The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced last week that the government agency will be implementing changes at airports to benefit U.S. military members and Gold Star families.
In a press release last Wednesday, the TSA stated, “In recognition of Independence Day and the enduring sacrifice of military families, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proud to announce a multi-faceted initiative to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community.”
The TSA announced that it is coordinating with industry partners to provide “expedited access” for U.S. military members in TSA PreCheck lanes at airports located near “larger military installations” across the country. “This includes dedicated screening lanes, or front-of-line privileges, designed to minimize wait times and improve convenience for service members,” the TSA stated.
Fox News reported that a new TSA security lane for active-duty members of the U.S. military will be implemented at airports near military installations in Anchorage, Alaska; Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; El Paso, Texas; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, California; and Seattle, Washington.
In addition to launching a new security lane, the TSA announced that it will waive the enrollment fee for TSA PreCheck for Gold Star family members starting this summer.
“This gesture represents TSA’s profound respect for their sacrifice and aims to ease their travel journey in a meaningful way,” the TSA stated.
In last week’s press release, the TSA announced that it will also offer a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for the spouses of military and uniformed service members. The TSA explained that TSA PreCheck allows travelers to have shorter waiting times at airports, expedited screening benefits, and a better checkpoint experience at certain airports.
The TSA also confirmed that it would be coordinating with TSA PreCheck enrollment providers to “host mobile enrollment events near major U.S. military installations, making it easier for eligible individuals to enroll.”
“This Independence Day and beyond, 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,” Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said. “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.”
