Getting through security at the airport may be one of my least favorite parts of traveling, and it seems like wait times just keep getting worse. Thankfully, there is a way to avoid these long security lines! Customs and Border Protection (CBP) run the Trusted Traveler programs (minus Clear, but more on that later), allowing their members to move through security more quickly. Over 40 million people are enrolled in the various programs. Many people use these programs as a way to arrive at the airport closer to their flight boarding time, which personally stresses me out. Even though I have both PreCheck and Global Entry I still prefer to get to the airport a few hours before my flight.

For some, its not just about convenience. These programs help to ease the anxiety that many people, like myself, experience going through security by alleviating uncertainties or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policy inconsistencies between airports. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been told to take electronics out of my bag at one airport, then the opposite on my flight home!

Wondering which option is best for you? Check out my rundown of each trusted traveler program below.

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TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is the most popular of all the Trusted Traveler programs – as of 2024 over 20 million people had enrolled. We originally signed up for it before going on our honeymoon in 2016. The entire process was fairly easy. First we completed an application online, then once approved we made an appointment together at the Syracuse Airport for fingerprinting.

TSA PreCheck is only for departing flights originating in the United States, so it doesn’t help speed up customs checkpoints on your way home or international security screenings. Its available to US Citizens/Nationals as well as lawful permanent residents. After TSA PreCheck approval, you get the benefit of expedited security through many (but not all) US airports and airlines. Some of the perks that come with PreCheck include:

• You don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket.
• Your liquids and electronics can stay in your bag.
• In the majority of cases, the security line is shorter (but not 100% of the time).

Don’t forget to add your Known Traveler Number to your flight registration, or else you’ll be stuck going through regular security. This unfortunately has happened to us in the past!

Who Is Eligible

Per the TSA website, you’re eligible for TSA precheck if you fall under one of the below categories:

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
• Members of Global Entry.
• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are members of SENTRI.
• U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces including those serving in the National Guard and reserves as well as government employees from select agencies.
• Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Air Force Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.
• Passengers 12 and younger traveling with an eligible passenger.
• Passengers who are selected using existing Secure Flight system requirements while traveling on participating airlines.

As of January 2026, the cost of TSA PreCheck costs between $76 – $85, depending on the enrollment provider. It is valid for 5 years, and you can complete the renewal online for between $60 – $70, again depending on the provider. Click here for more info or to apply.

Global Entry

My trip to Greece cemented the need for Global Entry. We arrived back in the US at JFK International Airport, which is notorious for its long customs wait times. Thanks to Global, my mom breezed through in less than 10 minutes while my sister and I had to wait in line for about an hour (which honestly is not bad by JFK standards).

The application process is pretty straightforward and I received a ‘conditional approval’ within two days. Due to COVID there was still a 4-6+ month backlog for the in-person interviews in 2023, causing some people to travel further away for the earliest appointment. My mom drove all the way to Baltimore, while my husband went to Newark. I was lucky enough to interview in Philadelphia just 3 months after the conditional approval.

Don’t make the same mistake my husband did: double check your appointment time. Some airports schedule until as late as 11:30 pm! He arrived for what he thought was an 11:20 am appointment, only to be turned away for being 12 hours early. As long as there aren’t application discrepancies/red flags, the interview process is fairly quick – about 15 minutes max.

The approval process takes anywhere from a few days to two weeks on average. It took a week for Jasper but less than an hour for me! Once approved you can log into the Trusted Traveler Program website to find your Global Entry number – also known as PASS ID. You will also receive a Global Entry card in the mail for use at land and sea ports of entry. As an added bonus, every Global Entry membership includes TSA Precheck.

Global Entry is available to US Citizens over the age of 18 (minors need parental approval) as well as lawful permanent residents. As of January 2026, the Global application costs $120 and after you’re approved it is valid for 5 years. For more information or to apply, visit the CBP website here.

Other Options

I’m not enrolled in NEXUS, SENTRI or Clear, so I unfortunately I don’t have firsthand experience with these particular programs. Mobile Passport Control is the only free option on the trusted traveler program list, and has helped me get through customs significantly faster in the past.

NEXUS

Nexus is pretty much Global Entry, except only for travel between the US and Canada. The process to be approved for NEXUS takes a bit longer, since you have to be approved by both countries. It can reportedly take up to a year to get approved, but like Global and TSA Precheck it’s valid for 5 years. As of January 2026 the application fee is $120.

SENTRI

SENTRI stands for Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection. It is basically NEXUS, but with travel to/from Mexico included as well. Unlike Global and NEXUS though, there are no citizenship requirements for SENTRI. Anyone who is permitted to enter the US can apply for the program, which costs $120 for 5 years.

Clear+

Clear+ is a similar (but more expensive) program to TSA PreCheck, run through a private company instead of CBP. Instead of renewing every five years, you pay $209 every year. If you’re applying as a family/group, each additional application (up to 3 people) is just $125. With Clear, you use a kiosk to scan your boarding pass, passport, and biometric data, then skip to the front of the security line. Without TSA PreCheck as well you’ll still have to go through regular security though – removing shoes, jackets, liquids, etc. But there is an option on the Clear+ to bundle the two programs.

Mobile Passport Control

While technically not part of the Trusted Traveler program, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is free to download and may get you through the customs line a bit faster than if you had nothing. Per their website, MPC “allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device”. It is only available at select locations, and you can find which airports are MPC approved sites here. Every airport that I’ve used it at has had signs leading up to the customs lines with a QR code to download the app.

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You can find any information I might’ve missed on the various Trusted Traveler programs here!