Tsa Precheck Vs Global Entry Is The Interview Worth The Shorter Lines

For frequent flyers, time is more than money—it’s sanity. Long security lines, shoe removals, laptop unpacking, and the general chaos of U.S. airport checkpoints can turn a smooth trip into a stressful ordeal. That’s where TSA PreCheck comes in. But if you travel internationally, you might have heard about Global Entry, which includes PreCheck benefits and more. The catch? Both require an application, a background check, and—most notably—an in-person interview. So, is that extra step worth it?

The answer depends on your travel habits, destination frequency, and how much you value convenience. Let’s break down the real differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, examine the interview process, and determine whether the time investment pays off in saved minutes at the airport.

Understanding TSA PreCheck: Fast Security at Home

TSA PreCheck is designed to streamline the domestic airport security experience for low-risk travelers. When approved, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on, and walk through metal detectors instead of full-body scanners.

The program costs $78 for five years and requires only an online application followed by a brief in-person appointment at one of over 500 enrollment centers across the U.S. During this 10–15 minute visit, you’ll provide fingerprints and confirm your identity with valid documentation (passport or driver’s license).

While not guaranteed, most applicants are approved within days. Once enrolled, you receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you add to your airline reservations to access PreCheck lanes.

Tip: Link your PreCheck KTN to all frequent flyer accounts and credit cards with travel benefits to ensure consistent access.

Global Entry: The International Upgrade

Global Entry expands beyond domestic security. For international travelers returning to the U.S., it offers expedited customs clearance through automated kiosks at major airports. Instead of waiting in long immigration lines, you scan your passport, complete a quick fingerprint verification, and are typically cleared in under five minutes.

The program costs $100 for five years—just $22 more than PreCheck—but includes TSA PreCheck as a built-in benefit. This makes it a compelling option for anyone who flies internationally even once a year.

Like PreCheck, Global Entry requires an online application, background check, and in-person interview. However, the interview is slightly more involved. Conducted by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, it typically lasts 15–20 minutes and may include questions about your travel history, employment, and reasons for applying.

“Global Entry isn’t just about speed—it’s about predictability. You know exactly how long re-entry will take, which reduces travel fatigue.” — Mark Reynolds, International Business Consultant

Comparing Key Features: A Side-by-Side Breakdown

Feature	TSA PreCheck	Global Entry
Cost (5 years)	$78	$100
Domestic Security Benefits	Yes – no shoe/laptop removal	Yes – includes PreCheck
International Re-entry (U.S. Customs)	No	Yes – kiosk access
Interview Required	Yes – 10–15 min	Yes – 15–20 min
Available Airports	Over 200 U.S. airports	PreCheck at same locations + 50+ international arrival airports
Approval Time	Typically 3–5 days	Average 2–6 weeks (some faster)
Renewal Process	Online renewal available	May require another interview

At first glance, the price difference seems minor. But when you consider that Global Entry includes everything PreCheck offers—and adds significant time savings on international arrivals—the extra $22 becomes hard to justify *not* paying, especially if you cross borders regularly.

Is the Interview Worth It? Real-Time Savings vs. Upfront Effort

The core question isn’t about cost—it’s about effort versus payoff. Yes, both programs require scheduling and attending an in-person interview. But the time invested is minimal compared to the cumulative hours saved over five years.

Consider this: the average TSA checkpoint wait is 20–30 minutes during peak times. With PreCheck, that drops to under 5 minutes. On a round-trip domestic flight, that’s 50 minutes saved. Fly four times a year? That’s nearly 3.5 hours regained.

Now factor in international travel. Landing at JFK after a transatlantic flight, the customs line can stretch to 60–90 minutes. Global Entry users often clear it in under 10. That single event saves you over an hour of standing in a crowded terminal, jet-lagged and hungry.

