Reasons Global Entry or TSA PreCheck can be denied or revoked

In an era when convenience might be taken for granted, the chance of saving time at an airport is coveted by most travelers. Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) can offer that opportunity, and it's probably why TSA PreCheck^® and Global Entry are popular choices—the former for streamlining TSA security screenings, and the latter for expediting U.S. Customs screenings. 

Unfortunately, there are reasons why applications to these programs can be denied and memberships can be revoked. Let's take a moment to review some of those reasons.

Several reasons your Trusted Traveler status can be denied or revoked

When TSA PreCheck and Global Entry applications are denied, the reasons can vary and may be provided at the respective agency's discretion. The same is true for memberships when they are suspended or revoked. The notice you receive may include details about the agency's action, but it isn't required to provide any. 

Membership in either program may also be reviewed periodically, which can result in a revoked or suspended membership. This is called recurrent vetting. Whether your TTP application is denied, or your membership is involuntarily lost, here are some common reasons why.

Failure to meet eligibility requirements

U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents are eligible for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. If the identifying information on your application is incorrect or incomplete, then it may be denied. 

By the same token, there are situations when membership can also be suspended if you no longer meet eligibility requirements. Permanent residence, for example, can be conditional or lost involuntarily for a variety of reasons. If residence status changes for some reason, the change may be found through recurrent vetting, which could affect a Trusted Traveler status.

Criminal offenses

Certain criminal offenses can be a reason TTP membership is suspended or revoked. 

The TTP application review process involves a background check, and many criminal offenses can result in a program denial or revocation. Recurrent vetting for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members also tends to involve checking members' criminal records. 

Being convicted of a crime could cause membership to be suspended or revoked, as could having any pending criminal charges or arrest warrants. Even being the subject of an investigation could jeopardize a Trusted Traveler status, whether the investigating agency is federal, state or local. For TSA PreCheck at least, criminal offenses could disqualify applicants and members on a permanent or temporary basis.

Security or immigration violations

Specific violations of federal security regulations can result in suspended Trusted Traveler status, at the very least. Some violations could result in denial, suspension or revocation, especially if there are criminal implications. Examples include assault, threat, intimidation or interference with a flight crew. Immigration violations are taken seriously, too. Individuals can have memberships denied or revoked when found: 

• In violation of customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country 
• Inadmissible to the United States under an immigration regulation

What to do if your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership gets revoked

If you're Trusted Traveler status is revoked, you may be able to ask for a reconsideration. Your options when you're notified a TTP membership has been revoked depend on your exact situation. For example, a suspension can last up to five years for a first-time offense. Severe incidents or repeat offenses, on the other hand, can result in a membership being permanently revoked.

Is there a Trusted Traveler appeals process?

Disqualification reasons and durations can vary. In some cases, notices you receive about an issue with your membership could have helpful information. In other cases, you may be able to file a Reconsideration Request if you feel your Trusted Traveler status was revoked because of inaccurate information. If you're eligible to file this request, you'll find a button to do so after logging in to your TTP account. 

More often than not, reconsideration requests should be in English and include the following details: 

• Date and reason associated with the denial, as shown in the notice posted to your account 
• A summary of information that clarifies a record or explains an incident 
• The court disposition documentation for any and all arrests or convictions even expunged.

You may include attachments in various formats with this information, but any official court documents should be in PDF format.

In conclusion

TSA PreCheck has specific disqualifying factors that can result in an application being denied. Global Entry has reasons an applicant or member may be found ineligible. Despite any similarities between each program's reasons to deny or revoke a membership, situations can vary greatly. 

Whether or not you have options for recourse depend on the exact violation or situation, as well. Typically, when your Trusted Traveler status changes, you will receive notification, which should be visible on your TTP account dashboard. You'll receive a letter if you don't have a TTP online account. 

Being a member of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck can have its benefits. However, not being able to expedite airport security or customs screenings is not the end of the world. As long as you're approved to fly, an adventure might still await you.