✈️ TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Should You Get in 2026?

Quick Comparison:

TSA Pre-Check:

• Best for: those who only travel domestically
• Perks: Faster security at U.S. airports through the dedicated PreCheck line
• Cost: $79.95 when you sign up through CLEAR** (lasts 5 years!)
• Process: Start your enrollment process online, and then visit a CLEAR enrollment center (there's one at a Staples in Allentown for my local Lehigh Valley folks!). Can get approved within days, and then you'll get your KTN (Known Traveler Number). Share this with the airline you're flying, and that's how the little PreCheck icon will get added to your digital and printed boarding passes moving forward!
  **There are three different companies you can register for TSA Pre-Check through - here's the official website that lists them. I chose CLEAR for this example because there are more locations near the Lehigh Valley.

Global Entry:

• Best for: anyone who will take an international trip within the next five years
• Perks: Faster U.S. custom (but also includes TSA PreCheck, so you get the faster security as well!)
• Cost: $120 (lasts 5 years!)
• Process: Create a "Trusted Traveler Program" account on the CPB.gov website, complete the online application, and pay the fee. CBP will review your application (this can take weeks to months), and then you'll get a conditional approval and an invitation to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center (for my Lehigh Valley folks, that'll be either Philly or Newark airports). You'll bring your passport and another form of ID to the interview - mine was quick and painless, and renewal is super easy once your five years is up.  Once you're officially approved, you'll get your KTN (Known Traveler Number) to use for TSA PreCheck and to access the airport kiosks you'll now use to clear immigration when you return to the U.S.

My Advice? If you plan to leave the country twice in the next five years, Global Entry is the better value (I'd say just once if the process wasn't more of a headache!). For just about $40 more, you get both programs. Choose TSA PreCheck if you'll only fly within the U.S. and want the easiest, fastest application process. Choose Global Entry if you travel internationally, and aren't in a hurry for the benefits.

The renewal process for both is pretty easy, so you'll only have to endure the annoyances of setup once!

So what is this new TSA PreCheck Touchless ID I'm hearing about?

You might have heard people talking about the "new PreCheck app." It’s actually a feature called Touchless ID integrated into your airline’s mobile app (Delta, United, American, Southwest, and Alaska).

Instead of handing your physical ID and boarding pass to a TSA officer, you simply look into a camera. The system compares your "live" face to your passport photo on file.

Why would you want to opt into this?

• Speed - Identity verification now takes about 5 seconds.
• Hands-Free - You don't have to worry about pulling anything out of your bag while trying to manage your luggage.
• It’s currently rolling out to most major airports this spring, There will be 65 in total, including PHL and EWR (both of which have already implemented this.)
  
  

How to set it up:

• Check your airline app: Look for "Travel Documents" or "Digital ID" in your profile.
• United has this under "TSA PreCheck and Travel Documents" under your account settings.
• American has a step-by-step guide.
• Upload your Passport: Even for domestic flights, the system needs your passport info to verify your face.
• Opt-In: You must "Opt-In" to the biometric program before you check in for your flight.
• Look for the Icon: Once you check in, look for a "Touchless ID" or "Digital ID" indicator on your mobile boarding pass. It should look like this!