https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-controlHave you ever been frustrated waiting in long airport security lines? Have you waited in long customs lines when all you really want to do is get home? Are you a frequent traveler? If you’ve said yes to any of these then TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control may be good options for you!

Trusted Traveler Programs

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs that assist in speeding up airport security screenings or customs screenings for members of the programs.

TSA PreCheck

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is really one of the best things EVER especially if you are a frequent traveler.   It expedites the screening process through airport security checkpoints when departing from U.S. airports.

How Does TSA PreCheck Work?

When approved for TSA PreCheck you pass through security through a designated lane and you do not have to remove carry-on liquids, shoes, jackets or laptops from your carry-on items.

The last time we flew, I used my TSA PreCheck and I got through security 20 minutes faster than the rest of our party. 20 minutes! On top of that, the airport wasn’t that busy so the time savings would have been significantly more during high travel periods.

What Do I Need to Know About TSA PreCheck?

• Available to U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal permanent residents
• Membership period is 5 years and costs $85

What Airports and Airlines Have TSA PreCheck?

There are more than 200 U.S. airports and over 70 airlines that participate in the TSA PreCheck program.

How Do I Apply?

You can submit an application online through the TSA website and then schedule an appointment at one of the enrollment centers.  At your in-person appointment they will complete the background check and you will be fingerprinted. Two to three weeks after the appointment you will receive your Known Traveler Number.

Each time you make new flight reservations, you add your Known Traveler Number, and the information will appear on your boarding pass so TSA agents know that you’ve been approved for the program. 

For additional tips on how to get through airport security efficiently check out How to Get Through Airport Security Like a Pro.

Global Entry

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program.  It provides travelers the TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited re-entry into the United States from international travel.

How Does Global Entry Work?

Upon arrival in the U.S., travelers who have been pre-approved for Global Entry clear customs through automatic kiosks instead of standing in long lines.

Once at the Global Entry kiosks, your passport and fingerprints are scanned for verification and you answer a few simple customs questions on the kiosk screen.

You then receive a receipt from the kiosk, head to baggage claim to retrieve your luggage, provide your receipt to the customs officer, and just like that BAM! You’re done!

No more filling out customs paperwork during your flight!

What do I need to know about Global Entry?

• Available to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and select foreign nationals
• Membership period is 5 years and costs $100
• Many credit card companies will reimburse you for the cost of Global Entry
• Includes TSA PreCheck
• Applicable for travel by air, land, and sea
• Access to expedited entry benefits into other countries
• Families cannot use Global Entry unless all travelers have been approved for the program

Credit Cards that Cover the Membership Fee

There are multiple credit card companies that reimburse for Global Entry. Here are a few that offer this benefit. Check with your credit card company for more information.

• Bank of America Premium Rewards
• Capital One Venture X Rewards
• Capital One Sparks Miles for Business
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum & Reserve  American Express
• IHG One Rewards Club Premier
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express
• Platinum from American Express
• Ritz Carlton Reward
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
• United Explorer

Where Can I Use Global Entry?

Currently, there are more than 60 airports that have Global Entry kiosks.

How Do I Apply for Global Entry?

Global Entry requires a passport, background check, and in-person interview prior to enrollment.

To apply, you can fill out the application through the Trusted Traveler Program website. Once prompted you will schedule an interview at an enrollment center.  During the interview you will be asked some basic questions, you will be fingerprinted and they will take your photo.

Two to three weeks after the appointment, you will receive your Trusted Traveler Number.

The TSA website has additional information on eligibility criteria.

Mobile Passport Control

What is Mobile Passport Control?

Mobile Passport Control is a free app provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors.  The app allows you to complete your customs forms on a smartphone or tablet to expedite re-entry/entry into the United States.  Users have a separate line at airports and do not have to pay an application fee or go through the background check and in-person interview like with Global Entry.

How Does Mobile Passport Control Work?

U.S. citizens or Canadian visitors can download the app on their smartphone or tablet and create a profile through the app. This includes name, gender, date of birth, country of citizenship and passport information.

Upon landing in the United States, travelers complete the “New Trip” section of the app, including information regarding the arrival airport, airline and the CBP inspection questions (How many travelers, what countries have you traveled to? Have you brought back any fruits or vegetables?) This eliminates the need to fill out the paper customs forms.

You will then receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response code.

With your passport, an electronic device and with the digital bar code receipt in hand, you can then proceed to the Mobile Passport Control Line, where they will finalize your inspection. This process reduces inspection and long wait times.

What Do I Need to Know About Mobile Passport Control?

• Available to U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors
• Free
• No pre-approval required
• Create up to 12 additional profiles for family members. This allows one household to submit one MPC transaction
• Eliminates the need to fill out paper customs forms

Where is Mobile Passport Control Available?

Mobile Passport Control is available 25 U.S. international airports and 3 seaports of entry.

Which Program is Best for Me

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Mobile Passport Control

If you are an occasional international traveler, want to save money and travel with a smartphone or tablet, then I would suggest Mobile Passport Control because it is free.

You should also consider whether your departing airport honors Mobile Passport Control.  If it doesn’t then Global Entry is your best option.

Mobile Passport does not save you time in the TSA Security Line, but it will expedite the customs process.  It is also helpful when traveling as a family because additional family members can be included on the same transaction.

TSA PreCheck

If you travel domestically multiple times a year then, I would recommend TSA PreCheck. For $85 every five years, it will definitely improve your TSA Security experience.

Global Entry

If you are also an occasional international traveler and travel domestically at least a couple of times a year then Global Entry is the best deal.  Global Entry is also offered at more airports than Mobile Passport Control.

For $100 every five years, you receive the expedited customs process and TSA PreCheck for the same price. Global Entry is also offered at significantly more airports than Mobile Passport.  That is $20 a year to save time in the security and customs lines.

In addition, several credit cards will reimburse you for the cost of the processing fee.  It is a bit of a hassle to wait for the interview, but in my opinion, completely worth it!