As a frequent traveler, I always felt a jealous tinge whenever I saw people with TSA PreCheck breezing by me while I waited in line for regular security. I'd much prefer relaxing in an airport lounge over sprinting across the airport to get to my gate.
Given that, it was a no-brainer for me to get TSA PreCheck. Once I found out that Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck, my focus switched to that program. The only roadblock stopping me was the price: $120 for five years. Not exorbitant, but enough to make me pause.
Fortunately, my United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) came to the rescue. This card offers a statement credit every four years for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, so I was able to use it to completely cover the $120 Global Entry application fee. (PreCheck costs $77-$85 for five years, depending on which provider you enroll with.)
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on The Points Guy Articles.
