TSA Trusted Traveler Programs

TSA Trusted Traveler Programs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has several Trusted Traveler programs which provide an improved passenger experience, while enhancing security and increasing system-wide efficiencies. The programs are customized based on travel needs and many of them have reciprocal benefits.

Short version: TSA PreCheck helps when you are boarding a flight in the USA. You can go in the shorter PreCheck security line and you don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. To be sure your ticket will reflect TSA PreCheck, enter your Trusted Traveler number in your profile of the airline you are flying with. If it’s not printed on the ticket, you won’t be allowed in the PreCheck line even if you have the card in your hand. It is most useful if you fly primarily within the U.S. You can get a PreCheck appointment at the Sacramento Airport or in West Sacramento.

Global Entry helps when you are re-entering the U.S. and also includes PreCheck. It’s a good idea to carry the GE card with your passport, but usually you just go to the GOES kiosk and scan your hand print, and you will get a printout that allows you through the GOES fast lane. It is the best to have if you fly frequently within the U.S. and to foreign countries. For Global Entry interviews, you have to go to a major airport such as SFO. You need an appointment, and it may take several weeks to get an appointment.

NEXUS is a good choice if you travel primarily between the U.S. and Canada; and SENTRI is for traveling primarily between the U.S. and Mexico. These two are good at all border crossings, not just air travel.

Agency / Transportation Security Administration / Customs and Border Protection
Program / TSA Pre✓® / Global Entry / NEXUS / SENTRI
Website / / / NEXUS / SENTRI
Eligibility Required / U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents. / U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of certain other countries.1 / U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens andlawful permanent residents of Canada. / Proof of citizenship and admissibility documentation.
Application Fee / $85.00(5 year membership) / $100.00(5 year membership) / $50.00(5 year membership) / $122.25(5 year membership)
Passport Required / No / Yes; or lawful permanent resident card / No / No
Application Process / Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center; provide fingerprints and verify ID. / Pre-enrollonline, visit an enrollment center for an interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID. / Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID. / Pre-enroll online, visit an enrollment center for an interview; provide fingerprints and verify ID.
Program Experience / TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening at participating airports. / Expedited processing through CBP at airports and land borders upon arrival in the U.S..
Includes the TSA Pre✓™ experience. / Expedited processing at airports and land borders when entering the U.S. and Canada.
Includes Global Entry benefits.
Includes the TSA Pre✓™ benefits for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens. / Expedited processing through CBP at land borders.
Includes Global Entry and TSA Pre✓™ benefits for U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.