100 Domestic Airports to Provide PreCheck for Members of the U.S. Military

The Department of Defense in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration will implement a new expedited pre-screening check in December for members of the United States military and Coast Guard at 100 airports across the country.

It is part of an ongoing "effort to move away from a one size fits all security approach and provide more of the traveling public the ability to participate in expedited screening," a DOD press release issued Wednesday states. "As a result of the agreement, these individuals will be able to enjoy the benefits of the program at the 100 participating airports across the country, beginning Dec. 20."

Only 10 domestic airports currently have pre-check status for members of the military who present their Common Access Card, otherwise called a CAC card.

The service members are allowed "to keep their footwear on as well as light outerwear, belts, laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry on in select screening lanes," according to the DOD

“Expanding TSA Precheck screening benefits is great news for our service members and is a tangible sign of this nation's gratitude for the men and women who serve this nation bravely each and every day,” said Mary Snavely-Dixon, director of the Defense Manpower Data Center, in the press release. “We will continue to work with the Transportation Security Administration to help expand this program further.”

TSA Deputy Administrator John W. Halinski, a 25-year Marine Corps veteran, said his agency "joins with the American people in showing its appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our men and women in the Armed Forces. Providing expedited screening while on travel is the least we can do for these courageous men and women.”

What do service members need to remember?

Under the agreement all active duty U.S. Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard service members can use their DoD identification number when making reservations and that ID number will be used as their Known Traveler Number, the DOD said.

"When arriving at the airport, service members will then be permitted access to TSA Precheck lanes for official or leisure travel on participating airlines," the instructions state.

According to the TSA more than 18 million passengers have experienced the Precheck since it launched in October 2011 and the agency "has recently expanded this expedited screening program to 60 new airports in addition to the existing 40, bringing the total number of airports with TSA Precheck to 100."

TSA has long recognized our men and women in uniform as nearly a quarter of TSA’s workforce is a veteran or currently serves as an active duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces.

In addition to expanding TSA Precheck for the military, there is also the Wounded Warrior Screening program that includes "personalized service and expedited screening to move through security checkpoints without having to remove footwear, light outerwear, jackets or head wear."

Wounded warriors or their care coordinators can contact TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 with details of the itinerary once flight arrangements are made with the airline.

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