Short answer: If you travel internationally every month, Global Entry is especially valuable: expedited U.S. customs and TSA PreCheck save time on every return and on domestic legs. To get your interview: (1) apply as soon as you're ready so your conditional approval and 365-day window start; (2) use Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) on your next international return—you complete the interview at the airport when you clear customs, no advance appointment needed (if your return airport offers EOA); (3) if EOA isn't available at your usual airport, use appointment alerts for 2–3 centers and try to book a slot on a day you're home or between trips. Once approved, you'll use Global Entry on every return and TSA PreCheck on domestic flights. For more on frequent flyers, see Global Entry for Remote Workers and Frequent Flyers and Global Entry for Frequent Business Travelers: Booking Tips.
Monthly international travelers often get the most benefit from Global Entry—and EOA often makes getting the interview easier because you're already at the airport regularly.
In this guide
Why Global Entry Pays Off for Monthly Travelers
Global Entry gives you expedited U.S. customs and immigration when you return from abroad, plus TSA PreCheck for domestic flights. If you travel internationally every month, you're going through customs at least 12 times a year—and often more if you have domestic connections. The time saved per trip adds up quickly. The one-time application fee and single interview are a small cost compared to the ongoing benefit. See Global Entry for Frequent Business Travelers: Booking Tips for more on maximizing the benefit.
Use Enrollment on Arrival First
For monthly international travelers, Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) is often the fastest and easiest way to get your interview. When you return from an international flight at a participating U.S. airport, you complete your Global Entry interview at the airport after clearing customs—no advance appointment. So:
- Apply for Global Entry and get conditionally approved.
- On your next international return, use the EOA line at the airport (if that airport offers EOA).
- Complete your interview there and then; once approved, you're done.
Check whether your usual return airports offer EOA on the official Trusted Traveler Programs site. If you fly through one of them regularly, EOA can be your primary path. See How to Combine Enrollment on Arrival with Regular Scheduling.
If Your Airport Doesn't Offer EOA
If your usual return airport doesn't offer EOA (or you want a backup):
- Use appointment alerts for 2–3 enrollment centers. Choose centers near home or in cities you pass through.
- Set your alert date range to days you're typically home or between trips, if the service allows it.
- When you get an alert, book immediately—slots can be taken in minutes. You may need to schedule a day off or work around a trip to make the interview.
- Consider lower-demand or border centers if you can travel there on a day you're not flying—they often have availability sooner.
After Approval: Using It Every Month
Once you're approved:
- Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline profiles and use it when booking. You'll get TSA PreCheck on domestic flights and Global Entry kiosks (or expedited lane) when entering the U.S. from abroad.
- Use the same passport and identity you used for your application when entering the U.S.—your membership is tied to that.
- Renew before your membership expires (you can renew up to a year in advance). With monthly travel, keeping your membership current is especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do EOA at any U.S. airport when I return?
Only at airports that offer Enrollment on Arrival. Not all do. Check the TTP site for the list. If your usual return airport offers it, you can do EOA on your next return there.
I return through different airports. Can I do EOA at any of them?
Yes, as long as each airport offers EOA. You only need to complete the interview once—at any participating airport on any return. So plan your next return through an EOA airport if you want to use that option.
How long does EOA take when I land?
It can add a few minutes to your customs clearance—you go through the EOA line and complete the interview there. For monthly travelers who are already at the airport, it's usually a one-time delay that avoids having to book a separate in-center appointment.
✅ Key Takeaway
For people who travel internationally every month, Global Entry is highly valuable. Use Enrollment on Arrival on your next return if your airport offers it—it's often the fastest way to get the interview. If not, use appointment alerts and multiple centers to get an in-center slot. Once approved, use your KTN on every trip for expedited customs and PreCheck.