Key Takeaways
• Charlotte Douglas Airport launched special TSA PreCheck lanes for military members and families on July 3, 2025.
• Active-duty members use DoD ID as Known Traveler Number for free PreCheck access; spouses get $25 discount.
• Gold Star families enroll free; veterans get TSA Cares assistance; dedicated lanes available on peak days.
As of July 3, 2025, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is rolling out a major new benefit for military members and their families: special TSA PreCheck lanes and faster security screening. This move is part of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) expanded “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” initiative, which aims to make air travel less stressful for those who serve the United States 🇺🇸 and their loved ones. The program is especially important for airports near large military bases, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a key location due to the many service members stationed in the Carolinas.
Who Benefits and What’s New at Charlotte Douglas International Airport?
The new program at CLT gives active-duty military members and their families special access to TSA PreCheck lanes, which means they can move to the front of the line during busy travel times. On days when the airport is especially crowded, there may even be a dedicated screening lane just for military members and their families. This is a big change that recognizes the sacrifices made by the military community and aims to make their travel experience smoother and more respectful.
Key Groups Who Qualify:
– Active-duty service members
– Spouses and children of active-duty personnel
– Gold Star families (families who have lost a loved one in military service)
– Veterans and wounded warriors (through the TSA Cares program)
This initiative covers more than 100,000 active-duty service members and their families in North and South Carolina, including those from major bases like Fort Bragg.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The TSA’s decision to expand these benefits comes after years of feedback from military support groups and the military community itself. Many military families travel often, whether for new assignments, deployments, or family visits. Long airport lines and stressful security checks have been a common complaint. By offering faster, easier screening, the TSA hopes to show appreciation for military service and reduce some of the burdens that come with frequent travel.
Gregory Hawko, TSA Federal Security Director for North Carolina, said the agency is committed to making travel “convenient and stress-free” for military families. Ha Nguyen McNeill, TSA Acting Administrator, noted that the expansion reaffirms TSA’s support for the military community, especially around important holidays like Independence Day.
How Does the Program Work?
The process for getting these benefits depends on your connection to the military. Here’s a breakdown of how different groups can access the new TSA PreCheck perks at Charlotte Douglas International Airport:
1. Active-Duty Service Members
- How to Use PreCheck: Active-duty members can use their Department of Defense (DoD) ID number as their Known Traveler Number (KTN) when booking flights. This automatically gives them access to TSA PreCheck lanes at CLT and other participating airports.
- Cost: Free. There is no charge for active-duty service members to use TSA PreCheck.
- At the Airport: Show your military ID or a PreCheck-eligible boarding pass at the designated PreCheck lane. On busy days, look for signs about a dedicated military screening lane.
2. Military Spouses and Dependents
- How to Enroll: Spouses and dependents over age 12 must apply for TSA PreCheck. This can be done online or at an enrollment center. Spouses receive a $25 discount on the enrollment fee by showing proof of their status.
- Children: Kids 12 and under can go through the PreCheck lane with an eligible parent or guardian without needing their own enrollment. Teens aged 13-17 must be on the same reservation as a PreCheck-eligible adult to use the lane.
- At the Airport: Bring your PreCheck-eligible boarding pass and, if needed, proof of your relationship to the service member.
3. Gold Star Families
- Who Qualifies: Gold Star families are those who have lost a loved one in military service.
- How to Enroll: Gold Star family members can enroll in TSA PreCheck for free. Just provide documentation of Gold Star status at any TSA PreCheck enrollment provider, such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos.
- At the Airport: Use your PreCheck-eligible boarding pass to access the special lanes.
4. Veterans and Wounded Warriors
- TSA Cares Program: Veterans and wounded warriors can get personalized help through the TSA Cares program. This service provides extra support and a more respectful screening process, especially for those with medical needs or disabilities.
- How to Access: Contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight by calling 1-855-787-2227 or visiting the TSA Cares page.
5. All Eligible Travelers
- What to Bring: Always have your military ID, PreCheck-eligible boarding pass, or proof of eligibility when you arrive at the airport.
- Where to Go: Look for signs at Charlotte Douglas International Airport showing the location of TSA PreCheck lanes and, on select days, the dedicated military screening lane.
What Is TSA PreCheck and Why Does It Matter?
TSA PreCheck is a program that lets approved travelers use special security lanes at airports. These lanes usually move much faster than regular lines. Travelers don’t have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and they can leave laptops and small liquids in their bags. For military families, this means less waiting and less hassle, especially when traveling with children or during busy times.
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck
- Online Application: Start by filling out an application on the official TSA PreCheck website.
- In-Person Enrollment: After applying online, schedule an appointment at an enrollment center. Bring required documents, such as a passport or driver’s license and proof of military or Gold Star status if applying for a fee waiver or discount.
- Approval: Once approved, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use when booking flights.
Special Features at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States 🇺🇸, serving millions of travelers each year. With so many military families in the region, CLT’s participation in this program is especially meaningful. On days with high passenger numbers, CLT may open a dedicated screening lane just for military members and their families. This is in addition to the regular TSA PreCheck lanes, which are always available for eligible travelers.
Summary of TSA PreCheck Military Benefits at CLT (2025):
- Expedited PreCheck lane/front-of-line: Free for active-duty members and families. Show ID or PreCheck boarding pass.
