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TSA Benefits for Military Service Members [Free TSA PreCheck]
Victoria M. Walker
Victoria M. Walker
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Anyone in the military knows that joining the service comes with numerous sacrifices, such as extended periods away from home and long working hours. However, serving in the military also comes with a ton of perks.
One benefit that doesn’t get as much shine is expedited security at the airport.
As a service member, you’re entitled to TSA PreCheck, a service that allows you to expedite your security screening at the airport. Let’s take a look at what TSA PreCheck is, how to get it, and why you should — especially as a member of the armed forces.
About TSA PreCheck
Before we delve into the specific benefits for military service members, let’s provide a broad overview of TSA PreCheck and its origins.
The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, was created as an agency within the Department of Transportation in response to the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001. It was later moved under the Department of Homeland Security, where it now operates.
TSA PreCheck wasn’t created immediately after the Department of Transportation instituted the agency. TSA launched the program in September 2013, enabling the agency to expedite security screening for low-risk travelers. The most important — and beloved — perks of having a TSA PreCheck membership are that you can keep your shoes on, leave your laptop and electronics in your bag, and keep liquids in your luggage.
You’ll be able to spend less time in line with TSA PreCheck. Image Credit: TSA
TSA PreCheck is one of the 5 Trusted Traveler Programs of the Department of Homeland Security. The other 4 include Global Entry (which we’ll also discuss a little later), SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST. Of these, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are probably the ones you’re most familiar with, given all of the signage at the airport.
Nearly 100 airlines, including many international carriers and even brand-new airlines, participate in TSA PreCheck. That means you’re likely to enjoy the benefit (if it appears on your boarding pass) no matter which airline you’re flying.
The TSA PreCheck line is often (but not always) shorter than the non-PreCheck line, which means you generally clear security quicker. If you’re someone who is prone to lateness, you’ll definitely want to enroll: TSA PreCheck can be the difference between making your flight or having to rebook with the gate agent!
According to the TSA’s own data, approximately 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in the security screening line. The time you can save is especially important when you’re trying to get through the airport with family or catch a flight to your next duty station.
Why TSA PreCheck Is Worth It
Children under 12 can use the TSA PreCheck line. Image Credit: Monkey Business Images via Shutterstock
Having a TSA PreCheck membership is definitely worth it, whether you’re a frequent flier or a casual traveler. Here are some of the benefits of having TSA PreCheck, and why it’s worth it:
Less stressful: If you have TSA PreCheck, you don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, or lightweight jacket. You can also keep electronics and liquids in your carry-on bag, as long as they are packed in 3-1-1 compliant containers.
Benefits for children and Families: Kids 12 and under can accompany an enrolled parent or guardian when traveling through the TSA PreCheck lanes. Teenagers between 13 and 17 can accompany their parents or guardians with TSA PreCheck. (They must be traveling on the same reservation, and the PreCheck sign must appear on the minor’s boarding pass.)
TSA PreCheck is currently available at more than 200 airports with nearly 100 participating airlines nationwide. Whether you’re flying out of a major airport, like Atlanta (ATL) or New York (JFK) or a tiny airport like Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) in South Dakota, you can be sure to find a PreCheck line.
We’ve gone over how beneficial a TSA PreCheck membership can be for the general public, but did you know that service members get special benefits? That’s right: Service members have access to TSA PreCheck for free. Here’s how.
Can Service Members Get TSA PreCheck for Free?
The DOD has worked out a deal with the TSA. Image Credit: TSA via Department of Homeland Security
Service members are eligible for a TSA PreCheck membership thanks to a partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense and the TSA. Unlike some other military benefits, this one covers a wide swath of the military population, including active duty, reservists, National Guard, and even civilians working for DOD. You just need a DOD ID number.
TSA PreCheck benefits also extend to students at select military colleges across the U.S., including:
Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Naval Academy
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Like the categories above, if you’re currently studying at any of these institutions, you should have a DOD ID number. You’ll simply enter it into the Known Traveler Number field when booking your flight.
Additionally, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy students and those attending the 6 state maritime academies are eligible to receive free TSA PreCheck benefits through the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program, as well as members of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.
Veterans do not currently receive a TSA PreCheck membership for free. Once you’ve been discharged from the military, you need to apply for TSA PreCheck. However, some veterans will soon be able to receive TSA PreCheck benefits. The agency says it is working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer free TSA PreCheck benefits “to certain disabled veterans.” Those eligible for free enrollment include those who have a service-connected disability that resulted in the loss or loss of use of an extremity, paralysis, or permanent blindness.
Bottom Line:
Information for how disabled veterans will be able to register for TSA PreCheck “will be announced soon,” the agency says.
How To Get TSA PreCheck as a Member of the Military
TSA PreCheck For Service Members
PreCheck is available to uniformed service members, with no need to apply or enroll. You simply use your DOD ID card during booking or at check-in, which essentially acts as your Known Traveler Number.
If you’re booking your ticket directly through an airline, you can add your KTN during or after booking. You can also save the number in your profile.
For instance, if you were booking a flight on United Airlines, like in the example below, you can add your KTN in the personal information section. Simply scroll down to “TSA PreCheck and travel documents” and add your number. Tip: If you’re a frequent traveler, consider adding your passport information for a smoother booking and check-in process.
