This Independence Day, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out a salute to America’s military families, making the travel journey a little lighter for those who carry the weight of service and sacrifice.
In a move designed to honor the contributions of the uniformed service community, TSA has announced an expansion of its TSA PreCheck benefits, named the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” initiative. The new program includes waived and discounted enrollment fees for TSA PreCheck, expanded access for military families and a more streamlined travel experience at airports across the country.
Free TSA PreCheck for Gold Star Families
Gold Star families, those who have lost a loved one in military service, will now receive TSA PreCheck at no cost. These families, which include spouses, parents, children and siblings, will be able to bypass the usual screening lines and remove one more hurdle from their travel plans.
“This is about respect, about remembrance, and about showing gratitude in a practical way,” says TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. “By making travel easier, we aim to honor the legacy of those who gave all—and the families who live that reality every day.”
Discounted Enrollment for Military Spouses
Military spouses will also see a benefit: A $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment. The program, which typically costs $85 and lasts for five years, offers expedited security screening at more than 200 airports.
Expedited Screening for Active Duty and DoD Personnel
In addition to these program updates, the TSA is also expanding dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes and front-of-line access for service members at airports near major U.S. military installations. These lanes will allow active duty and Department of Defense personnel to move through security with greater ease, helping them spend less time in line.
Uniformed military personnel and civilian DoD staff already enjoy free TSA PreCheck access simply by using their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking flights. Children 12 and under can accompany them through PreCheck lanes automatically, while older teens (13–17) can also benefit when on the same reservation.
TSA PreCheck Mobile Enrollment Events
TSA is partnering with its three official enrollment providers, CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos, to bring mobile TSA PreCheck enrollment events to military bases around the country. These pop-up stations will help eligible families sign up with minimal hassle in their own communities.
To learn more about eligibility and enrollment, visit www.tsa.gov/military and www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares.
KEEP READING
–Did you know your electronic devices should always be charged when going through security?
–The travel gadget flight attendants never leave home without
–Going on a cruise? Be sure to bring this
–The genius phone hack to try when your plane doesn’t have an in-flight entertainment system
–Travel hack: How to use your wireless headphones to watch in-flight movies
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.