The best expedited-travel program depends on where your time is being wasted. Domestic security lines, U.S. customs on return, the Canada border, the Mexico border, and commercial trucking all point to different programs.
Quick conclusion
- Mostly domestic flights: TSA PreCheck is the simplest paid option.
- International flights back to the U.S.: Global Entry is usually the best default because it includes TSA PreCheck.
- Frequent U.S.-Canada travel: NEXUS is the most targeted fit.
- Frequent U.S.-Mexico land crossings: SENTRI is the most targeted fit.
- Commercial truck drivers: FAST is the specialized program.
- Occasional international arrivals with no interview: Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is the free option.
Comparison criteria
Programs were checked on 2026-08-09 using TSA, CBP, and DHS pages. The comparison focuses on application fee, interview burden, airport security benefit, customs-return benefit, and border-lane usefulness.
Comparison table
| Program | Typical fee | Includes faster airport security? | Helps with U.S. return processing? | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $78 to $85 depending on enrollment provider | Yes | No | Domestic flyers |
| Global Entry | $120 | Yes, through TSA PreCheck | Yes | International flyers |
| NEXUS | $120 | Yes for eligible air use | Yes, especially U.S.-Canada travel | Frequent U.S.-Canada travelers |
| SENTRI | $120 | Trusted-traveler air benefits may apply for eligible members | Yes, especially by land from Mexico | Frequent U.S.-Mexico land travelers |
| FAST | $50 | No | Commercial processing only | Truck drivers and low-risk shipments |
| MPC | Free | No | Yes, at participating sites | Occasional travelers who do not want an interview |
Program notes
TSA PreCheck
Choose TSA PreCheck when your pain point is domestic airport screening and you do not need a customs-return benefit.
Global Entry
Global Entry is the most balanced mainstream choice because it covers international return processing and also includes TSA PreCheck.
NEXUS
NEXUS is strongest when Canada is a repeated part of your life, not just an occasional vacation.
SENTRI
SENTRI is worth separate attention when you regularly enter the United States from Mexico by land. That is its core use case.
FAST
FAST is not a consumer leisure product. It is a commercial border-clearance tool tied to low-risk supply chains.
MPC
MPC is useful when you want a free arrival shortcut and do not want to schedule an interview. It does not replace TSA PreCheck for domestic security.
Recommendations by scenario
You fly domestically but rarely leave the U.S.
Get TSA PreCheck instead of paying for an international-focused program you will not use.
You take even a few international trips each year
Global Entry is usually the cleaner choice because it combines the customs-return benefit with TSA PreCheck.
You cross one land border repeatedly
Do not default to Global Entry. Compare NEXUS or SENTRI first if Canada or Mexico is the real bottleneck.
You travel only occasionally
Start with MPC if your arrival airport supports it. Free is hard to beat when interview time matters more than lane access.
Limitations and FAQ
- Application fees can change. TSA PreCheck pricing also varies by authorized enrollment provider.
- Interview slots are uneven. Approval timing depends on location and backlog.
- MPC is not a full substitute for Global Entry. It helps on arrival but does not include TSA PreCheck.
- Children and family rules vary. Verify the current child and minor guidance on the program page you plan to use.
Sources and update date
Checked on 2026-08-09 against TSA, CBP, and DHS Trusted Traveler Program pages.