What are TSA Pre Check, Global Entry, and the Trusted Traveler Programs?
Straight to the Point…
The US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), are government programs that allow travelers more freedom during the security screening process at US airports and land borders with Canada and Mexico. These programs include TSA pre-check and Global entry. (This program also included SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection), NEXUS (not an acronym), and FAST (Free and Secure Trade, for commercial drivers, which we will not discuss in this article.) Global Entry participants enjoy the benefits of TSA Pre-Check, plus an expedited entrance process into the US when traveling home from another country.
Now, on the information you need...
Why do these programs exist?
After 9/11, the US government, as well as many governments around the world, implemented new restrictions and screening processes for air travel in an attempt to prevent another catastrophic event. These screening processes often led to longer lines and delays getting through security screening checkpoints as travelers were required to remove shoes and jackets, empty their pockets, and follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. TSA pre-check and Global Entry came about as the government sought to clear US citizens ahead of time, by running background checks and loading fingerprints into a data base, in order to reduce these waits and streamline the security screening process.
First, some background...
What is the 3-1-1 rule for liquids when flying?
The TSA, as well as almost all other countries’ sister agencies, follow the 3-1-1 rule for carrying liquids through security in a carry-on bag or personal item when traveling by air. (Note these rules do not apply for checked bags. Pack a gallon of shampoo in your checked bag if you so desire.) These rules are in place to prevent passengers from taking larger amounts of liquids on board the aircraft that could potentially be used in bomb making or any other hijacking scenario.
These agencies dictate that all individual liquids, aerosols, creams, gels, and pastes must be in a container no larger than 100 ml or 3.4 US ounces. All these 100 ml containers must fit inside a one US quart (or one liter outside the US) zip top bag that must zip completely closed. Only one zip top bag is allowed per passenger. Hence, 3 oz, in a 1 quart bag, and 1 bag per person, is the 3-1-1 rule.
This 3-1-1 bag must be removed from your carry-on or personal item and placed in the bin for the security screening process. Now, please do not listen to your cousin’s best friend’s niece who got through security in Des Moines without having all her liquids pared down and in the appropriate bag. She was breaking the rules.
The rules have not changed. However, individual airports and TSA agents have created their own confusion by not consistently enforcing these rules, giving people the false sense that the rules no longer exist. This is simply not the case.
These liquid rules are in the process of slowly changing as new scanning technologies are being developed and installed at airports around the world, but for now, they are standard rules across all airports. Here is a link to the TSA website to prove that I’m right, because well, I am. Link here for the TSA's FAQ's.
Now, back to Pre-Check and Global Entry...
What are the benefits of TSA pre-check?
The main benefit of having TSA pre-check is that you generally do not need to remove your jackets, belts, and shoes when going through security check points, saving you hassle and valuable time. In addition, you generally do not need to remove your 3-1-1 bag from your carry-on and put it in the bin when going through security. You can leave your liquids bag in your backpack, personal item, or carry on bag for screening.
This does not mean that you do not have to follow the 3-1-1 rules for liquids. On the contrary, you have been vetted to be a rule follower and an upstanding member of society, that’s how you got approved in the first place. They are trusting you to have followed the rules and packed accordingly. They are, of course, still screening the contents of all your bags in the X ray machines, and still screening you in either a separate scanner or a metal detector.
TSA pre-check can greatly reduce the wait time spent at the security screening checkpoint. There are separate lines for TSA pre-check and standard screening, and the pre-check line in general is much shorter and quicker than the standard screening line. Keep in mind, according the TSA website, that the TSA agent can still require you to remove your jackets and shoes, and your 3-1-1 bag from your personal item for individual screening.
This is where some of the confusion comes in, as individual agents do not enforce the rules evenly across all airports and passengers. Always listen to and follow the instructions the agent is giving you. The TSA agent always has the last say, so there is really no need to argue with them or attempt to skirt the process. So just follow the rules, OK?
What are the benefits of Global Entry for airline passengers?
