The holiday travel season brings joy, family reunions, and unfortunately, some of the longest airport lines of the year. But if you have Global Entry, you don't have to dread those massive security queues or customs delays. Here's your complete guide to maximizing Global Entry benefits during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's travel—and why it's the best investment you can make for stress-free holiday trips.

Why Holiday Travel Is So Chaotic

Holiday travel season—spanning from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through New Year's Day—is the busiest time of year for airports. Understanding why it's so chaotic helps you appreciate how valuable Global Entry becomes during these periods.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Peak Travel Days

The busiest travel days during the holidays include:

• Thanksgiving Week: Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest single day
• Sunday After Thanksgiving: Highest return travel volume
• December 20-23: Pre-Christmas rush
• December 26-30: Post-Christmas travel surge
• January 2-3: New Year return travel peak

What Makes It Worse

• Weather Delays: Winter weather causes cascading delays
• Overbooked Flights: Airlines maximize capacity
• Inexperienced Travelers: Many only fly during holidays
• Extra Baggage: Gifts and winter clothing slow security
• Staff Shortages: Some airports struggle with peak demand

How Global Entry Helps During Holidays

Global Entry provides two critical benefits that become exponentially more valuable during holiday travel: TSA PreCheck for domestic security and expedited customs processing for international arrivals.

TSA PreCheck Benefits

Your Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, which provides:

• Dedicated Security Lanes: Separate lines that are typically much shorter
• Keep Shoes On: No need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets
• Keep Laptop in Bag: Electronics stay in your carry-on
• Keep Liquids in Bag: 3-1-1 liquids can stay packed
• Faster Processing: Less time per person means shorter overall wait

International Arrival Benefits

When returning from international destinations, Global Entry provides:

• Dedicated Kiosks: Skip the long customs lines
• Facial Recognition: Touchless processing with mobile app
• No Forms: Skip paper customs declaration forms
• Faster Processing: Typically under 2 minutes vs. 30+ minutes

Time Savings During Holidays

During peak holiday travel, Global Entry can save you significant time:

Scenario	Standard Wait	Global Entry Wait	Time Saved
Domestic Security (Peak)	60-90 minutes	5-10 minutes	50-80 minutes
International Customs (Peak)	90-120 minutes	2-5 minutes	85-115 minutes
Round Trip (Int'l)	3-4 hours total	15-20 minutes	2.5-3.5 hours

TSA PreCheck: Your Security Line Lifesaver

TSA PreCheck lanes are your secret weapon during holiday travel. Here's how to maximize their benefits:

Finding TSA PreCheck Lanes

• Look for Signs: TSA PreCheck lanes are clearly marked with signage
• Check Your Boarding Pass: Look for "TSA PRE✓" indicator
• Ask if Unsure: TSA agents can direct you to the correct lane
• Some Airports Have Multiple: Check terminal maps for all PreCheck locations

What to Expect

Even during peak holiday travel, TSA PreCheck lanes typically maintain:

• Shorter Lines: 5-15 minute waits vs. 60-90 minutes in standard lanes
• Faster Processing: Each person takes 30-60 seconds vs. 3-5 minutes
• Less Stress: More relaxed environment, less rushing
• Better Experience: Agents are typically less harried

Pro Tips for TSA PreCheck

• Arrive Early Anyway: PreCheck helps, but don't cut it too close
• Verify Your Status: Check your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is on your reservation
• Keep Documents Ready: Have ID and boarding pass accessible
• Follow Rules: Even in PreCheck, follow all security guidelines

International Arrivals: Skip Customs Lines

Returning from international holiday travel is where Global Entry really shines. While others wait in hour-long customs lines, you'll breeze through in minutes.

Using Global Entry Kiosks

The traditional Global Entry process involves:

• Find Global Entry Kiosks: Look for dedicated kiosk area (usually before customs lines)
• Scan Passport: Place passport on scanner
• Fingerprint Scan: Place fingers on scanner
• Answer Questions: Complete customs declaration on screen
• Get Receipt: Receive printed receipt and proceed to exit

Using the Mobile App

The Global Entry Mobile App offers an even faster option:

• Pre-Complete Declaration: Fill out customs form before landing
• Facial Recognition: Use your phone's camera for identity verification
• Mobile Receipt: Receive digital receipt on your phone
• Skip Kiosks: Go directly to exit (at participating airports)

Participating Airports

The mobile app is accepted at 80+ airports and preclearance locations, including all major U.S. international gateways. Check the CBP website for the most current list of participating locations.

Best Airports for Holiday Travel with Global Entry

Some airports handle holiday crowds better than others. Here's what to expect at major hubs:

Top Performing Airports

• Atlanta (ATL): Excellent PreCheck coverage, efficient Global Entry processing
• Denver (DEN): Multiple PreCheck lanes, good international processing
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): Well-organized, multiple terminals with PreCheck
• Phoenix (PHX): Less crowded, efficient processing
• Seattle (SEA): Good technology integration, mobile app friendly

Challenging but Manageable

• Los Angeles (LAX): Very busy but PreCheck helps significantly
• New York JFK: Heavy international traffic, but Global Entry essential
• Chicago O'Hare (ORD): Busy but well-organized PreCheck lanes
• Miami (MIA): Heavy international traffic, Global Entry critical

