We are big fans of making things easy and I’m sure you are too. This topic will help make the airport part of traveling to the Caribbean a bit less stressful.
Dive into episode 7 of the Caribbean Castaway Podcast and listen as we discuss Global Entry and TSA Pre Check. Learn what they are, how to apply, which program is best for you, and some tips to help your travels go a lot smoother than our first experience with Global Entry/TSA.
Episode 7: Global Entry & TSA Precheck
So what is Global Entry/TSA Precheck? Maybe you’ve heard of it. Maybe you haven’t. Maybe you’ve been at the airport watching those in the TSA Precheck or Global Entry lines pass you by and you’re wondering, How do I get to be in that line?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. What that means is you don’t have to fill out paperwork or wait in long lines when you are returning back to the US. Airports that use the program (not all do), will have kiosks you can use to get you in and out of the airport much faster.
TSA Pre Check is only used in the United States only and is a trusted traveler program created by the US Transportation Security Administration aka the TSA…available at more than 200 US airports. It’s a program to help get you through the security line faster with less hassle. The beauty of TSA Precheck is, shorter lines, You do not need to remove your shoes, you don’t have to take out your laptop or liquids and you can leave your belt and light jackets on.
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The cost to enroll with Global Entry is $100 and the cost to enroll with TSA Precheck is $85. TSA Pre Check is included with Global Entry so for us and we are assuming you who are listening out there, getting global entry is a no brainer so you can enjoy the benefits of both programs when you’re traveling to those beautiful Caribbean islands.
Getting Global Entry is super easy. Just go to ttp.dhs.gov and fill out their online application, pay the $100 and once your application is approved, you’ll be prompted to schedule your in-person “interview”. There are some credit cards out there that will cover the cost of your Global Entry, so if you want to save $100 check them out. I know Capital One and Bank of America off that benefit as well as a few others.
About 8 – 10 business days after the interview you’ll receive your global entry card which will have your PASSID number on the back. So there are a few numbers on the back, make sure its the one on the left side under PASSID. This number is the number you’ll use when you book a flight – this is what screwed us up during our first attempt using Global Entry.
So if you don’t want to deal with what we went through, every time you book a flight you have to enter in your PASSID number (sometimes even call or go up to the front desk of the airline at the airport if you don’t see TSA Precheck written on your ticket stub.)
Global Entry and TSA Precheck are good for 5 years. It’s also worth mentioning that the state of New York does not offer Global Entry. Something to do with politics, so keep that in mind if that’s where you live.
Thank you so much for reading and listening! Crystal and I really appreciate it.
Cheers!
RumShopRyan
P.S. – Leaving soon? These recommended links below will help you save money and book your trip:
- Get your flight with Skyscanner (you’ll never miss a cheap flight)
- Get your accommodation with Booking.com – They have great deals
- Love Pets and a Free Place To Stay? Definitely try Trusted Housesitters
- Need travel tips? Grab a Guide Book
- Need anything on Amazon, use this link, thank you!
- Get your travel insurance with World Nomads or AXA Travel Insurance
- Find our recommended Caribbean hotels, restaurants, charters, & tours here
- Need something else? Check out our list of favorite companies on our resources page
We use all the companies listed here or on the resource page. By booking through these links, the small commission we earn helps us bring you more Caribbean content so that you can save money and have a better island vacation. Crystal and I greatly appreciate any support!
About the Author: RumShopRyan