Global entry participants enjoy all the benefits of TSA pre-check at US airports, as well as expedited re-entry when flying into the US from most foreign countries. If you are Global Entry approved, you are also TSA pre-check approved. Global Entry will not give you any advantages when traveling to a foreign country by air. It offers expedited screening when returning by air, and is also beneficial at land borders and sea ports in Canada and Mexico (see limited info below).
Many US airports have special passport control lines for passengers with Global Entry flying into the country. The expedited entry may include a facial recognition scanner along with a digital passport scanning machine in the passport control area. Simply follow the signs to the appropriate line when navigating the passport control area, then follow the instructions during the screening process. Your Global Entry designation is tied to your passport automatically, so when you scan your passport and use facial recognition, they know you are Global Entry approved. No need to carry your Global Entry Card, that is only for land border crossings and arrival via sea ports, as will be briefly discussed below.
Without Global Entry, you are required to stand in a sometimes very long line and show the border control agent your passport in person at a booth. They may ask you a couple questions, such as where have you been, how long were you there, and what is your final destination. This can be much more time consuming, when you could be on your way to your next airport cocktail while waiting on your connection to get home!
What are the benefits of Global Entry for land borders and sea ports?
This article is mainly about air travel, but here is some limited info. Global Entry is a useful tool when traveling to and from Mexico by car, or home from Canada by car, or arriving in the US via a sea port. This is where your Global Entry card, with that lovely mug shot photo, comes in handy. Since I have no experience using the Global Entry card at a land or sea border, the following is taken directly from the Customs and Border Control (CBP) website:
“Global Entry cards have radio frequency identification chips, which enable their use at SENTRI and NEXUS travel lanes when entering the United States at the land borders. You must follow all program rules for SENTRI when using this card at the Southern land border ports of entry.”
“You may use this card for expedited entry into the United States via the SENTRI and NEXUS lanes. The card is not valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes. Only your passport or lawful permanent resident card are accepted at Global Entry kiosks. The Global Entry card cannot be used at Global Entry kiosks. NEXUS cards are accepted at Global Entry kiosks located on Canadian Preclearance Airports.”
Please see the TTP website here for more information on land border crossing and sea port entry.
How do I apply for TSA pre-check and/or Global Entry?
Apply at the Customs and Border Protection website here.
The application process involves creating a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account, filling out the required information, and paying a fee. CBP will run a background check when you apply, and you will then be conditionally approved and given a Known Traveler Number (KTN)/Trusted Traveler number (TT).
You will then be required to conduct an in-person interview with fingerprinting at a local CBP office. The location of these offices vary, and you will choose a location and appointment time on line after you are conditionally approved. (I live near Louisville, KY and had to drive to Cincinnati for my interview at the time. The interview took about 5 minutes.) Alternately, you may be able to conduct your interview at a US airport upon arrival from a foreign country. Please read the information on the website and in the email you receive when you are conditionally approved. (My husband was able to conduct his interview in Atlanta when returning home from Europe.)
The fee for TSA pre-check is currently $77.95 and the fee for Global Entry is $120. The TSA pre-check and Global Entry designations are good for 5 years. Many airline and bank credit cards will reimburse you for the expense of applying. If your passport requires renewal before your Global Entry expires, you will need to update your passport number on the CBP website by logging into your TTP account.
How do I use my Known Traveler Number/Trusted Traveler Number?
Once you are approved, you will need to enter your KTN/TT number on line when you purchase airline tickets. You can also enter the numbers later via the airlines’ website or app. Once you enter the numbers, they are saved on your account with that airline. The TSA pre-check authorization and logo will then automatically show on your boarding passes when boarding a flight in the US.
At US airports, choose the line that is labeled TSA pre-check, and follow the instructions from the TSA agents during the screening process. If, for some reason, your boarding pass does not say TSA pre-check, you will likely be instructed to go the back of the regular security line and wait again. It seems harsh, but I think they do this to discourage people who are trying to use the pre-check line when they are not authorized to do so. If you have a kind TSA agent, they will instruct you to just move over to the regular line and go on through.
Having TSA Pre Check and Global Entry are game changers for frequent travelers. It has saved me lots of time and hassle at airports over the past few years and I highly recommend having it.
Like what you read? Hate it? Please leave a comment below, but don't be bitchy. Happy Travels!