TSA PreCheck Benefit Lets You Travel with Ease
For many, this summer marks a return to travel. The weather is warming up, and people are making plans. As summer approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects travel volumes to continue to match and slightly exceed pre-pandemic levels. The TSA recommends passengers arrive in plenty of time to check in, check luggage, and complete security screening.
To help you travel with ease, the TSA offers free TSA PreCheck benefits to US Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees and all members of the US Armed Forces, including those serving in the US Coast Guard, Reserve, and National Guard, as well as cadets and midshipmen of the US Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Air Force Academy.
With TSA PreCheck there is no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. For those traveling with families, children 12 and under can join a parent/guardian in any of the dedicated lanes.
Members of the US Armed Forces and DOD Federal civilians can use TSA PreCheck benefits for both official and personal travel. Be sure to update all travel reservations with your DOD ID number listed as the Known Traveler Number (KTN) to enjoy benefits. Civilian employees wanting to participate in TSA PreCheck must opt-in at milConnect (milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil) to activate the benefit.
For both military service members and DOD civilians, to add your KTN to DTS airline reservations open your DTS profile and enter your DOD ID number from the back of your Common Access Card (CAC) in the Known Traveler Number field in DTS or MyTravel.
In addition, TSA PreCheck has several helpful resources, including @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger. You may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 or email TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov.
Download the MyTSA app for 24/7 access to important info like ‘what can I bring?’, wait times, packing for security dos and don’ts, live assistance via AskTSA, airport delays and current weather conditions, plus discover which airports and airlines participate in TSA PreCheck.
TSA’s collaboration with industry and federal partners has been instrumental throughout this pandemic, and now we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as demonstrated by the rapid recovery of the travel industry,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are prepared and ready for a busy summer and are doing our part to ensure the traveling public is safe and secure by continuing to deploy new technologies within the checkpoint that enhance security, reduce physical contact, and improve the traveling experience. We just ask travelers to do their part by being respectful to each other and those who work in the transportation sector–from our officers to airport workers and flight crew.
It’s important to know that TSA PreCheck benefits only apply to service members and current DOD civilian employees. Those departing service, as well as traveling spouses or companions (except children 12 and under), must enroll directly. Many credit cards and loyalty programs cover the costs of enrollment, so check out TSA’s website to see if yours participates.
TSA Incorporates Technology Trends to Improve the Travel Experience
Identity management is mission critical to the TSA. To support the agency’s focus on a more contactless and seamless travel ex TSA has several initiatives in place at various airports to automate the identity verification process through the use of biometric and digital identity technologies.
In coordination with US Customs and Border Protection and industry partners, TSA is launching several initiatives that allow travelers to verify their identities using only their faces, or with the tap of their mobile device.
These efforts enable TSA to better meet the challenges of evolving security threats, rising air travel volumes, resource constraints, and limits on operational footprints.
Wherever you’re going, TSA can help make the journey a little smoother. enjoy free. Learn more about TSA PreCheck benefits for members of the US Armed Forces and DOD Civilians at: www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/news.cfm?ID=18
By TSA Strategic Communications and Public Affairs