A couple of days ago I tweeted about my Global Entry card coming in the mail and how overly excited I was about it. So why am I excited?
Because being a Global Entry member allows me to be automatically enrolled in TSA precheck which I can then get expedited screening at the airports! I won’t have to worry about taking off my shoes, taking out my laptop and I hopefully won’t have to wait in long lines.
So how do you get Global Entry? Go to this website and submit an application. You will have to fill out a lot of information like prior employers and addresses up to 5 years so get all this information handy. After filling this all out, you will have to pay the $100 fee. Luckily I have the Amex Platinum card which reimburses you for this expense as a statement credit.
After I got my conditional approval, I made an appointment online for the interview for the following weekend. The office I went to in Houston was at IAH at Terminal E on the bottom level. Luckily there was obvious signs to direct me there.
Here is a peak inside the interview office
The process was really quick! I watched a short video about the global entry process, took my finger prints, and was all ready to go and was approved!
I received an email stating that I had an update on the GOES application site which said I had been approved and I received my card a week later. Super easy process!
From Global Entry website
Luckily I live in Houston where I can do my interview close by. There are only certain cities in the US where you can do your interview and here is a comprehensive list.
When you are approved for Global Entry, you are automatically enrolled in TSA Precheck. All you have to do is enter your known traveler number on the airline booking website to use this privilege. Just to note that not all airlines or airports have TSA precheck but hopefully they will be getting it soon!
Global entry and TSA are two different programs. You do not get expedited screening as part of GE.
Yes I know but when you get GE, you are automatically enrolled in TSA Precheck which allows for expedited screening. I’ll reword as it currently does sound like this. Thanks!
How long did you have to wait for your application to be reviewed and you were able to book your appointment? I’ve been waiting two weeks for mine and I’m getting worried because I will only have a short window of opportunity to attend the appointment as I live in the UK and will be over for a week long business trip.
It took 10 days from when I applied to when I got the conditional approval to schedule my interview. So hopefully soon for you! Monday was a federal holiday so I’m sure it set things back.
Thanks! Fingers crossed…
Congratulations! You must be really giddy! Haha.
I AM giddy 🙂
Wow, the interview sure has changed. I enrolled in GE in 1Q 2010 when it was still a brand new program, and only available in a few airports. The application sounds the same, but the interview…
It lasted nearly an hour, asking Q’s about cities I had lived in, nearby cities, questions about where my sisters went to school. And the usual stuff I had expected, having been thru similar interviews for Military work.
I remember thinking they were really being thorough.
Guess they eased up quite a bit since then
Anyways, You Will Love GE, and the bonus of PreCheck is a sweet perk.
I was surprised at how painless it was. And thanks!!
How long did it take to get your card after your interview? I have mind next Monday and a flight next Friday, hoping I will have the card by then. Did they at least email you your known traveler number after the interview?
Hoping I will be able to take advantage of TSA pre check for my flight!
Please let me know!
Thanks!
Hi Sam,
It took about 8 days to get my GE card in the mail but you can go to the GOES website and the approval notification message will have your known traveler number which you can add to your reservation. I’ve flown domestically without ever having to show the card. You just need to make sure your ticket says Precheck on it. Hope this helps!
Did you have to have a boarding pass to get to the interview? Online while trying to schedule my appointment it says boarding pass required!?
In Houston there are 2 locations at terminal E at IAH. One is inside security requiring a boarding pass and one not requiring you to go through security. Make sure you pick that one.