One benefit I would hate to travel without is TSA PreCheck. I love the shorter security lines (usually) and the expedited entry to the terminal.
My husband, oldest son and I have TSA PreCheck benefits through our Global Entry IDs. However, when my younger two kids turned 13, we opted to sign them up for TSA PreCheck instead of Global Entry because it was much easier to get an appointment for TSA PreCheck. Depending on the location, it can take months to find an available Global Entry interview slot. Unfortunately, that means that as a family, we can’t re-enter the USA in the Global Entry line when we come back from international trips.
I had been fine with this situation since, in the past, we hadn’t been traveling internationally often. But in the last few years, the number of our international trips has been increasing. And this summer, when we landed at IAH (Houston) airport twice, the long line (even with Mobile Passport Control app) was the last straw. I decided it was time to bite the bullet and get Global Entry for our two youngest kids (see Global Entry benefits here).
If we waited until October 1, 2024, our kids’ Global Entry applications would be free (see this press release). But, my daughter and I are going to Hong Kong in November, and I doubted that we’d be able to finish the process before then if we waited until October. So, since we have several credit cards that offer Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits (see this list), I decided to start the process for my teens this summer.
My Daughter’s Global Entry Timeline
I’m happy to report that my daughter completed the entire Global Entry process in just 8 days! I don’t believe this is typical, though. YMMV.
July 24: Submitted online application
July 25: Received email with conditional approval and instructions to set up an interview
July 25: Scheduled interview for August 1
August 1: Went to DFW for fingerprints/interview. Global Entry number was available to use the same day. DONE!
I was quite surprised that we found interview spots less than a week away. I keep reading on forums that some people can’t find appointments until 2025!
My Son’s Global Entry Timeline
Unfortunately, my son’s Global Entry timeline did not work out the same. It’s been almost two weeks since his application, and he has not even been conditionally approved for an interview yet. However, he was born in Russia and has dual citizenship, which complicates things.
Final Thoughts
I’m excited that my daughter and I will be able to use the Global Entry kiosks when we return from Hong Kong this fall. I hope my son will be finished with the process before our trip to Japan next year.
If you don’t have a trip coming up this fall, wait until October 1 to begin the Global Entry process for your kids since it will be free. But, if you have a credit card that gives you a credit for the fee, there’s no point in waiting until October 1.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
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