The interview, lasting less than 20 minutes, is a one-time tollbooth on the highway to long-term efficiency. And unlike traffic jams, you control when you pay it.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Monthly Commute

Sarah is a marketing executive based in Chicago who travels to London every six weeks for client meetings. Before enrolling in Global Entry, she routinely spent 75 minutes clearing customs at O’Hare. Over two years, that added up to nearly 15 hours—more than half a workday—lost to queues.

After applying for Global Entry (including a 17-minute interview at a Chicago enrollment center), she now clears customs in under 8 minutes. In her first year alone, she reclaimed over 10 hours. She also uses PreCheck on her domestic legs, saving an average of 25 minutes per round-trip.

“The interview felt like a minor inconvenience,” she says. “But skipping those lines? That’s peace of mind. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Step-by-Step: How to Apply and Prepare for the Interview

Whether you choose TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, the application process follows a similar path. Here’s how to navigate it efficiently:

1. Choose Your Program: If you fly internationally more than once a year, start with Global Entry. If only domestic, PreCheck suffices.
2. Complete the Online Application: Visit the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website (ttp.dhs.gov). Create an account, fill out personal details, and answer eligibility questions. Accuracy matters—errors cause delays.
3. Pay the Fee: $78 for PreCheck, $100 for Global Entry. Payment is non-refundable if denied, so ensure you meet eligibility requirements.
4. Schedule Your Interview: After conditional approval, schedule at a nearby enrollment center. Use the DHS website to find locations and availability. Some centers offer walk-ins, but appointments reduce wait times.
5. Gather Required Documents: Bring a valid passport and U.S. driver’s license or government ID. If you have dual citizenship, bring both passports.
6. Attend the Interview: Arrive 10 minutes early. Answer questions honestly and confidently. CBP officers assess credibility, so be prepared to explain frequent travel or international ties.
7. Receive Final Approval: Most approvals come within days via email. You’ll get a confirmation number and instructions for using your benefits.

Tip: Apply during off-peak seasons (late winter or summer) to avoid holiday backlog delays.

Who Should Skip the Interview? Exceptions and Alternatives

Not everyone needs to go through the standard process. Certain groups receive automatic or expedited access:

• Clear members: Clear, a private-sector alternative, offers PreCheck-like benefits and partners with TSA. Some memberships include fee reimbursement for Global Entry.
• Credit card holders: Cards like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and others reimburse the $100 Global Entry fee, making it effectively free.
• DHS pre-enrollment: Children under 18 can be included in a parent’s Global Entry application without an interview in some cases.
• Known Government Employees: Military personnel and federal employees may qualify for expedited processing.

Additionally, TSA occasionally runs pilot programs allowing virtual interviews, though these are limited and not widely available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

No need. Global Entry includes all TSA PreCheck benefits. Enrolling in both is redundant and costs extra.

What if I’m denied?

If denied, you can appeal within 30 days or reapply after addressing the issue (e.g., incorrect data). The fee is non-refundable, so double-check your application.

Do children need their own membership?

Children under 12 can use PreCheck lanes when traveling with an enrolled adult. Those 13 and older need their own credential for consistent access. For Global Entry, each traveler—even infants—must apply individually, though interviews may be waived for young children.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Interview Is Worth It

The short answer is yes—the interview is absolutely worth it, especially for Global Entry. Spending 15–20 minutes of your time to save dozens of hours over five years isn’t just smart; it’s one of the highest-return investments a frequent traveler can make.

TSA PreCheck delivers tangible benefits for domestic flyers. But Global Entry offers a broader advantage set, combining domestic ease with international efficiency—all for a marginal increase in cost and effort. The interview is not a barrier; it’s a gateway.

And unlike airport lounges or priority boarding, these programs deliver consistent value regardless of airline, fare class, or route. Once enrolled, the benefits compound with every trip.

🚀 Ready to reclaim your time? Visit ttp.dhs.gov today, choose Global Entry if you travel internationally, and schedule your interview. One small step now could save you hours in the years ahead.