Image Credit: United Airlines
If you’re booking through an online travel agency or through a travel agent, make sure you input your DOD ID number during booking or after booking. For instance, OTAs like Expedia and Orbitz offer sections to add your KTN and passport information.
Image Credit: Expedia
You’re not out of luck if you forget to add your number. You just need to visit the service desk to add your number and will see ‘PreCheck’ added to your updated boarding pass.
Bottom Line:
Seeing TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass isn’t guaranteed. Still, you should (generally) receive clearance if you entered your KTN correctly.
TSA PreCheck for Military Survivor Families
For family members of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, TSA offers the ability to enroll or renew in TSA PreCheck for free. To be eligible, you must be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the fallen service member who died while actively serving or from a service-connected injury or illness after leaving the military.
Before enrolling, you need to have the verification letter of your military survivor family status from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. After receiving the verification letter, you can enroll or renew with a TSA PreCheck enrollment provider.
TSA PreCheck for Military Spouses
While spouses of service members do not receive a free TSA PreCheck membership, they can obtain one at a significant discount. The agency offers $25 off first-time memberships.
To be eligible, you must be the spouse of a serving military or uniformed service member and have an unexpired U.S. Department of Defense or Uniformed Services photo ID with the relationship listed as “Spouse.”
The discount is available to first-time PreCheck members, as well as to existing members who wish to renew their TSA PreCheck membership.
Other Trusted Traveler Programs for Service Members
What are you waiting for? Image Credit: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Other Trusted Traveler Programs for Service Members
While this article is about TSA PreCheck, it’s also worth mentioning other programs, such as Global Entry, Mobile Passport, and CLEAR®. Let’s go over each program.
Global Entry
To lessen the pain while dealing with an ever-increasing number of security risks, U.S. Customs and Border Protection created a program called Global Entry. The program gives preapproved clearance to low-risk travelers entering the U.S.
Global Entry is available at major U.S. airports plus several international preclearance airports, such as Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Aruba (AUA). A Global Entry membership entitles you to reduced wait times in expedited processing lines, TSA Precheck access, and the ability to use the benefit at land borders.
Unlike TSA PreCheck, Global Entry is not a complimentary membership for service members. Global Entry costs $120 for a membership (which also includes TSA PreCheck), but there are ways to save on the fee, which I’ll talk about a little later.
Schedule an appointment to complete your enrollment. You can make an appointment, or if you’ve received conditional approval, complete your enrollment at an enrollment center or complete the interview upon arrival in the U.S. after an international flight.
Mobile Passport Control
If you don’t want to fork over the fee for a Global Entry membership, you may want to consider the free Mobile Passport Control app instead.
The app allows you to fill out your personal information before getting to passport control. Like Global Entry, Mobile Passport has its own separate line at customs, although it is not always as fast as Global Entry. Still, you’ll clear customs much quicker with it than without it.
CLEAR
Last up is CLEAR, which is a membership-based program that uses biometric data to expedite airport security checks. It allows members to bypass regular security lines at participating airports.
CLEAR connects your biometrics, such as your eyes, to your identity, making it possible for you to speed through airport and sports venue security screening quickly, after a one-time enrollment. When you become a CLEAR member, your ID, ticket, and boarding pass are replaced by biometrics, making the airport and stadium experience smoother.
Military service members and government employees are eligible for CLEAR Plus at a discounted rate, but we’ll also talk about how to get a free membership a little later.
Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
Several credit cards offer statement credits that cover the cost of a Global Entry membership (which also includes TSA PreCheck). The Global Entry credit on these cards renews every 4 or 5 years, depending on your card. If you’ve already applied for and received a membership, you can use the credit on a family member, a friend, or a child.
Here’s a brief overview of the best credit cards for Global Entry.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Amex Platinum card consistently ranks at the top of the best travel credit cards, and for good reason. While the card has an eye-watering $895 annual fee (rates & fees), the benefits the card includes more than pay for the annual fee.
But if you’re active-duty military personnel, you don’t have to worry about an annual fee at all — it’s waived for you. Aside from a credit towards a Global Entry membership, here are some of the best benefits of the Amex Platinum card:
Up to $600 in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (2-night minimum) made through American Express Travel using your Amex Platinum card
$15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding your card to your Uber account
Up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to automatic renewal)
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
125,000 points
$2,500
$795
19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent
Why We Like This Card
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options.
The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.
Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!
Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card is a must-have for any Marriott Bonvoy loyalist. Aside from the Global Entry benefit, the card includes other Marriott and travel perks:
Up to $300 in statement credits every calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
140,000
$700
$99
19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card
If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.
The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a solid card if you frequently visit IHG properties. One of the nonhotel travel benefits on the card is a $120 credit toward TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS. Here’s what else you get with the card:
Free anniversary night certificate (up to 40,000 points)
Fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive 4-night IHG hotel stay
Up to $50 in United Airlines TravelBank Cash each year
Final Thoughts
One of the sweetest benefits for members of the military is a free TSA PreCheck membership. Even better is that you can use your membership for personal and work travel.
But the benefits don’t just extend to active duty members — reservists, National Guard members, military college students, military survivor families, and DOD civilian employees are also eligible. And soon, some disabled veterans will also be eligible.
We hope this guide on TSA PreCheck was helpful to military service members, their families, and veterans!
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