Airport-Specific Tips

• Check Terminal Maps: Know where PreCheck lanes are located
• Allow Extra Time: Even with PreCheck, holiday travel requires buffers
• Monitor Flight Status: Weather delays are common during holidays
• Have Backup Plans: Know alternative routes if delays occur

Traveling with Family: Global Entry Tips

Holiday travel often means family trips. Here's how to maximize Global Entry benefits when traveling with children and other family members:

Children and Global Entry

• Under 18: Children can use TSA PreCheck when traveling with enrolled parent
• Separate Membership: Children 13+ can have their own Global Entry membership
• Family Applications: Apply together to coordinate interview appointments
• Documentation: Always carry proof of relationship for children

Family Travel Strategies

• Book Together: Ensure all family members' KTNs are on reservations
• Stay Together: Travel as a group through PreCheck lanes
• Prepare Children: Explain the process so they know what to expect
• Have Documents Ready: Keep all passports and documents accessible

What If Not Everyone Has Global Entry?

If some family members don't have Global Entry:

• Children Under 13: Can use PreCheck with enrolled parent
• Older Children/Adults: Will need to use standard lanes
• Consider Applying: Holiday travel is a great reason to get everyone enrolled
• Plan Accordingly: Allow time for family members in standard lanes

Using the Global Entry Mobile App

The Global Entry Mobile App has become a game-changer for holiday travel, especially for international arrivals. Here's how to use it effectively:

Before Your Trip

• Download the App: Get it from App Store or Google Play
• Create Account: Set up your profile before traveling
• Test It: Familiarize yourself with the interface
• Ensure Phone Works: Make sure your phone will work internationally

During Your Flight

• Complete Declaration: Fill out customs form in the app before landing
• Save Battery: Ensure your phone has charge for arrival
• Have Documents Ready: Keep passport accessible

Upon Arrival

• Follow App Instructions: Use facial recognition feature
• Get Mobile Receipt: Receive digital confirmation
• Proceed to Exit: Skip kiosks and go directly to exit
• Show Receipt if Asked: Have digital receipt ready for CBP officers

Benefits During Holidays

The mobile app is especially valuable during holiday travel because:

• Faster Processing: Even quicker than kiosks
• Less Waiting: Skip kiosk lines entirely
• Touchless: More hygienic during flu season
• Convenient: Everything on your phone

Timing Strategies for Holiday Travel

Even with Global Entry, smart timing can make your holiday travel even smoother:

Best Days to Travel

• Avoid Peak Days: Travel on Tuesday/Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead of Wednesday
• Early Morning Flights: Less crowded, fewer delays
• Late Evening: After 8 PM typically less busy
• Mid-Week: Tuesday-Thursday are generally better than weekends

Arrival Time Strategies

• Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours early (even with PreCheck)
• International Flights: Arrive 3 hours early
• Peak Days: Add 30-60 minutes buffer
• Weather Concerns: Allow extra time for winter weather delays

Return Travel Timing

• Avoid Sunday Returns: Highest volume day
• Monday/Tuesday: Typically less crowded
• Early Morning: Less competition for PreCheck lanes
• Mid-Week Returns: Best option if flexible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even Global Entry members can make mistakes during holiday travel. Here's what to avoid:

PreCheck Mistakes

• KTN Not on Reservation: Most common mistake—verify before check-in
• Wrong Lane: Don't assume all short lines are PreCheck
• Not Following Rules: PreCheck doesn't mean no rules
• Cutting It Too Close: PreCheck helps but doesn't eliminate need for buffer time

International Arrival Mistakes

• Not Using Mobile App: Missing out on fastest option
• Wrong Kiosk: Make sure you're at Global Entry kiosks, not standard
• Missing Documents: Always have passport ready
• Not Declaring Items: Still must declare all required items

General Holiday Travel Mistakes

• Not Checking Status: Verify Global Entry is active before travel
• Expired Membership: Check expiration date well in advance
• Not Updating Info: Keep passport and personal info current
• Assuming It's Fast: Still allow reasonable time buffers

Don't Have Global Entry Yet?

If you're reading this and don't have Global Entry yet, the holiday travel season is a perfect reminder of why it's worth it. Here's what you need to know:

Why Get Global Entry Now

• Next Holiday Season: Get approved in time for next year's holidays
• Year-Round Benefits: Not just for holidays—valuable all year
• 5-Year Validity: One application covers multiple holiday seasons
• TSA PreCheck Included: Get both programs for one price

Application Timeline

Typical Global Entry timeline:

• Application Submission: 1-2 weeks for conditional approval
• Interview Wait: 4-12 months depending on location
• Total Process: 6-15 months from application to approval

Finding Earlier Appointments

Interview appointment availability is the biggest challenge. Here's how to find earlier slots:

• Monitor Multiple Locations: Check several enrollment centers
• Use Monitoring Services: Services like GE Finder alert you to cancellations
• Be Flexible: Consider centers within driving distance
• Check Regularly: Cancellations happen frequently

Final Thoughts

Holiday travel doesn't have to be stressful. With Global Entry, you can skip the longest lines, reduce wait times by hours, and arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to enjoy time with family and friends.

The investment in Global Entry pays for itself many times over during holiday travel alone. When you consider that you're saving 2-3 hours per round trip during peak times, the $120 fee (valid for 5 years) represents incredible value.

Whether you're a current Global Entry member maximizing your benefits or considering applying for next year, remember that holiday travel is when this program truly shines. Plan ahead, use all available features (including the mobile app), and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with skipping the lines.