Does Your PreCheck Get Extended With Global Entry’s Grace Period?

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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports. (thank-you, U.S. Customs and Border Protection!)

Global Entry is a great way to get through the airport faster when you’re re-entering the country. It even gets you some benefits outside the U.S. And a bonus of having Global Entry is that you also get TSA PreCheck, for free, as part of the $100 Global Entry fee (the fee pays for the vetting, and you’re already getting vetted for Global Entry, so…) And PreCheck helps you get through the airport faster when you’re going through the TSA security checkpoint.

Global Entry processing times have been delayed for a few years now. In fact, Travel & Leisure recently reported it can take upwards of 11 months between Global Entry application and being approved, due to “high demand and processing volumes.” The main issue appears to be being able to make interview appointments.

And unfortunately, if you have “conditional approval” for Global Entry and are just waiting for your interview, you still can’t use the TSA PreCheck that comes with it, until your process is complete and you’ve been fully approved.

Meanwhile, if you already have Global Entry and just need to renew, the process may or may not be easier (read: faster) than an initial application. Some people need to interview again, while others get their approval in record time. However, Global Entry has your back and gives you a 24-month (2-year) grace period, or extension. From CBP:

You become eligible to renew your membership 1 year prior to program expiration. If you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you will be able to continue to use benefits up to 24 months after your membership expiration date. An interview may be required upon renewal. This will be determined by the vetting center.

However we recently read a rather interesting question:

Does my TSA Pre-Check automatically extend with the Global Entry extension or do I
have to apply new to TSA? I’m having a heck of a time looking for this info online. TIA!!

I submitted that very question to CBP and here’s what they said:

 

Thank you for contacting the CBP Traveler Communications Center.
If you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you will be able to continue to use benefits after your membership expiration date. We recommend you print out a copy of your TTP Dashboard showing that the renewal is pending to show an Officer, if requested.

So yeah, if your Global Entry is up for renewal, as long as you submit your renewal application before your membership expiration date, you’ll be able to use your TSA PreCheck, along with your Global Entry, throughout your grace period, up to 24 months.

It’s a good thing, too, since a couple of months ago, someone on Reddit had to wait 1 year, 1 month, and 3 days (!!!) to finally get approval for his renewal.

Shwew!

Feature Photo (cropped): F Delventhal / flickr / CC BY 2.0 DEED

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