I’ve talked about Global Entry a few times. Some of you just don’t care. You don’t travel much internationally and feel like it doesn’t matter. But TSA Pre-Check is an incredible “side effect” that applies to you, domestic traveler. It matters!
I flew to Dallas and back this weekend and breezed through security in both cities. Not “breezed,” like saving 10 minutes in the Priority line. We’re talking 90 seconds from entering security to leaving security. No taking shoes off, no laptop out of the bag, and no waiting in any lines at all. Here’s some TSA Pre-Check basics:
- When you apply for Global Entry, have your interview, and “pass” it, you get TSA Pre-Check in addition to Global Entry.
- A big reason why so many nerds have TSA Pre-Check access is the 100,000 Amex Platinum offer from January. With the Platinum cards, you get a credit for the Global Entry enrollment fee.
- The fee is $100 total for both Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check. You can skip Global Entry, and get TSA Pre-Check alone for $85. Either way, you’re good for 5 years.
- The way it works is that you get a Known Traveler number. You log into your airline accounts, add the number in your profile, and TSA Pre-Check will print on our boarding passes (see the check mark in my picture below).
- If you travel just a couple times a year, this is absolutely worth it. One of the coolest perks you can have at the airport. No lines, no shoe/laptop hassle, and you get to be the one cruising past the crowd.
