Most people assume that once they’re approved for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, the hard part is over.
After all, you’ve paid the fee, submitted your information, undergone a background check, and been deemed a “trusted traveler.”
But what many members don’t realize is that the government doesn’t stop evaluating them once they’re approved.
The Government Is Still Watching You
The thing is, once you’re in either program, it doesn’t mean you’re home free. The federal government still keeps an eye on you. They say so themselves.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Annual Performance Report talks about the enormous growth in the number of people in trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which is good for DHS and great for those who are enrolled. Why? Because DHS checks millions of travelers daily for information that might indicate changes in their ‘risk’ status, potentially disqualifying them from expedited travel.
Remember, you’re a “trusted traveler” because they trust you. If they have reason to believe you can no longer be trusted, well… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Can They Really Kick You Out?
Of course they can.
In the fine print of applying for Global Entry, DHS specifically says that, “consent is implied” for them to continually review trusted travelers, whether they’re traveling or not. And they are—you can find it all over the internet (like here and here).
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) “checks all GE members against major law enforcement databases every 24 hours,” according to DHS’ report. “The measure demonstrates the effectiveness of the GE trusted traveler program at … quickly incorporating any changes in traveler risk-status that result in suspension or removal to ensure that all active GE members meet required security protocols at all times.”
And that’s just for Global Entry. TSA continually vets its trusted travelers as well, comparing individuals against multiple watchlists, “with respect to individuals who may pose a threat to transportation or National Security.”
What If You Lose Your Trusted Traveler Status?
For years, you were, in a word, screwed. Now, there can sometimes be a glimmer of hope.
Don’t get me wrong—if you did something that justified the government not trusting you anymore and therefore revoking your Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck, you’re still screwed (like this person). But sometimes mistakes happen – maybe you have the same name as someone who was caught bringing home rum and cigars from Cuba, and then you lost your Global Entry. But in 2024, they started working on the link you can use if you’ve been denied and are trying to get more information, which, I guess, was a start. In March of 2024, they added a new page that said, “In the event you are denied or revoked from the Trusted Traveler Programs, you will be provided information in writing detailing the reason for this action.” That page also gave you the option to request “reconsideration” through the TTP website, however to date, there’s still nowhere to get “more information.”
For most travelers, this won’t be a problem.
Millions of people participate in TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, and the vast majority will never have their status questioned, suspended, or revoked. In fact, many members go years without ever thinking about the programs beyond enjoying shorter security lines and faster trips through customs.
But “trusted traveler” status isn’t a lifetime guarantee.
The government’s position has always been that membership in these programs is based on continued eligibility, not just whether you qualified on the day you applied. That’s why both TSA and CBP continue reviewing participants long after they’ve been approved.
Most members will never notice.
The ones who do are usually the people who suddenly find themselves wondering why they’re no longer considered “trusted.”
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