TSA Military / Honor Lanes for Active Duty and Veterans

These dedicated screening lanes (or front-of-the-line privileges) are part of TSA’s broader effort to ease travel for the military community. They are distinct from TSA PreCheck: the lanes primarily reduce wait times by moving eligible travelers ahead in line or into a dedicated queue, but standard screening rules still apply unless the traveler already has PreCheck benefits.

Background and How It Works

TSA launched related benefits under the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” initiative in 2025, initially focusing on airports near major military installations. The program has since expanded. By mid-to-late 2026, official materials described dedicated military lanes or front-of-the-line service at over 30 airports (with some reports noting broader participation or front-of-line options at many more locations).

Key points for travelers:

•  You do not need to be in uniform.

•  Show a valid military or veteran ID at dedicated lanes to enter them.

•  At airports without dedicated lanes, show the same ID to a lane monitor for front-of-the-line service.

•  Eligible groups generally include active-duty, Reserve, and Guard members; veterans; retirees; and in many cases accompanying family members or Gold Star families (local practice can vary slightly).

•  Acceptable documentation includes a Common Access Card (CAC), DoD Uniformed Services ID, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), or a state-issued veteran driver’s license/ID that also meets TSA identity rules. Some status-only documents (like a VA letter) may require a separate TSA-accepted photo ID.

These lanes do not automatically grant PreCheck-style privileges (shoes on, laptops in bags, etc.). Active-duty members and certain DoD civilians can already access free PreCheck by entering their DoD ID number as the Known Traveler Number when booking. Gold Star families can get free PreCheck enrollment, and military spouses receive a discount.

For travelers who need extra help (wounded warriors, disabled veterans, etc.), contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight.

List of Airports with Military/Honor Lanes

According to TSA’s published list (as of recent 2026 updates) and consistent secondary reporting, the following airports offer dedicated military lanes or equivalent front-of-line access. The list is alphabetical by airport name and includes common codes:

•  Albany International Airport (ALB)

•  Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

•  Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

•  Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)

•  Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)

•  Boise Airport (BOI)

•  Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR)

•  Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

•  Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

•  Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

•  Denver International Airport (DEN)

•  Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

•  El Paso International Airport (ELP)

•  Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

•  Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

•  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

•  Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)

•  John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

•  Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

•  Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)

•  Miami International Airport (MIA)

•  Nashville International Airport (BNA)

•  Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

•  Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

•  San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

•  San Diego International Airport (SAN)

•  Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

•  Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD)

•  Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

•  St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)

•  Tampa International Airport (TPA)

•  Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

•  Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)

Some earlier announcements also highlighted Colorado Springs (COS) and a few others near major bases; availability can expand, and local implementation (dedicated lane vs. front-of-line) may differ by checkpoint and day.

Practical tip: Always check the official TSA Military Lanes page or confirm with the airport before travel, as staffing and exact procedures can vary. At non-listed airports, many locations still offer front-of-the-line consideration when you present valid military or veteran ID to a monitor.

Why It Matters

For service members traveling on orders or leave, veterans, and families relocating or reuniting, even a modest reduction in security wait time makes a real difference—especially with tight connections, kids, or mobility challenges. The lanes are a tangible way the TSA and partner airports recognize military service without changing the underlying security process.

Travelers should still arrive with the usual buffer, keep documentation handy, and treat the privilege as what it is: a thank-you for service that works best when everyone (including TSA officers) is treated respectfully.

For the most current details, visit the official TSA page on Military Lanes or contact TSA Cares if you need personalized assistance. Safe travels.