 fee. So if you travel frequently (and almost exclusively) to Canada.
SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) is a trusted traveler program administered by CBP that expedites entry into the United States for pre-approved travelers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. SENTRI members benefit from dedicated lanes at select land border crossings, allowing for quicker processing and reduced wait times. To qualify, applicants must undergo a rigorous background check, provide biographical information, attend an in-person interview that are available only in Arizona, California, Texas and New Mexico, and pay $122.25 fee. Once approved, SENTRI membership is valid for five years. In addition to expedited U.S-Mexico Crossings, this membership carries the same benefits as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Needless to say, unless you travel frequently to Mexico by land, there is probably not a strong need for SENTRI.
Which One Should I Get?
For obvious reasons, CLEAR Plus is out in our opinion given its cost and availability. NEXUS and SENTRI may also not be necessary unless you have specific needs for expedited crossing in/out of Canada and Mexico, respectively.
Now we’re down to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. So which one is better? Short Answer: it depends! They’re both great for getting you through the security lines quickly when departing from U.S. airports.
If you travel mostly domestically and only take an international trip once every couple of years, TSA PreCheck may be the way to go. Enrollment centers are everywhere and you typically get your approval / Known Travel Number (KTN) within a few days. Painless!
On the the hand, if you travel internationally at least one or more times a year, you will appreciate having gotten Global Entry from the very first moment you use it when returning to U.S. Soil, and that appreciation goes up exponentially the more you use it! Imagine returning home after a joyous trip abroad and finding yourself in utter shock seeing those agonizing hours-long queues to the Customs agent – only to see that gleaming “Global Entry” Lane where you walk right through with some airports not even needing to pull out your passports (via facial recognition!). Global Entry is a thing of beauty, a “rite of passage” so to speak!
And the Winner Is…
To receive benefits on both ends going-and-coming, Global Entry is the clear winner. It is intended for overseas travel and will help you jump the immigrations line PLUS all the benefits of TSA PreCheck for departures.
While the cost difference is a nominal $15 spread over 5 years, such conveniences do come at a price up front. It requires an in-person interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers which can be a pain to secure.
The Expert Tip on Global Entry:
You’ve read this far, so we’re going to reward you with an expert tip. If you have an international trip coming up in the next weeks or months and find getting an in-person interview next to impossible – whether it be there are no appointment openings in the foreseeable future, or there just isn’t an enrollment center near you (which is common unless you live near a big city), go ahead and apply for Global Entry Online.
You’ll supply all the required information, pay the fee and receive a “Conditional Approval” within a few short days. From there, you’ll be asked to schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center (most of which are airports) to complete the enrollment process. If you’re unable to find a timely or suitable time slot, don’t fret it.
Assuming you’re flying back home to one of 50 U.S. Airports from your next international trip, there is a procedure called Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival. This allows passengers to secure an interview on the spot when you go through customs (unfortunately you’d still have to go through the regular line hopefully one last time). Depending on the queue, you may need to wait a 15-20 minutes but the interview itself usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Viola! Once approved, you will immediately get your KTN right on the spot. You’ll receive an “application status change” e-mail within 48 hours and a physical Global Entry Card will follow by mail usually within a couple of weeks. But the card isn’t necessary, you’re go to go once you have your KTN in hand!
Hope you find these travel tips as invaluable as we do. Explorient offers a myriad of bespoke, personalized trips throughout Asia and parts of South America. For travel ideas and inspirations, visit us at www.explorient.com or simply give us call to chat.
