As a regular traveler, I don’t mind flying but I can do without the hassle of the airports! My husband and I decided it was time to apply for one of the Trusted Traveler Programs that are available to U.S. citizens, in hopes of reducing some of the security hassles. Here is a recap of my experience in applying for Global Entry.

Trusted Traveler Programs

As a U.S. citizen, I am eligible to apply for either TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. Both programs are offered through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to simplify moving travelers through airport security and through customs, and both require an extensive application process.

The main difference in the programs is that TSA Pre-Check allows you to move easier through a special security line for screening at many airports and without the usual hassle of removing your shoes and taking electronics and liquids out of your carry-on bag. Global Entry simplifies the process of international travelers returning to the U.S. through customs by using a self-service kiosk for declarations and can skip the long line to talk to a CBP officer. Global Entry members also have access to expedited entry at other countries AND Global Entry also includes TSA Pre-Check benefits at the security line for domestic flights.

With both of these Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), membership is for five years and then renewal is required to maintain membership. The application fee for TSA Pre-Check is $75, and for Global Entry the fee is $100. We decided to apply for Global Entry since it includes the international travel benefit as well as the simpler security process. The $100 fee for five years of less hassle seems like a good deal!! NOTE: Family members must apply individually.

My Global Entry application

To apply for Global Entry, I went to cbp.gov and created an online Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and was assigned a PASSID number to use in the application process. I was then directed to sign in to my TTP account.

Next, I completed the online application and paid the $100 non-refundable application fee. It is a lengthy application that includes citizenship information, address history, employment, and travel history. The application had a time-out feature, so I was quickly looking for documents to double-check some of my dates. It’s thorough (that’s good!), and it provides CBP with the information needed for a rigorous background check.

I completed the application and submitted it. Once this step is done, you can’t go back and make changes on the application form. I was notified by email within about two weeks that I had a status change on my account. I signed in to my account to see that I was conditionally approved.

Schedule an interview appointment

With conditional approval, it was time log in my TTP account to schedule an interview with CBP at an Enrollment Center. The Enrollment Centers are located at international airports around the country (not in my city). We decided on an Enrollment Center and scheduled our interviews. (The online calendar shows the times of available appointments, including time slots with more than one available appointment. Easy!)

Global Entry interview day

My husband and I traveled three hours and arrived early for our interview appointments. After arrival, we headed to the international terminal.

We followed signs through the airport to the Enrollment Center.

We found the Enrollment Center, signed in, and waited in the hallway waiting area.

The CBP officer called for both of us to go back but took us individually to his desk for our interviews. My interview was first……

My passport and drivers license were required, and the officer verified information and asked questions from my application. The officer then told me that I was approved. He took my picture and scanned my fingerprints, and we were done. He told me that my Global Entry card would be mailed to me within a week to ten days, and he provided me with information about using Global Entry.

Approval!

Following my interview, my online TTP account status had been changed from “conditional approval” to “approved.”

I received my card in the mail in nine days, so my final step was to log in to my online account and activate my membership card using the security code on the back of the card. Done!!

To be ready for traveling, I added my Global Entry number to my airline frequent flyer accounts so it will be passed along when I book travel. The airlines refer to it as my TSA number or Known Traveler Number. With my number on my airline tickets, I’ll receive the program travel benefits and skip the hassles at the airport!

I also save time at the airport by not checking any luggage. I travel with AWAY TRAVEL’s Bigger Carry-On luggage. It’s big AND charges my phone. Check out my post here and read my review of this awesome carry-on suitcase.