TSA announces changes to security checks in 10 major airports across the US

Security check-ins will soon be easier and quicker for certain travelers.

The Transportation Security Administration announced new screening procedures for active-duty service members, civilian Department of Defense personnel and Gold Star Families.

“TSA reaffirms its commitment to ease travel for the military community through its TSA PreCheck program by providing it free to Gold Star families, discounting it for military spouses and creating expedited lanes for service members,” TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said in a statement. “By expanding access, easing enrollment, and partnering with our TSA PreCheck enrollment providers and industry partners, we strive to honor those who serve and the families who stand beside them.”

The new “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program includes:

  • Dedicated security lanes are open at airports near military installations. This will start in 10 locations: San Antonio, Texas; Anchorage, Alaska; Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; El Paso, Texas; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; San Diego, California; and Seattle.
  • PreCheck fees are waived for Gold Star Families. Gold Star Families are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters or other loved ones of a person who died in service to their country.
  • TSA is offering a $25 discount for PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members.

What is PreCheck?

PreCheck offers enrollees reduced wait times and expedited service through screenings and checkpoints. Participants can keep shoes, belts and light jackets on and are not required to remove laptops or 3-1-1 liquids from their carry-on bags.

TSA is currently hosting PreCheck mobile enrollment events near major U.S. military installations. Cost varies based on enrollment provider, ranging from $77-$85. Membership is valid for five years.

Uniformed service members and civilian DOD personnel who already qualify will continue to receive complimentary PreCheck access. Children 12 and younger may accompany service members and DOD staff in the TSA lanes; minors 13-17 must be on the same airline reservation with the PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.

You can see more on enrollment here.

Disabled veterans

TSA said it is also working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer free PreCheck to some disabled veterans. Eligible veterans will include those who have a service-connected disability that includes loss of an extremity, full or partial paralysis or blindness.

A timeline for those changes has not been announced.

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