Flying Out Of North Carolina? Do You Need TSA PreCheck Or Global Entry? What’s The Difference?
These days I feel like I’m living to travel. I crave that airport drink and the excitement of jetting off to somewhere new. But the part I don’t crave? Waiting…
These days I feel like I'm living to travel. I crave that airport drink and the excitement of jetting off to somewhere new. But the part I don't crave? Waiting in the TSA or customs line. With several flights on the books for the next few months, I'm considering biting the bullet and getting TSA precheck. But in my research, I stumbled upon something else called Global Entry. Global Entry is essentially TSA PreCheck but for customs. So does Global Entry supersede TSA PreCheck? Aka do you need both? If not which one should you get? Here's what I learned from the Department of Homeland Security.
TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry are both Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs. TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.
Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry. If you take less than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travelers. For more information on all of the DHS Trusted Traveler Programs use the DHS interactive Trusted Traveler Tool.
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
And while I don't usually take 4 international trips a year the price difference between the two programs looks to only be $22. TSA PreCheck runs you $78 for a new application. You can apply online and then need to attend an appointment. Global Entry is $100. Both are good for 5 years and then are cheaper to renew when that time is up. So Global Entry may be the way to go if you do travel internationally.
TSA PreCheck Benefits
- No need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets
- Expedited security screening. Most travelers get through Security in 5 minutes or less.
- Enjoy benefits at more than 200 airports within the U.S on over 80+ participating airlines.
- Children under 12 may accompany a parent/guardian with TSA PreCheck® on their boarding passes in the designated lanes. Learn more about children in TSA PreCheck® here.
Global Entry Benefits
- Reduced wait times with self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologies
- No paperwork to be filled out by passengers upon entry
- Includes TSA PreCheck®
Taking the stress out of traveling makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Get all the info about applying here!
Charlotte Douglas Named One Of Top Performing Airports In The World
Charlotte we've got a good thing going here. Despite all of the negative publicity for air travel in the last few years and especially the last few weeks, Charlotte Douglas was named one of the top 10 performing airports in the world. Yes the world, not the country. That's huge! The list was compiled by Cirium.com who ranked the Most On-Time Airlines and Airports of 2022. According to their website, Cirium brings together powerful data and analytics to keep the world moving. They deliver insight, built from decades of experience in the sector, enabling travel companies, aircraft manufacturers, airports, airlines, and financial institutions, among others, to make logical and informed decisions that shape the future of travel, growing revenues and enhancing customer experiences.
The airlines and airports were ranked based on the most on-time flights based on a percentage of the total flights. The top airlines in the US were Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines in that order. Despite their massive PR issue during the holidays, Southwest was 5th on the list. This data was released on January 3, 2023. Interestingly, of the top 10 airports in the world, CLT was one of 6 from the US. Keep reading to see where Charlotte Douglas ranked amongst the top airports globally. Additionally, you can read the full Cirium study here.
1. (HND) Haneda Aiport
Location: Tokyo, Japan
On-time Departure: 90.33%
Total Flights: 373,264
2. (BLR) Kempegowda International Airport
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka 560300, India
On-time Departure: 84.08%
Total Flights: 201,897
3. (SLC) Salt Lake City International Airport
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
On-time Departure: 83.87%
Total Flights: 226,545
4. (DTW) Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Location: Detroit, MI
On-time Departure: 82.62%
Total Flights: 271,963
5. (PHL) Philadelphia International Airport
Location: Philadelphia, PA
On-time Departure: 82.54%
Total Flights: 233,777
6. (MSP) Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Location: Minneapolis, MN
On-time Departure: 81.95%
Total Flights: 276,346
7. (DEL) Indira Gandhi International Airport
Location: New Delhi, Delhi , India
On-time Departure: 81.81%
Total Flights: 411,205
8. (SEA) Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Location: Seattle, WA
On-time Departure: 81.04%
Total Flights: 273,721
9. (BOG) El Dorado International Airport
Location: Bogotá, Colombia
On-time Departure: 80.72%
Total Flights: 273,721
10. (CLT) Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Location: Charlotte, NC
On-time Departure: 80.68%
Total Flights: 457,871
