Free TSA PreCheck for Military
Free TSA PreCheck for Military
Flying can be stressful, especially when it comes to going through security. But skipping the regular line and getting expedited security screenings through TSA PreCheck can speed up the process.
Military members can participate in TSA PreCheck for free. This is what you need to know, including who qualifies and what you can do if you don’t.
>> Jump ahead to see who’s eligible and how to use TSA Precheck as military.
>> Are military spouses eligible for TSA PreCheck for Military? Jump ahead to find a way to get it for free!
What is the TSA PreCheck Program?
TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening option offered at hundreds of domestic airports. Members of the TSA PreCheck program are not required to remove their:
- shoes
- belts
- food
- light jackets
- “3-1-1” liquids: TSA guideline requires passengers to carry “liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces.” These items are required to all fit in one quart-size bag.
Other Benefits of the TSA PreCheck Program
There are also other great benefits of TSA’s PreCheck program:
- According to the TSA, in March 2022, 91% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes at security gates.
- Children 12 and under are permitted to join a parent or guardian in line with TSA PreCheck.
- TSA PreCheck services are available at hundreds of USA airports and with 85 airlines.
Who Is Eligible for TSA PreCheck for Military for Free?
- Members of the U.S. Military
- Reservists
- National Guard
- Service Academy Cadets
- Children 12 and under, while traveling with an eligible adult
These groups are automatically considered members of the trusted traveler group. As members of this group, you are not required to apply for the TSA PreCheck program to receive these screening benefits.
The TSA website states, “All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Reserves and National Guard, can benefit from TSA Pre✓® expedited screening at select airports when flying on participating airlines.”
Service academy students, as well as children 12 and under, while traveling with an eligible adult, are eligible. For more info on how to take advantage of this program as a military member, please go here.
Are Veterans Eligible for TSA PreCheck for Military for Free?
Veterans are not eligible for the free version of the TSA PreCheck military program.
Veterans can apply for TSA PreCheck on their own through the TSA PreCheck application program. The program costs $78 for five years. Once approved to utilize this program, your membership is active for 5 years. Learn more about how to apply.
Are Military Retirees Eligible for TSA PreCheck for Military for Free?
Currently, military retirees are not included in the free trusted traveler group for service members.
Military retirees can apply on their own through the TSA application program. The program includes a fee cover the cost of a background check. Once approved to utilize this program, memberships are active for 5 years.
Are Wounded Warriors Eligible for TSA PreCheck Military?
Wounded warriors can experience expedited screening procedures as TSA verifies their status through the appropriate military branches. Injured, wounded service members, veterans, and wounded warriors may contact TSA Cares. TSA Cares helps assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.
Go here to learn more about how to apply.
Are Military Spouses Eligible for TSA PreCheck for Military for Free?
Currently, military spouses are not included in the free trusted traveler group for service members.
Military spouses can apply on their own through the TSA application program. Once approved to utilize this program, your membership is active for 5 years. Go here to learn more about how to apply.
Alternatives for Military Spouses for TSA PreCheck
Some credit card programs offer their cardholders travel benefits, including credits for fees paid to TSA PreCheck services.
One example? American Express offers an application fee credit for either the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. This covers a $100 statement credit for the Global Entry program or an $85 statement credit for TSA’s program.
Based on whichever application fee is charged to your eligible American Express card, only one credit will be given in a 4 (Global Entry) or 4.5 (TSA) year period.
The following cards have in the past also offered a similar benefit:
- Bank of America Premium Rewards card
- Capital One Venture card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Navy Federal’s Visa Signature Flagship Rewards card
- And many more…
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What About DoD and US Coast Guard Civilian Employees?
Those with the Department of Defense and US Coast Guard Civilian employees must opt into the program using the milConnect website. Their DOD ID number is also their KTN.
Who Else Is Eligible?
The following all qualify for TSA PreCheck:
- US citizens, US Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents who have not been convicted of certain crimes.
- US citizens, US Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents with a Known Traveler Number
- Members of the US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Programs to include:
- Global Entry
- NEXUS
- SENTRI
How to get TSA PreCheck for Non-Military
There are two steps required for this program:
-
Submit an online application. You can apply online in about 5 minutes and then schedule an appointment at one of over 380 enrollment centers.
-
Enroll in Person. Once you’ve applied, you will appear for an in-person appointment lasting about 10 minutes. This appointment will require fingerprinting for a background check.
Once you’ve applied, appeared for your appointment, and received acceptance into TSA’s PreCheck program, you can then take advantage of the program’s benefits. You can add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservation for a more seamless screening experience.
TSA PreCheck Participating Airlines
In the past, the following airlines have participated in TSA PreCheck:
- Advanced Air
- Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador
- AeroMexico
- Air Canada
- Air Choice One
- Air Europa
- Air France
- Air India
- Air Serbia
- Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Aruba Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avelo Airlines
- Avianca
- Azul Airlines
- Boutique Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- British Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Cape Air
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- China Airlines
- Condor Airlines
- Contour Aviation
- Copa Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Eastern Airlines
- Edelweiss Air
- EL AL Israel
- Elite Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Eurowings Discover
- EVA Air
- Finnair
- Flair Airlines
- Flycana
- Frontier Airlines
- Global Crossing Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Icelandair
- InterCaribbean Airways
- ITA Airways
- Japan Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Key Lime Air
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- LAN Peru S.A.
- LATAM Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Norwegian Air
- Omni Air International
- PAL Express
- Philippine Airlines
- Porter Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Seaborne Airlines
- Silver Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Southern Airways Express
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- Sunclass
- Sunwing Airlines
- Swift Air
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Swoop
- TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A.
- TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish Airlines
- Ultimate Jet Charters
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- Viva Air Colombia
- VivaAerobus
- Volaris
- Volaris El Salvador
- WestJet
- World Atlantic
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.
