Bottom Line Up Front: Military can skip most of the TSA Security line hassles with TSA Pre✓®.
No need to remove: Shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, light jackets.
On a recent trip back home I flew out of an small town commuter terminal and was given an unexpected golden nugget of knowledge. Turns out we’ve been missing out on a great military benefit! U.S. Armed Forces members do not need to be in uniform and may use TSA Pre✓® while on personal or official travel. TSA Pre✓® is an expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience. Passengers considered low-risk who qualify for the program can receive expedited screening either as a member of the program or another specific trusted traveler group.
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. Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Air Force Academy are also eligible to receive TSA Pre✓® screening benefits. Use your Department of Defense identification number when making flight reservations. Accompanying family members ages 12 and under can be processed through expedited screening as well. Learn about TSA Pre✓®.
*Enter the 10-digit DoD ID number located on the back of the common access card as your known traveler number when making flight reservations or when updating your Defense Travel System profile for official travel. If the number is not on your CAC, you may obtain it by logging on to milConnect. You will find your ID number under the “My Profile” tab. To ensure future airline reservations automatically include your DoD ID number, save it in your DTS profile. You may also save your DoD ID number in any frequent flyer program profiles of the participating airlines. The following airlines offer TSA Pre✓®:
•Air Canada•Alaska Airlines•American Airlines•Delta Air Lines•Hawaiian Airlines•JetBlue Airways•OneJet•Southwest Airlines•Sun Country•United Airlines•Virgin America•WestJet
TSA Pre✓® program you will be given a known traveler number “KTN” to use when making flight reservations. Participating airlines will print an indicator on your boarding pass. When you arrive at the airport, look for signs for the lanes. Why should you join TSA Pre✓®?
Have any of you had any problems with this? We’ve heard nothing but good things. Let us know!