Nothing Says Happy Holidays Like Expedited Airport Screenings

More than 100 US airports will begin expediting screening for Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and Coast Guard members beginning Dec. 20, the Defense Department announced Wednesday. The Transportation Safety Administration expanded an existing program called TSA PreCheck, which allows service members to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on as they go through security. “Members in the PreCheck program have volunteered more personal information about themselves,” said Lisa Furbstein, TSA public affairs manager, which “allows us … to focus greater attention on people we know less about, therefore enhancing security.” Currently, service members can take advantage of PreCheck lanes at 10 domestic airports by showing their Common Access Card, states the release. “Expanding TSA PreCheck screening benefits, … is a tangible sign of this nation’s gratitude for the men and women who serve this nation bravely each and every day,” said Mary Snavely-Dixon, the director of the Defense Manpower Data Center. TSA’s PreCheck policy will apply for official and leisure travel, states the release. (See also “DOD/TSA Partner to Provide Military TSA Precheck at 100 Airports.”)