Three years ago, my family of 5 had our TSA Pre √ appointment, we received our known traveler numbers and we have happily used the benefit at many airports. Then this summer on our way to Aspen, Rob and I upgraded to Global Entry.
I figured I would deal with the kids at a later date or maybe just keep them at TSA Pre √, but it was nagging at me that they didn’t have it also. After all, we are heading to Morocco this Christmas break and who knows where after that for the next 5 years (the length of time that Global Entry is valid before you need to renew). In addition, it wasn’t going to cost us anything as I had more than enough credit cards that credit back the $100 Global Entry fee. So I applied for them and got an appointment at the Newark Airport location. New Yorkers-note, there was a lot of availability at the airport and very little availability at the Bowling Green location.
Unlike Rob and my appointment, where they called us in 15 minutes late, they took the kids 20 minutes early. We were actually out of the Newark Airport location 10 minutes before our scheduled appointment time. The actual process was smooth and efficient. The kids went to just one U.S. Customs Border Protection officer who was friendly and asked them a few questions, took their pictures and scanned their 10 fingerprints (Jessie failed the fingerprint test and had to do them a few times). The whole thing took about 5 minutes. Make sure you bring your kids’ passports to the interview and make sure, as the parent, you have your driver’s license (adults who apply need two forms of ID-ie, your driver’s license and passport). The kids received an email soon after, THAT SAME DAY, that they will be receiving their Global Entry ID cards in the mail.
They wouldn’t really pose for a picture (see above) because I told them that I got in trouble by one of the TSA officers for taking this one. They were too scared to suffer the same fate.
For the application fees, which you do online, I used Rob’s new Amex Platinum, my new American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Luxury Card and Rob’s Bank Of America Premium Rewards Credit Card which he just recently downgraded (after we took advantage of the credit of course). I got credited back the $100 fee on each card. So the global entry applications cost us 0!
For a recap, Global Entry is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and allows “pre-approved, low risk” travelers an expedited means of clearing customs upon reentering the country. It is a better option than TSA Pre√ for those who frequently travel internationally because the program is designed to expedite the customs process. (TSA Pre√ does the same for the security screening process.) In addition, Global Entry travelers are automatically qualified for TSA PreCheck, but the reverse is not true. Travelers with Global Entry use kiosks that read their passports, fingerprints, and customs declarations, allowing them to bypass the customs official and the accompanying line. Currently, these airports have Global Entry locations.
There are certain eligibility requirements that you need to meet to qualify for Global Entry. See the full list of eligibility requirements for Global Entry here. Global Entry is valid for five years, after which you can renew it.
If you want to apply for Global Entry, here is the site.
