For my lovely Americans: We are SO lucky to have systems like these in place to facilitate our return home from other countries. If you can take advantage of them, definitely do! Also, don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed by it all. These tips below will make the process much easier for you. 👇🏼
In this blog, we will talk about the different ways you can get TSA Pre-check and Global Entry for free. I’ve also added in a section on Priority Pass, and how you can get that for free, as well!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
1. TSA Pre-Check & Global Entry Card
This is a MUST if you’re a frequent international travel! Having Global Entry has saved me so much time when departing and especially arriving home after a long journey.
The last thing you want to do after returning home from a 10+ hour flight is wait in line to get back into the country you’re FROM.
This is where Global entry enters… if you’re GE approved you’ll quickly scan your face (no passport or any documents required), and head right out the door. Not to mention, you definitely feel iconic/like a celebrity walking straight past everyone else.
Now, TSA Pre is incredible when you’re departing for a flight. Want to skip those hour long international lines? TSA has your back.
Albeit, CLEAR is another great option, but if you’re getting Global Entry anyway you might as well use the TSA benefits.
🔥HOT TIP: How to get Global Entry for FREE
- AMEX. If you have American Express, you likely have credit with them to apply towards your Global Entry/TSA Pre application. This applies to specific AMEX cards only, so check your eligibility, and see if you qualify to get global entry for free here!
- Getting an in-person interview appointment can take months. If you have an international trip coming up and your application was already pre-approved, make sure you do your interview at the airport when returning home from your trip!! **Interview offices are (usually) BEFORE you enter baggage claim!! Typically once you make it to baggage claim they don’t let you back in.
✅ DON’T FORGET!
- So many people forget this step, but it’s the most important! When you’re booking your flight, don’t forget to add your ‘Known Traveller number’. You HAVE to add your Global Entry # at the time of booking, otherwise you cannot use the benefits! You’re not able to add it after you’ve booked the flight, either.
👉🏽 Apply for Global Entry & TSA Pre-Check HERE
2. Priority Pass Select Membership
This is another travel essential you should not be traveling without! Arrived early to the airport and have some time to kill? Or maybe the security line was way shorter than you expected.
Either way, you’re excited because now you have more time to spend in one of the many amazing lounges Priority Pass has to offer. Typically, there is at least 1 lounge/terminal, but sometimes more depending on if there’s many different airlines.
Priority Pass allows you to access over 1,200 airport lounges around the world. You can ALSO have a guest join you, for a small fee (or free with some tiers of membership).
The best part is that most airports have at least 1 lounge you can take advantage of, so it’s a win-win situation.
A membership with Priority pass will run you, at the lowest plan, $99/year + $35 for each visit for the member. So, similar to a CC, think of the $99 as the yearly card fee, and $35 as the purchase you make with that card whenever you go to a lounge.
🔥 HOT TIP: Snag a FREE Priority Pass Membership
- AMEX is just really coming in clutch for those of us who want those travel benefits it seems!! Once again, if you’re an AMEX Platinum card holder, you and a guest get Priority Pass for free.
- Other Credit Cards that offer PP lounge access are: Chase Sapphire Reserve, hotel cards like Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant & the Capital One Venture X Rewards card (this one gives you 2 free guests!!)
👉🏽 Want to take advantage of all the AMEX travel benefits (listed above + way more) & get 80,000 points as a sign-up bonus? Sign up for the AMEX Platinum card here.
Check out this related article on the 19 Travel Essentials you need for your next long-haul flight!
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