Free TSA Pre✓ Will Save Time for Friends or Family in the US Military!
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Update: One or more card offers in this post are no longer available. Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers.Did you know members of the US Military can use TSA Pre✓ for free to save time at the airport?
With TSA Pre✓ you can save a lot of time at the airport because the line is typically much shorter. And you don’t have to remove your shoes or take out your laptop!
Who Is Eligible?
- US Military including National Guard and reservists
- US Coast Guard and Department of Defense civilian employees
How Do You Participate in TSA Pre✓?
Simply enter your Department of Defense identification number in the “Known Traveler” box when booking your flight. You can use TSA Pre✓ whether you are traveling for work or for personal reasons.
If you are a civilian employee of the US Coast Guard or the Department of Defense you 1st need to opt-in by going to “milConnect” a click the “My Profile” tab. You only have to opt in once.
You will NOT have access on flights you have already booked.
How to Find Your Identification Number
Your Department of Defense identification number is the 10-digit number located on the back of your Common Access Card.
If you don’t have your Common Access card, you can find your ID number under the “MY Profile” tab in your milConnect account.
Do Traveling Companions Also Get Free Access to TSA Pre✓?
Children under 12 who are traveling with you can also go through the TSA Pre✓ line.
How to Get Free TSA Pre✓ Even If You Aren’t in the Military
With the American Express Platinum, American Express Business Platinum, or the American Express Centurion card you get a $100 statement credit to cover the Global Entry fee.
According to a recent press release from AMEX, you should now be able to apply for TSA Pre✓ separately without applying for Global Entry.
But the credit card terms & conditions still say, “…TSA Pre✔™, if applied for separately, does not qualify to receive the statement credit“.
So I recommend calling the number on the back of your card to confirm you will be reimbursed before signing up for TSA Pre with the AMEX Platinum cards.
You will automatically receive the statement credit 6 to 8 weeks after you charge the Global Entry fee to your American Express card.
Bottom Line
Members of the US Military and some civilian government employees can access TSA Pre✓ for free. Just enter your 10-digit Department of Defense ID number in the “Known Traveler” box when you book your flight.
Even if you aren’t member of the US Military, you can get free access to Global Entry and TSA Pre✓ via a statement credit with the AMEX Platinum, AMEX Business Platinum, or the AMEX Centurion card.
I probably wouldn’t pay for TSA Pre✓, but it’s great to save time at the airport if it’s free!
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