Here's why you should sign up for Global Entry

If you fly frequently- or even semi frequently- and you haven't signed up for Global Entry, you're doing it wrong.

You've probably heard of TSA Precheck, the program that lets you skip the line at airport security. Precheck is like stepping back in time to September 10th. You get to keep your shoes and belt on, and you don't have to remove liquids or laptops from your bags. Membership in TSA Precheck costs $85 and lasts for five years. 

Sounds great, right? Maybe you're even considering signing up. But that would be a bad idea. Forget about TSA Precheck. Let me tell you about something that's even better. 

Global Entry is one of the trusted traveler programs offered by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Global Entry is aimed primarily at frequent international travelers. Global Entry allows its members to bypass the usual customs procedure for returning international travelers. Instead of being interviewed by a CBP agent upon arrival (and waiting in endless queues to do so), Global Entry participants head straight to an automated kiosk where their fingerprints are scanned and documents are processed. You don't even need to fill out those landing cards they hand out on your flight. For only $100, Global Entry could save you up to three hours each time you arrive into the United States for the next five years. 

Now, if you don't travel internationally very often, you're probably wondering why you should forego TSA Precheck in favor of Global Entry. The answer is simple: Global Entry makes you eligible for TSA Precheck as well. So for the marginal cost of $15, you get the benefits from both of these incredible programs. If it's true that "time is money" then membership in Global Entry pays for itself many times over. 

Signing up for Global Entry is easy, but it's a bit of a process. First, you need to fill out the application form on the CBP website and submit it along with your $100 application fee. The fee is nonrefundable, so if you're not approved you won't get your money back. As you might expect with this kind of program, they do an extensive background check. If you're a convicted felon of have been found guilty of a customs violation, you won't be eligible. Once your application is conditionally approved, you'll be directed to make an appointment for an in person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center (most likely at your nearest airport).

As a member of Global Entry myself, I can tell you that the process is easy and doesn't take very long to complete. I had my Global Entry card in hand within about three weeks of the time I first submitted my application. I've already used TSA Precheck five times, saving me at least two hours of waiting in line at airport security. The longest I've waited at a TSA Precheck line was four minutes. Do yourself a favor and sign up for Global Entry so you can take advantage of these benefits too!