The Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program, which provides enrollees with faster and less onerous preflight security screenings, is already a good bargain at $76.75 for 5 years. That comes out to just a little more than $15 per year.
Thousands of Americans can now bring that cost down to $0.
Certain United States military veterans with disabilities qualify for TSA PreCheck at no cost, according to a statement recently released by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“The Golden Age of Travel is only possible because of the men and women whose sacrifices keep us free—making their own travel smoother is the least we could do,” the TSA posted on social media.
By “we,” the federal agency evidently means the 118th Congress, which introduced the bill in 2024 and passed it into law last year.
Qualifying veterans must:
- be currently enrolled in VA healthcare
- have a service-connected disability that resulted in permanent blindness, the loss of a limb, the loss of the use of a limb, full paralysis, or partial paralysis
- require the use of a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb because of a service-connected disability
Eligible veterans were sent a notification from the VA, according to the agency.
To access the letter confirming eligibility requirements, veterans must sign into their VA portal and select benefit letters and documents. Then select TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter and download a PDF of the waiver.
Those who think they qualify but haven’t received a letter should contact the VA online via Ask VA. Select "Disability compensation" for the category, then "How to file a claim."
Note that receiving the letter from the VA doesn’t guarantee TSA PreCheck membership automatically. Applicants must still qualify for TSA’s standard citizenship and security requirements, which include a background check.
Incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, and disqualifying criminal offenses can all make applicants ineligible.
Whether eligible for free TSA PreCheck or not, veterans with disabilities who would benefit from an accommodation at airport security checkpoints should contact TSA Cares 72 hours before the day of travel.
Other ways to get TSA PreCheck for free
Active-duty military members also get TSA PreCheck for free, and no enrollment process is required. Simply use your DOD ID number in lieu of the Known Traveler Number that civilians use.
Speaking of civilians, they have an option for no-cost TSA PreCheck enrollment, too: Many travel credit cards come with a benefit that reimburses customers for PreCheck fees, whether for first-time enrollment or renewal.
For more information about TSA PreCheck, visit tsa.gov or call 866/289-9673.