Can someone advise me re: the benefit of a TSA precheck status vs any extra benefit of the Global Entry status? I know there is a $15 difference for the application fee. Also, how long does a TSA precheck status last (I see the Global Entry status is for 5 years). Thx!

The official website has the info:
https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-comparison-chart

Well, you get TSA Precheck if you buy the Global Entry.

TSA Precheck is alos a 5 yr period per fee.

If you haven't flown much, the TSA Precheck allows you in a special line which can take less time going through security. You don't have to do quite as many of the same things, either (like take off a lightweight jacket or pull out your 3 oz toiletries separately to go through the scanner).

I usually get it when I fly anyway, but now I do have Global Entry so I always get it. TSA Precheck is kind of nice, but I don't really care that much as often that line is just as long as the other, sometimes even longer and I allow myself plenty of time at the airport. It's a little nice not to take out the bag of toiletries but I would never have paid for it alone. I just got Global Entry due to traveling abroad, it's quicker coming home.

Have you never flown and seen the TSA Precheck lanes at the airport?

Have you also seen the long lines at passport conteol when entering the USA from abroad? We always are through in ten minutes or less with our Global Entry instead of an hour or more in long lines. TSA preCheck is a nice bonus for domestic travel, keep shoes on, fewer passengers in line, etc. so for $100 total for fove years you get both, a real deal.

I don't fly very often so am unsure about these choices. Am I understanding that the TSA Precheck is more for domestic flights and the Global Entry is more for international travel?

TSA Precheck - applies only for outbound flights from airports under TSA jurisdiction.

Glocal Entry - Precheck plus different queue for returning back into the USA. Whether this helps or not depends on where and when you are landing at the airports under CBP jurisdiction.

I have a global entry, but sometimes all the global entry kiosks have long queues but the normal passport control plus mobile pass control smartphone app can get me out faster. Know at the options and use one relevant for that circumstances. This can be the case for airports rarely used for international flights.

Also you need to go to a CBP office of an interview for Global Entry:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-t...llment-centers

A big gotcha was that until I submitted the application and I was ready for an interview, I did not know there was an 8 months wait at an airport most convenient to me. However, I found out that if I fly to another interview site in different state, I could get in in two months. I chose an airport I happened to be going anyway, worked out a itinerary so that I could do an interview upon landing there.

Eschew obfuscation, people!

TSA Precheck is domestic, Global Entry is international. Global Entry includes TSA Precheck in the price.

They are nice to have, but not, IMO, essential.

We've found the Global Entry most efficient upon re-entry to the USA--ours is always a 11 or 12 hour flight and the ability to skip the bedraggled line of passengers is most welcome.

Global Entry is worth every penny if you return to US at JFK or orther large airport.
Considering what you have paid to travel it is a very small amount to help you through immigration when you arrive exhausted.

Global entry is well worth the cost.

Last fall, came back from Buenos Aires and the plane let us off at the ATL International terminal at 5:30 on a Sunday morning. With Global Entry, I was home by 6:00 A.M.

While it's not "essential"-as NewbE says, it's the next thing to essential for those who travel overseas frequently.

Oh, I agree that it's worth it for those who fly overseas frequently. I have TSA Precheck and love it, but I rarely fly overseas. Still, when I'm up for renewal, I plan to spend the extra $15 and get GE as well.

The OP said s/he doesn't fly often, so I hope s/he realizes it's not necessary to have either.

Thank you all for your help with this! I have time to think about this but certainly appreciate your help!

chase sapphire reserve credit card currently costs $450 but credits you the global entry $100 fee... and $300 for anything travel related (just comes off your bill automatically) plus you get a priority lounge pass (not good that many places, but recently saved me on a delayed flight out of lax) ... so the fee pays for itself that first year. you also get a ton of miles. might want to consider if you're paying for global entry anyway...

Neither is necessary, as long as you arrive at the airport sufficiently early to stand in the ordinary TSA line, and as long as you don't have any connecting flights within the US that you may miss if, say, a thousand Asian travelers all deplane in Detroit at the same time you do and mob passport control--which is what happened to us a few years ago.

You will still get on the plane and still get through passport control and customs. But for $15.00. . . wish all good travel things were as inexpensive as that.

Of course, Global Entry is not necessary, but get on a customs line when three large jets arrive simeltaenously and you will reap the benefit. Especially if you travel high season.

We have it and makes life simpler.

Yes, it is just the Asian travelers one should be aware of. Also be aware of Mayans scampering down their ruins at one time. Ugly scene and no Global Entry.