Global Trusted Traveler

For one trip - in my opinion: No.

The program includes TSA Precheck privileges (if you include your number with your ticket information) so it essentially lets you use fast security on the way out and then fast customs privileges on the way back. Essentially fast tracking one line at each end of your trip is not that big a deal.

Also when I signed up there were no appointments with TSA - the final step before use - so I couldn't even use it until I left country and came back through customs and the request in interview. So unless the appointment situation has improved you might not even be able to use it on your next trip, but instead only on the one after that.

If you fly a fair amount internally TSA Precheck might still be worth it but GTT only adds fast track customs so it's only international.

Hope that helps,
=Tod

While I think Global Entry is great......if you are only going on one trip it is too much work to get.

But you should look into Mobile Passport Control. It will help you expedite your re-entry into the US.

If you travel domestically, the TSA pre check that is included is beneficial. Not having to remove 311 bag from carryons or taking shoes off through security in US is great. The decision would be based on your travel habits.

I'll just add that last time I knew someone who was applying for Global entry the interview process was so backed up that it was months and months before they could get an appointment. My SIL had to drive from here in N. Idaho to Sweetgrass MT (7 hours) to get her GE appointment with Border Control.

I agree with the other posters here as well. If your travel is just one trip and probably no more international travel then no, not worth it. For myself, yes, it is a huge timesaver on re-entry.

There are some Staples stores that now process TSA applications. No personal experience:
https://www.staples.com/stores/services/tsa

I agree with all those who indicated that Global Entry interviews have been very difficult to acquire in the recent past. (and maybe still are!!!)

Worth noting: Many credit cards come with a "statement credit" for TSA Precheck/Global Entry every 4 or 5 years. That is, if you have a card that provides this benefit, you use that card to pay the fee (now $120 if I recall correctly), and your credit card company gives you a statement credit for the amount spent on this program - so in effect, they refund what you spend, it's free to you (as long as you have a card that provides the credit, and you use that card to pay for it). Of course, zero-fee credit cards don't provide the benefit, but many cards with a fee do (I have several that do), so if you have a credit card that comes with an annual fee, it's worth checking to see if yours has the benefit.

It's definitely a great convenience, once you jump through the hoops to set things up (though probably not worth it if you only travel once a year). If you travel internationally frequently, it's awesome.

I've re-entered the country three times in the last 14 months [LAX twice; Boston once] and going through immigration has been so quick that I've wondered why all the fuss over Global Entry, especially after hearing the horror stories about scheduling an interview.

But while looking into it, what seems more practical is the Enrollment on Arrival program, where your interview is conducted during your return to the States - if it's offered at your arrival airport:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-arrival

It's practical, but it can take a looooong time. I had to wait a couple of hours for my interview in Atlanta upon re-entry a couple of years ago (luckily I had a three-hour layover, but if I had been hoping to walk out of the airport it would have been more torturous to wait that long). And in fact on my previous re-entry to that, when I had hoped to do my interview, the agent went on a break and I didn't have a long enough layover to wait. So it was months before I got another chance.

Some people have gotten really lucky with short waits for their interviews; I just want to advise that it's sometimes not quite so easy, as that was my experience. Glad for everyone who has an easier time of it!

But yes in your case, as Frank recommended, it seems like Mobile Passport Control would be the best option, as long as it operates in your re-arrival airport. Check the link he sent for info.

Not for one trip. If you travel once yearly, HECK YES.

So that some people don't get confused.....The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has nothing to do with Global Entry. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) administers Global Entry. Both agencies are under Homeland Security.

As a benefit to getting Global Entry, you are awaraded TSA Precheck. This is not be confused with the Agency itself.

Interesting timing on this post - our friends are traveling with us to Italy and Portugal in March. Departing from Boston. We already have GE and have travelled internationally with it at least 8 times over the last 3 years, and a little domestic for TSA precheck. We have always been faster with GE than regular passport control, but the last time (Nov 2024) I was amazed at how quick the regular line was in Boston (not as fast as us, we literally never stopped walking except to take our picture, but maybe 10-15 minutes). When we got our GE entries, we applied in Dec 2019, COVID hit and the only place we could go for an appointment was JFK, November 2020. I hate driving there, about 3hrs from RI, but there was nothing else to do at the height of COVID and the airport was like a ghost town.... (we were fully 'gowned' up with PPT, shields, masks, gloves, but never got within 30 feet of others, it was that empty).

So, our friends applied online a month ago, got the provisional acceptance, that then allows you to schedule the appt, and were thrilled that Warwick, RI office just opened up for appointments for the first time since COVID. They had their appts today, one went smoothly, done in less than 30 minutes, the other not so much (somehow they had someone else come in a few weeks before and that person was listed as my friend, so they said she can't be interviewed since she was already approved... it's a mess! Most likely this isn't something nefarious, more likely someone clicked on the wrong name in the database, which is scary in itself. Anyway, they are 'investigating' and will get back to her in a week. (She had all the proof of who she is, and the picture and finger prints for the other person didn't match her, so they know it's their problem...)
So, my experience, I like GE, for both the PreCheck privileges (be careful some foreign airlines don't participate) although I feel like the regular lines security lines at the airport haven't been terrible, but maybe we travel off-peak? and for the expedited passport control, but if it's a hassle to get an appointment, maybe not worth it?