Converting a Pre-Check to a Global Entry

Charlie, I haven't, but I do have a question for you. Are you in Seattle right now? If so, why not consider going the NEXUS card route? $50 and you get precheck, global entry, and easy border crossings with Canada (when we have border crossings again :) Best suited for those living in a border state since an interview is required. Not sure how Covid-19 impacts all of this.

They are totally separate programs. Which may seem confusing because if you have Global Entry, it includes Pre Check at no extra cost or effort. If you already have Pre Check, the only way to get Global Entry is to apply and pay the full cost for Global Entry. You receive no credit for any time remaining in the Pre Check program.

Actually they do work together. If you want Global Entry benefits, it includes the trusted traveler number than gets you Pre-check benefits. That seems to be efficient. Not everyone wants or needs the full GE program, or wants to pay for it. So getting just Pre-check seems a reasonable option. CBP and TSA just dont get extra points in their budgets from the politicians for making it a one stop process.

I did not mean to imply that it is only the government that has these issues of inefficiency, but it is an issue where it appears two parts of the government don't even talk to each other. And it appears the various parts of Chase don't talk to each other as well making their processes more difficult than necessary. And I am sure anyone here can point out any number of other inefficiencies they have seen in all sectors of the modern world we live in.

The GE number you get, which works for Pre Check when you add it to your frequent flyer program so they you you are a member, doesn't even have the same format as the one you get when you are a Pre Check only member. You would think, or at lest I would, that a "trusted Traveler" number would have the same format regardless of the part of the government issuing it. At least both are recognized by TSA so you do get your Pre Check indication on your boarding pass.

I hope the remainder of my original reply was clear enough? And I have removed my attempt at humor as well.

I wish they would extend the expiration dates for at least a year to make up for 2020.

Global Entry is the best.......came into JFK in 2019 to a HUGE herd of travelers trying to get to immigration all at once....the queue went on forever......an agent at the front of the mess yelled for anyone with GE to follow him.....out of what seemed to be 500 people about 6 of us surfaced.....he pulled us out, walked us over to some GE kiosks and we were on our way.......no telling the time it saved us!

Eric, I can't find where I read it, but I think they are adding 18 months to GE if yours is expiring soon, if you do the renewal steps and they dont get to it. Maybe someone can confirm. But its not because you cant travel, its because they are backlogged and cant handle it due to the virus.

In February of this year I applied to renew my global entry online. I was approved in less than a week. You do need to know your logon to mobile global entry and your membership number. I hope this helps.

I applied to renew my Global entry last August and it took months for approval. My husband sent in his renewal in February this year and he was also approved in a week. Strange....

I applied for GE Dec 2019 and, although preliminarily approved, am still awaiting my interview due to no availability anywhere in Florida. It's scheduled for late September.
Hubby applied at the same time and is still awaiting his prelim. approval! 9 months and waiting.

The Dallas Global Entry office has started listing appointment slots starting Oct 5. I’m booked that first day just in case they have to close down again. Fingers crossed!