I love using TSA PreCheck (I have it through the Global Entry program) because it gets me through the airport security line faster.
TSA PreCheck is expanding their hours and rolling out Saturday appointments. This is very helpful for folks who work during the week and don’t have time to make an appointment during regular business hours!But Global Entry is still a better choice for most. I’ll let you know all the details!
What’s the Deal?
Link: Apply for TSA PreCheck
Link: How to Get Through Airport Security Faster With TSA PreCheck
With TSA PreCheck, you can avoid the long airport security lines in the US. Plus, you don’t have to take off your shoes or remove your laptop from your luggage.
But to get approved for a membership you have to attend an in-person interview. And for some folks, taking time out of their busy week for the interview is difficult. So TSA PreCheck is adding more hours and Saturday appointments.
Global Entry Is Still Better!
Link: Apply for Global Entry
Link: How to Get a Quicker Global Entry Appointment
Link: How to Save Time Getting To and From the Airport
Global Entry lets you speed through Immigration & Customs when you travel internationally.And it’s smarter for most folks to sign-up for Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck. That’s because you’ll get TSA PreCheck on most domestic flights when you have Global Entry. So it’s like getting 2 memberships for the price of one!
Plus, certain Global Entry interview locations already have Saturday and even Sunday hours.
How to Get Reimbursed for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
You’ll earn a statement credit to cover the cost of your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application once every 5 years with:
- The Platinum Card from American Express – Choose between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
- The Business Platinum® Card from American Express – Choose between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
- The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz – Choose between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
- Citi Prestige – Global Entry only
- Orbitz Platinum Membership – TSA PreCheck only
And if you already have Global Entry you can use the credit to pay for a friend or family member’s membership.
Bottom Line
TSA PreCheck lets you skip the long lines at airport security within the US. And they’re making it easier for folks to join by adding longer hours and testing Saturday appointments at certain locations.However, I still recommend folks sign-up for Global Entry instead. With Global Entry you can quickly get through Immigration & Customs. And when you have Global Entry, you’ll typically also get approved for TSA PreCheck. So you can get the benefits of both at the same time!
Plus, you can take care of your Global Entry appointment on Saturdays and Sundays at some airports.
If you’re interested in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, you can get a statement credit for the application fee with the AMEX Platinum personal & business, AMEX Mercedes-Benz Platinum, and Orbitz Platinum membership (TSA PreCheck only). Or get your Global Entry fee refunded with Citi Prestige.