Airport travel can be one of the most stressful parts of any trip, especially during the busy summer season when security lines seem to stretch endlessly. That’s why programs like TSA PreCheck have become so popular, helping travelers move through airport checkpoints more quickly and with less hassle.
Now, a newly expanded federal benefit is making that process even easier—and more affordable—for a new group of travelers. Thanks to a law signed last year, some veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities can now receive TSA PreCheck at no cost, giving them access to expedited security screening without paying the standard enrollment fee.
Free TSA PreCheck for Qualifying Disabled Veterans
A new federal benefit is making that process even easier—and entirely affordable—for a specific group of former service members. Under the VETS (Veterans Expedited TSA Screening) Safe Travel Act, which was signed into law on January 4, 2025, veterans with certain qualifying service-connected disabilities can now enroll in TSA PreCheck completely free of charge.
What is TSA PreCheck and What Are the Standard Costs?
TSA PreCheck is a government program that grants travelers access to dedicated, expedited security lanes at participating U.S. airports. While in the PreCheck lane, travelers enjoy a much smoother screening process:
- No need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets.
- Laptops and compliant liquids can remain packed inside carry-on bags.
Normally, enrolling in the program requires a rigorous application process and an out-of-pocket fee of up to $85 for a five-year membership. For eligible disabled veterans, however, this enrollment fee is now entirely waived.
Who is Eligible for the Fee Waiver?
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the fee waiver is strictly reserved for veterans who are actively enrolled in VA healthcare and have specific service-connected disabilities.
To qualify, an ex-military member must have a documented disability requiring the use of a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb, or meet one of the following criteria:
- Loss or loss of use of a limb
- Full or partial paralysis
- Permanent blindness
How Eligible Veterans Can Apply
The VA automatically determines eligibility based on medical records. To utilize the benefit, veterans should follow these steps:
- Retrieve the Enrollment Letter: The VA will send an official enrollment letter directly to the eligible veteran’s secure VA online account.
- Present the Documentation: A copy of this specific VA letter must be presented during the standard TSA PreCheck enrollment process to waive the application fee.
- Complete standard TSA screening: Veterans must still fulfill all other standard TSA PreCheck requirements, including passing a federal background check.
Note on Eligibility: The VA cautions that veterans may still be deemed ineligible for PreCheck if they provide incomplete or false application information, have certain past violations of federal security regulations, or have disqualifying criminal offenses.
As summer vacations, family visits, and cross–country trips pick up, the new benefit could help thousands of travelers spend less time waiting in security lines and more time focusing on the journey ahead. If you think you may qualify, it’s worth checking your VA account for eligibility information before your next trip to the airport.
