The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a new PreCheck discount for select travelers.
For those who have ever flown within the United States, the TSA PreCheck signs at the airport are a familiar sight.
This program, managed by the TSA, aims to streamline airport security, making it quicker and less stressful for passengers.
Let’s be honest – navigating through airports can be challenging, even on a good day.
Upon approval, travelers can utilize special lanes at over 200 airports across the US.
The convenience of PreCheck allows passengers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and laptops and liquids can remain in their bags.
This enables travelers to move through security faster than they would in standard lanes.
To become eligible, travelers typically need to apply, pass a background check, and pay a fee, which is currently $78 for five years.
This equates to $15.60 annually, which can be a worthwhile investment for frequent flyers.
The fee helps cover the costs associated with processing applications and maintaining PreCheck lanes.
The TSA is now extending a discount to military families, recognizing what they call the ‘Golden Age of Travel.’
Through their Facebook page, the TSA has expressed their desire to honor ‘those who serve and the families who stand beside them,’ acknowledging the ongoing sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.
The new offer includes a $25 discount on the PreCheck enrollment fee for spouses and complimentary PreCheck for families of military survivors.
Additionally, military service members in uniform can enjoy ‘expedited access’ without requiring enrollment, simply by using their DOD ID numbers for entry.
This benefit also provides ‘dedicated lanes and front-of-line privileges at select airports.’
According to their website, the TSA is also developing a TSA PreCheck program for ‘qualifying disabled veterans.’
“TSA is working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer free TSA PreCheck to certain disabled veterans under the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening Safe Travel Act. Veterans who will be eligible for the free enrollment include those who have a service-connected disability that resulted in “loss, or loss of use of an extremity, full or partial paralysis or permanent blindness, or as a result of the disability, they require the use of a wheelchair, prosthetic limb, or other assistive device to aid with mobility. They also must be in the patient enrollment system of the VA.”
Further details will be released soon.
To learn more and verify your eligibility, visit the TSA website here.