Originally Posted by
cbn42
United allows anyone to sign up. Just go to their website, log into your Mileage Plus account, and become a member.
American and Delta do it by invitation only, for those who travel at least 25,000 miles a year from what I understand.
There are two was to become eligible for precheck. Either you are invited by your airline based on frequent flier status or you apply for Global Entry with CBP. Global Entry requires a payment of $100, a background check based on an application which can be denied, an interview which includes additional documentation of legal status, employment, income, etc., a photograph and finger printing. GE has the added benefit of entering the US without the standard CBP inspection using a kiosk and receipt method. This is possible in many us airports but not all.
There are no data to suggest one is better than the other regarding precheck selection on any given day.