(This article originally appeared in the August 2026 issue of Military Officer magazine.)

Air travel can test even the most patient person.

Thinking about crowded security lines, flight delays, and lost luggage might be enough to stress you out.

For military families, the stress is often amplified. Tight timelines, multiple bags, traveling with children, and connections can turn a routine trip into a logistical exercise worthy of a military operation.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is trying to make things easier. In July 2025, the TSA announced its “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” initiative, which offers benefits and services specifically designed for servicemembers, veterans, military families, and Gold Star families.

Free TSA PreCheck

Active duty servicemembers can access TSA PreCheck lanes at no cost by using their military ID number as their Known Traveler Number when booking flights. This means shorter lines, keeping shoes on, and laptops staying in their bags.

Military families benefit as well. Children 12 and under may accompany a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent. Travelers ages 13-17 can also receive expedited screening when traveling on the same airline reservation as their eligible parent or guardian.

Dedicated Honor Lanes

At select airports, travelers might also notice dedicated military screening lanes, often referred to as Honor Lanes. Unlike TSA PreCheck, which is a trusted traveler program, Honor Lanes are designated screening areas that help eligible travelers move through security more efficiently while recognizing their service to the nation.

Travelers will still undergo standard TSA screening procedures, but the dedicated lanes can help reduce wait times and streamline the checkpoint experience.

[RELATED: Some Disabled Veterans Qualify for Free TSA PreCheck]

The program is designed for a broad segment of the military community, including active duty servicemembers, military retirees, veterans, military spouses, dependents, and Gold Star families.

These lanes are currently available at:

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport
• Colorado Springs Airport
• Denver International Airport
• El Paso International Airport
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Nashville International Airport
• San Antonio International Airport
• San Diego International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Many of these airports are located near major military installations or serve large military populations. While the lanes might vary by airport, the goal is the same: to help military travelers move through security more efficiently.

Additional Support

For veterans and wounded warriors who might need additional assistance while traveling, the TSA Cares program provides personalized support through the screening process.

The program is designed to help travelers with disabilities, injuries, medical conditions, or other circumstances requiring additional support. If interested, contact the TSA at least 72 hours prior to travel by going online or calling (855) 787-2227.

While these programs won’t completely eliminate the chaos that can come with air travel, they can make it a little more manageable. For a community that spends a lifetime answering the call to go wherever they’re needed, these are small benefits worth knowing before your next trip.