TSA PreCheck® Benefits for Military Members & DOD Civilians
When it comes to military travel, saving time at the airport makes all the difference. One of the best benefits available to service members is TSA PreCheck®, which allows eligible travelers to breeze through security with shorter lines, fewer hassles, and less stress. At Friendly Military Travel, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck for the military.
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What You Get with TSA PreCheck®
TSA PreCheck® helps you enjoy a smoother security screening process and
99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
with TSA PreCheck® you do not need to remove:
Shoes
Laptops
3-1-1 Liquids
Belts
Light Jackets
How TSA PreCheck® Works for Uniformed Service Members & DOD Civilians
Follow these simple steps to ensure that the TSA PreCheck® indicator appears on your boarding pass. Our team at Friendly Military Travel will always request your DOD ID number (Known Traveler Number - KTN) and include it in your reservation so you get the maximum benefits available.
Uniformed Service Members
- Update your Defense Travel System profile with your DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field.
- Update your airline frequent flyer profiles with your DOD ID number in the KTN field.
- When booking travel, confirm your DOD ID is in the KTN field and your full name is correct.
DOD Civilians
- Opt-in at the ID Card Office Online. This is an additional step before using your DOD ID number for TSA PreCheck expedited screening.
- Update your Defense Travel System profile with your DOD ID number.
- Update your airline frequent flyer profiles with your DOD ID number in the KTN field.
- When booking travel, confirm your DOD ID is in the KTN field and your full name is correct.
Do Military Members Get Free TSA PreCheck®?
Yes! All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard, are eligible to use TSA PreCheck at no cost. This benefit also extends to cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies.
Simply use your Department of Defense (DoD) ID number—found on the back of your CAC card—as your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking flights. Once added, TSA PreCheck will appear on your boarding pass, giving you access to the expedited screening lane.
Who is Included?
• Active Duty Armed Forces Military Members of:
- US Army
- US Navy
- US Air Force
- US Marine Corps
- US Space Force
- US Coast Guard
Reserve Components
- Any US Armed Forces Reserve Units
• Students of the US Military Service academies
- USMA
- USNA
- USAFA
- USCGA
- USMMA
USPHS
- United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
NOAA
- NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
DOD Civilians
- Federal Civil Service Employees
- Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Civilians
TSA PreCheck Benefits for Military Travelers
TSA PreCheck is designed to make airport security easier, faster, and less stressful. Military members enjoy the same perks as civilians who pay for TSA PreCheck, including:
Shorter security lines
at over 200 U.S. airports
No need to remove
shoes, belts, or light jackets
Laptops & 3-1-1 liquids
stay in your bag
Streamlined screening
process that saves valuable time
For service members traveling on orders or for personal reasons, TSA PreCheck is a simple way to make air travel smoother.
Can TSA PreCheck benefits be used for both official & personal travel?
Yes. Members of the U.S. 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. The KTN also can be added when booking reservations online via a participating airline website, by phone with an airline reservation agent or with the travel management company making reservations. Save your KTN to any frequent flyer profiles, employer booking systems or online travel websites that you use.
Does TSA PreCheck Cover Military Families?
Military spouses and dependents are not automatically included in TSA PreCheck benefits. However, children 12 and under traveling with an eligible service member may use the PreCheck lane.
Spouses and older dependents who frequently travel should consider applying for TSA PreCheck on their own. The small application fee can be worth the convenience—especially for families who travel often. TSA often offers Military Spouse Discounts on their site;
Click hereHow to Use TSA PreCheck as a Service Member
Enter your DoD ID number in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking flights.
Make sure your boarding pass shows the TSA PreCheck logo.
Head straight to the PreCheck security lane and enjoy a faster, stress-free screening experience.
Can Friendly Military Travel update my DOD ID Number on my ticket?
At Friendly Military Travel, we specialize in helping service members and their families make the most of military travel benefits. Whether it’s understanding TSA PreCheck, baggage fee waivers, or discounted airfare policies, we’re your trusted source for military travel tips, guides, and resources. The team at Friendly Military Travel will always ask for your KTN off of your DOD ID and include it on your reservation to ensure you get to take advantage of all the military benefits available to you.
TSA PreCheck FAQ
Yes. All active duty, Reserve, and National Guard service members, including cadets and midshipmen, are eligible for TSA PreCheck at no cost.
Use your DoD ID number as your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking flights. TSA PreCheck should appear on your boarding pass.
No. Spouses and dependents 13 and older must apply separately. However, children 12 and under can accompany a parent with TSA PreCheck.
No, TSA PreCheck® benefits do not extend to non-DOD affiliated military adult dependents age 18 and over. Be sure to enroll here for TSA PreCheck® benefits. Note: Also check Credit Cards and Loyalty Programs featuring TSA PreCheck® here for eligible credit cards and loyalty rewards programs featuring fee reimbursement.
Yes. Military members can use TSA PreCheck whether traveling on orders or for leisure.
TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 U.S. airports and with over 85 participating airlines.
Yes. Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy receive free TSA PreCheck® benefits. Add your DOD ID number in the "Known Traveler Number" (KTN) field when booking flight reservations.
No. All members of the U.S. Armed Forces must include their DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number field when making flight reservations and a TSA PreCheck® indicator must be visible on your boarding pass. The airlines will print a TSA PreCheck® indicator (such as TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA PreCheck®) on boarding passes to help you recognize when you are eligible for TSA PreCheck® on your flight. You cannot access the TSA PreCheck® lane by presenting your CAC or other documentation.
Yes, U.S. citizens and/or lawful permanent resident cadets and students of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and six State Maritime Academies are eligible to receive free TSA PreCheck benefits through the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. Students enrolled at these academies are eligible to enroll for TWIC, and most U.S. Merchant Mariners are required to maintain a valid TWIC to obtain their Merchant Mariner Credential. When making an airline reservation, enter the Credential Identification Number (CIN) which is the eight-digit number printed under the bottom left of the barcode on the back of the TWIC® card in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field. For cardholders with the newest version of the TWIC card, the CIN is also embossed on the front of the card.
No, TSA PreCheck® benefits do not continue after leaving DOD. Be sure to enroll upon retirement or leaving DOD to continue enjoying TSA PreCheck® benefits.
DOD federal civilian employees must opt-in to TSA PreCheck® at the ID Card Office Online. After selecting the "My Profile" and the "CIV" menu tab when logged into the website, users will be guided through the opt-in process for TSA PreCheck. Civilian employees need to opt-in only once. For more information about TSA PreCheck for DOD Civilian employees, please visit milConnect. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces do not need to opt-in.
Injured Military Members, veterans, and wounded warriors may request assistance at security screenings through TSA Cares. Please contact TSA at least 72 hours prior to travel with questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at security checkpoints.
Request Assistance via online form
Call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227
TSA is currently offering a $25 enrollment fee & renewal fee discount. You can check your eligibility and review the offer on the official TSA site.