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Here at TPG, we love Global Entry. Simply put, it just makes traveling easier, especially when you’re constantly flying internationally. What’s not to love about a program that allows you to skip lines and cut corners? Read on as TPG International Correspondent Lori Zaino explains all the many reasons Global Entry rocks. While you’re at it, be sure to read Assistant Editor Melanie Wynne’s How To Apply & Get Approved For Global Entry and the TPG Comprehensive Guide to Global Entry, PreCheck and Nexus.
Got Global Entry? Good. If not, what are you waiting for? Read on for all the reasons Global Entry rocks, and then you’ll have no excuses to get your application process started. Happy expedited travels!
1. Skip the Lines
The most obvious reason Global Entry rocks is that you DON’T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE when going through customs. Everyone hates lines. Everyone hates waiting. The definition of air travel is basically lines/waiting. You might have priority boarding, you might have elite status, but without Global Entry, you’re stuck in that customs line with everyone else. Global Entry allows you to breeze through customs and head onward and upward to your destination in a flash.
2. TSA Pre-Check
Once you’ve got Global Entry, you’re more likely to get routed through TSA Pre-Check. You’ll receive a Known Traveler ID number (also known as a Pass Number) that you manually enter into all of your frequent flyer program accounts. This info should fill automatically every time you purchase airline tickets, but it’s wise to always double check. Pretty simple, no? In most situations, you’re eligible for TSA Pre-Check. What does this mean? In addition to expedited security processing (hello, shorter lines!), when passing through security you’ll get to keep your shoes and belt on, and your laptop and liquids in your carry-on. Woo!
3. Get Reimbursed For Your Global Entry Application Fee
There are several ways to get reimbursed for Global Entry. The best things in life are free, right? (Or at least they’re granted after paying an annual fee or qualifying for Elite Status.) If you have the Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum® Card from American Express or Centurion card, the Global Entry fee is refunded to you as a statement credit (and to up to three other names listed on the credit card). Holders of the Citi Prestige card can also get the fee refunded. Eligible Global Services, MileagePlus Premier 1K and MileagePlus Premier Platinum members will also be refunded for Global Entry (until January 31, 2015). Finally, if you’re a Delta Diamond Medallion or a Delta Platinum Medallion member, you can select Global Entry as one of your Choice Benefits (two $100 vouchers for Diamond, one $100 voucher for Platinum).
4. Enjoy Expedited Entry Internationally
With Global Entry, you’re not just a VIP when entering the U.S., you can also be an international VIP. The Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch airports in New Zealand, as well as Ireland’s Shannon and Dublin airports have Global Entry lanes, and you can use the Smartgate system when entering Australia without registration. Global Entry allows expedited entry to most Canadian airports and U.S. territories, like Puerto Rico’s San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) or the Guam International Airport (GUM). U.S. Citizens may also apply for the Dutch Privium program, the Korean SES program or the Mexican Viajero Confiable program, as they all have a partnerships with Global Entry (other fees and interviews may be required).
5. Secondary Federal ID
It’s a great form of secondary Federal ID valid at TSA, DMV and federal courts. It could also be useful in a pinch when you’ve forgotten your driver’s license at home.
6. It’s Valid for Five Years & Easy to Renew
Once you have it, it’s valid for five years, and when the time comes to renew it, another interview may not be necessary in most cases. All you have to do is make a few online modifications and process another application fee, and you should be on your way to securing Global Entry for another five years. Plus, AmEx covers your renewals, so you may not even have to pay for that. Boom!
What perks do you enjoy with your Global Entry status? The American Express Platinum card has some of the best perks out there: cardholders enjoy the best domestic lounge access (Delta SkyClubs, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass), up to a $200 annual airline fee credit as well as up to $200 in Uber credits, and mid-tier elite status at SPG, Marriott, and Hilton. Combined with the 60,000 point welcome offer -- worth $1,140 based on TPG's valuations -- this card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Here are 5 reasons you should consider this card, as well as how you can figure out if the $550 annual fee makes sense for you.
With great travel benefits, 2x points on travel & dining and a 50,000 point sign up bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great card for those looking to get into the points and miles game. Here are the top 5 reasons it should be in your wallet, or read our definitive review for more details.
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred named "Best Credit Card for Flexible Travel Redemption" - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, June 2018
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $625 toward travel
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
