This summer, TSA is rolling out a new initiative to support the U.S. military community, marking a meaningful step toward making air travel simpler for those who serve and their families.
In collaboration with enrollment providers CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos, TSA PreCheck will waive enrollment fees for Gold Star families and provide discounted rates for military spouses. This move reflects a strong commitment to recognizing the unique sacrifices made by these families and ensuring a smoother, more respectful travel experience.
Gold Star families, who have lost a loved one in military service to the United States, will be able to enroll in TSA PreCheck free of charge. This benefit extends to spouses, parents, children and siblings, acknowledging their enduring loss and honoring the legacy of their fallen heroes. The program’s goal is to reduce stress and inconvenience during travel, offering these families the dignity and respect they deserve at security checkpoints.
Discounted TSA PreCheck for Military Spouses
Military spouses often face frequent relocations and separations due to duty assignments, making air travel an essential part of maintaining family connections. To ease these challenges, TSA is introducing a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for military and uniformed service spouses. This discount is designed to support families traveling to reunite with service members or to manage moves to new duty stations.
TSA PreCheck provides a streamlined, expedited security process, with benefits such as shorter lines, no need to remove shoes or belts, and simplified procedures for electronics and liquids. By offering this discount, TSA aims to make these benefits more accessible to military families who rely on air travel as part of their lifestyle.
Mobile Enrollment Events Near Military Installations
Recognizing that many eligible individuals may not live near enrollment centers, TSA is working with CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos to host mobile enrollment events close to major U.S. military installations. These events will make it more convenient for Gold Star family members and military spouses to take advantage of the new benefits without needing to travel long distances for enrollment.
Through these partnerships, TSA and its providers are prioritizing accessibility and convenience, ensuring that military communities across the country can participate. By bringing enrollment services directly to military bases, TSA reduces the burden of travel time and costs for those seeking to join the PreCheck program.
Expedited Access for Service Members
In addition to waiving and discounting enrollment fees, TSA is enhancing the travel experience for active-duty service members with expedited screening access. At select airports near large military installations, dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes or front-of-line privileges will be introduced to minimize wait times and improve convenience. This initiative acknowledges the demanding schedules of military personnel and aims to reduce travel-related stress.
Military personnel and civilian Department of Defense staff are also eligible for free TSA PreCheck simply by using their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number when booking flights. Children 12 and under may accompany eligible adults in TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction, while minors aged 13 to 17 can use these lanes if they are on the same reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.
Ongoing Commitment Through TSA Cares
TSA’s support for the military community extends beyond PreCheck enrollment. The TSA Cares program provides personalized assistance for veterans, wounded warriors and travelers with disabilities, ensuring they receive a dignified and stress-reducing screening experience. This commitment reflects TSA’s broader mission to serve all passengers with respect and empathy, particularly those who have given so much in service to their country.
For those interested in learning more or beginning the enrollment process, TSA has provided detailed guidance on its official website. Gold Star families and military spouses can visit www.tsa.gov/military to find information about eligibility, upcoming mobile enrollment events and the benefits of TSA PreCheck. TSA also encourages travelers to review www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares to understand the additional resources available through the TSA Cares program.
Through these initiatives, TSA reaffirms its promise to honor service and sacrifice, striving to make air travel as safe, efficient and respectful as possible for America’s military community. By expanding access, simplifying enrollment and delivering expedited screening benefits, TSA aims to help military families travel with greater ease and dignity in the years to come.