- Dedicated screening lane (peak days): Free for active-duty members and families. Announced at CLT on select days.
- PreCheck enrollment for Gold Star families: Free with documentation.
- PreCheck enrollment for spouses: $25 discount with proof of status.
- PreCheck access for uniformed service members: Free using DoD ID as Known Traveler Number.
- TSA Cares assistance: Free for veterans and wounded warriors. Contact TSA Cares in advance.
Why This Matters for Military Families
Military life often means frequent moves, deployments, and family separations. Air travel is a regular part of life for many service members and their families. Long security lines and confusing airport procedures can add stress, especially when traveling with young children or during times of emotional difficulty, such as after a loss.
By offering faster, easier screening and special support, the TSA and Charlotte Douglas International Airport are helping to ease some of these burdens. The waived and discounted PreCheck fees also help families save money, which is especially important for those who travel often.
What About Veterans and Wounded Warriors?
While the main focus of the new program is on active-duty members and their families, veterans and wounded warriors are not left out. The TSA Cares program offers personalized help for those who need extra assistance. This can include help with mobility devices, medical equipment, or simply a more private and respectful screening process.
To use TSA Cares, veterans or wounded warriors should contact the program at least 72 hours before their flight. The TSA Cares team will work with the traveler to make sure their needs are met and that their experience at the airport is as smooth as possible.
How Does This Compare to the Past?
Before 2025, active-duty military and Department of Defense civilians could use TSA PreCheck for free, but there were limits. Family members often had to pay full price for PreCheck, and there were no dedicated lanes just for military travelers. Gold Star families did not have a fee waiver, and support for veterans was less formalized.
The 2025 expansion is a big step forward. Now, more family members can benefit, costs are lower, and the airport experience is more respectful and supportive. This change is the result of years of advocacy by military support groups and feedback from the military community.
What Are the Practical Benefits?
- Shorter Wait Times: Military families can expect to spend less time in security lines, especially during busy travel periods.
- Less Stress: The process is simpler and more predictable, which is important for families with young children or those dealing with the challenges of military life.
- Financial Savings: Waived and discounted PreCheck fees mean more money stays in the family budget.
- Dignity and Respect: Dedicated lanes and the TSA Cares program help ensure that military travelers are treated with the respect they deserve.
What’s Next for the Program?
The TSA is working with PreCheck providers to hold mobile enrollment events near major military bases, making it even easier for service members and their families to sign up. The program is expected to expand to more airports in the future, and the TSA is open to making further improvements based on feedback from the military community.
Travel industry experts believe this initiative could become a model for how airports across the United States 🇺🇸 support military travelers. If successful, similar programs may be introduced at other airports, and benefits could be expanded even further.
Where to Get More Information
For the most up-to-date details on TSA PreCheck benefits for military members and their families, visit the official TSA military benefits page. This site has the latest information on eligibility, enrollment, and airport procedures.
You can also contact the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or email [email protected]. For questions on airport security at CLT, visit the Charlotte Douglas International Airport security page.
What Are People Saying?
Military advocacy groups have welcomed the changes, saying they address long-standing concerns about airport stress and security delays. Many note that frequent travel is a reality for military families, and these benefits make a real difference.
Travel industry analysts predict that the initiative will set a new standard for how airports support military travelers. If the program is successful at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and other major hubs, it could lead to even more improvements in the future.
Action Steps for Military Travelers
- Active-duty members: Use your DoD ID as your Known Traveler Number when booking flights.
- Spouses and dependents: Apply for TSA PreCheck and bring proof of eligibility for discounts.
- Gold Star families: Enroll for free at any PreCheck provider with documentation.
- Veterans and wounded warriors: Contact TSA Cares for personalized assistance.
- All travelers: Check the latest information before your trip and look for special lanes at CLT.
Conclusion
The new TSA PreCheck benefits at Charlotte Douglas International Airport mark a major improvement for military members and their families. By offering faster, easier screening and special support, the TSA and CLT are honoring the service and sacrifice of the military community. These changes make air travel less stressful, more affordable, and more respectful for those who serve the United States 🇺🇸.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this initiative is part of a broader effort to recognize the unique needs of military travelers and to set a new standard for airport support across the country. For more details and the latest updates, visit the official TSA military benefits page.
Military families, veterans, and wounded warriors can now look forward to a smoother, more dignified travel experience at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and beyond.
Learn Today
TSA PreCheck → A program allowing approved travelers to use faster, dedicated airport security lanes with less hassle.
Known Traveler Number (KTN) → A unique ID used to identify TSA PreCheck-approved travelers during flight booking.
Gold Star Families → Families who have lost a loved one serving in the U.S. military, eligible for special TSA benefits.
TSA Cares → A TSA service offering personalized assistance and respectful screening to veterans and travelers with disabilities.
Department of Defense (DoD) ID → A military-issued identification number used by active-duty members for TSA PreCheck access.
This Article in a Nutshell
Charlotte Douglas Airport now offers military families faster TSA PreCheck screening with dedicated lanes, free access for active-duty members, and discounts for spouses. This program reduces stress, honors service sacrifices, and aids veterans via TSA Cares, ensuring smoother, more respectful travel starting July 2025 for North and South Carolina military communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
