Thinking of signing up for GE and TSA's Pre✓ programs
 

Since we're not frequent flyers by any stretch, it seems our only way to get into the Pre✓ program is through GE, then apply for Pre✓.

But is it worth it for us?

We're taking several domestic and international flights on Delta this year and would like all processes to be as easy as possible. All flights depart from airports that participate in the Pre✓ program. The goal is to get through security with as little hassle as possible. On the international flights, the same thing for customs coming home.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what Pre✓ can do for us. :confused:

Sign up for Nexus if you are near a Canadian border city - the cost is $50 (vs. $100 for GE only) and it includes GE (makes no sense, but the government runs the programs!).

We are in your situation & got Nexus/GE 18 months ago - best thing we ever did. Once you have GE you enter your 9 digit trusted traveler # in the secure flight information of your profile for your airline. You will then get pre-check most of the time - keep your shoes on, computer in the bag, & quick walk through WTMD - definitely worth it.

Then, with GE, you bypass the long immigration line when returning to the U.S. & go to the kiosk & you're out it 1 minute.

Hard to add much to the info below from rubesl. Unfortunately, "worth it" is a judgement you will have to make. IMO, avoiding a single Unconstitutional grope or freedom pose is worth $100. I've saved more than I can count, so clearly worth it for me.

^

Gropes or not, the time savings to me is worth it. $100 for 5 years of travel? Easy answer.

Yeah especially with the rollout of PreCheck for international flights.

(bolding mine)
You don't apply for Pre✓. Once you have a Known Traveler # you simply enter that with your secure flight data in your airline profile. Make sure your full name matches (I had to start booking tickets with my middle name since it's on my Nexus card) and you should start getting it. I get Pre✓ on US as just a Silver and on AA with no status because I have Nexus.

Pre✓ is wondeful as is Global Entry. When you get Global Entry you get Pre✓with airlines even if you don't have status. You must ensure that your number is in reservation and that your name is an identical match. Contrary to what some others report, neither my wife or I have never not gotten Pre✓ on at least 100 flights. Some airlines, I think Delta is one of them now print Pre✓ on your boarding pass so you'll know ahead of time. With your international flights, you'll find Global Entry a breeze.

I just took my first flights on a Pre✓ eligible airline since getting Global Entry. Got Pre✓ at both LAX and ORD. Not only did I save time, it felt like heaven walking over to the empty conveyor and simply laying my bags on it and walking through the detector. It was just such a luxury to not have to take off my shoes and jacket or remove anything from my bags. Well worth the $$ in the long run.