TSA LAUNCHES MAJOR TRAVEL RELIEF FOR MILITARY SPOUSES AND GOLD STAR FAMILIES
Your sacrifice deserves more than thanks—it deserves action. For years, service members have breezed through airport security with TSA PreCheck. Now, it’s time for spouses and Gold Star Families to do the same. As of July 2, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially expanded its benefits to include military spouses and Gold Star families under a new initiative: “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease.” And the perks are real.
Breaking Down the Benefits
Below, we are breaking down the benefits that Gold Star families and military spouses can expect to receive.
Gold Star Families
If you’ve lost a loved one in the line of duty, the Department of Homeland Security now ensures that your TSA PreCheck enrollment is 100% free. This applies to all TSA PreCheck providers, including: CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos.
That’s right—no cost, no hidden fees, and no expiration on your worth. This is the first time the U.S. government has honored your sacrifice with a travel benefit of this kind.
Military Spouses
You’re the backbone of the military community, managing deployments, PCS moves, childcare, and everything in between.
In recognition of milspouses, the TSA is offering a $25 discount on PreCheck enrollment fees, and are dropping the fee from $85 to just $60 for a five-year membership.
This new benefits aims to support families who have to frequently travel to reunite with servicemembers or those who relocate due to duty assignments.
What Is TSA PreCheck?
If you’ve never used it, TSA PreCheck lets you:
• Skip long security lines
• Keep on your shoes, belt, and light jacket
• Leave laptops and liquids in your bag
• Get through security in 5 minutes or less
With more than 200 airports and 90+ airlines participating, it’s not just convenient—it’s a game-changer.
Why Now?
According to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, “Military families serve our nation in ways most Americans never see. This is one small way we can return the favor.”
TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill explained, "This Independence Day and beyond, TSA reaffirms its commitment to ease travel for the military community through its TSA PreCheck program by providing it free to Gold Star families, discounting it for military spouses and creating expedited lanes for service members."
He went on to state, "By expanding access, easing enrollment, and partnering with our TSA PreCheck enrollment providers and industry partners, we strive to honor those who serve and the families who stand beside them."
This change isn’t just about saving time at the airport. It’s about recognizing sacrifice with action, and easing the burdens of those who have carried the weight of war and service for far too long.
How Can I Access These Benefits?
For Gold Star Families:
• No payment is needed. Visit TSA PreCheck enrollment and bring documentation verifying Gold Star status (e.g., DD Form 1300 or Survivor Benefits eligibility).
• Enroll at an approved center or apply online, then schedule your 10-minute fingerprinting appointment.
For Military Spouses:
• Visit TSA.gov to apply.
• During checkout, apply your military spouse discount (proof of affiliation required).
• Complete your fingerprinting and background check at an enrollment center.
Many Are Excited About the Change
Milspouses and Gold Star families are speaking out about the change, expressing their opinions about the announcement.
“It’s about time they recognized military spouses this way,” said Brittany M., an Army wife of 11 years. “I’ve stood in those long lines with a stroller, diaper bag, and orders in hand. This is a big deal.”
For Gold Star mother Elaine T., this news brought unexpected comfort: “For once, the system saw us. My son gave his life. Now they’re giving me a little ease in mine.”
Final Boarding Call
Whether you’re traveling for a PCS, a long-awaited reunion, or just trying to make it home for the holidays, this new TSA policy is your permission slip to breathe easier. You’ve served, supported, and sacrificed. Now, you get to skip the line.
Gold Star Families and military spouses can learn more about how to enroll at: tsa.gov/precheck. For full details on TSA PreCheck benefits for the military community, visit www.tsa.gov/military or www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares.
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