Global Entry Renewal – Don’t Make this Mistake!

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Those of us who travel a lot have Global Entry issued by the Department of Homeland Security. I don’t need to wax poetic the virtues of having Global Entry and TSA Pre, most readers already know that.

A month ago, Dave and I were in Washington, D.C. I checked us in online for our return flight, but his ticket didn’t say TSA Pre on it. I immediately thought that I must have done something wrong such as mixing up a digit in his Trusted Traveler number information. I figured that when we got to the airport, we would correct the problem.

At the airport, we went to the United check-in counter. The agent checked the details, but still no TSA Pre on his boarding ticket. We went to the Clear check in, since we both have Clear. The Clear agent said that this Clear check in was only for travelers who have both Clear and TSA Pre. They told Dave that he must check in downstairs. I said buh-bye, see ya later and breezed through Clear and TSA Pre.

When we met up on the other side, Dave said he now knew was the problem was – his Global Entry had expired. His birthday was earlier in April and boom, he no longer had Global Entry or TSA Pre.

LESSON: ALWAYS FILE RENEWAL APPLICATION BEFORE GLOBAL ENTRY EXPIRES

DON’T LET YOUR GLOBAL ENTRY EXPIRE!!!

Department of Homeland Security does not notify you when your Global Entry is due to expire. I keep a detailed calendar, but I never thought to enter the 5-year expiration of Global Entry (which expires on your birthday).

NO GRACE PERIOD IF YOU LET GLOBAL ENTRY LAPSE, EVEN BY A FEW DAYS

Since Dave’s Global Entry was already expired when he filed the renewal application, he was not given any extension of his status. The website says that the application processing time is 4-6 months, which he now has to wait it out without Global Entry status. Understandably, he is extremely unhappy about this.

GRACE PERIOD IF YOU FILE RENEWAL APPLICATION BEFORE EXPIRATION OF GLOBAL ENTRY

If however you file the renewal application before your Global Entry expires, the website provides: if you submit a renewal application before your membership expires, you will be able to continue to use benefits after your membership expiration date. (The website recommends that, under those circumstances that you print out a copy of your pending renewal to show the Customs and Border Protection Officer, if requested). Note: You can file your renewal application one year before expiration – in other words at 4 years.

My birthday is in October. I quickly filled out my renewal application and paid the $100 fee. When I check my application status on the website it says: Due to a significant increase in application volume, we are extending the grace period to allow you continued full benefits while U.S. Customs and Border Protection is finalizing your renewal application.

Do this:

1. Check your Global Entry status, including the expiration date.
2. Note the expiration date on your calendar.
3. If the expiration date is less than one year away, fill out a renewal application.
4. If you travel before the renewal comes through, keep a copy of the application on hand.

Happy travels!