HUGE new security features are being rolled out at airports across America.
It has been confirmed by TSA that the major overhaul will affect ten of the most important airports across the country.
As part of the shake-up to TSA rules, a new lane is being added in at airports close to military installations.
The change will come into effect in some airports on Tuesday, July 1 and will be part of the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” initiative.
The initiative will see a new security lane for active-duty service members and TSA Precheck discounts for the uniformed services community being introduced.
Gold Star Families – those who have lost a family member in the line of duty – will be eligible for their TSA precheck enrollment fee being waived.
Active-duty Department of Defence service members will have $25 taken off their TSA Precheck fee, as will active-duty service men and women.
Civilian DoD staff will be eligible too.
Making it easier for travelling veterans
Ahead of the new lanes and discounts being brought in, Ha Nguyen McNeill, TSA's Acting Administrator said that the change will make it easier for the military community to travel.
She said: “This Independence Day and beyond, TSA reaffirms its commitment to ease travel for the military community through its TSA PreCheck program, by providing it free to Gold Star families, discounting it for active-duty spouses and creating expedited lanes for service members in uniform.
“By expanding access, easing enrollment, and partnering with our TSA PreCheck enrollment providers and industry partners, we strive to honor those who serve and the families who stand beside them.”
Ms McNeill confirmed plans to announce the full "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease" scheme in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday.
It will be implemented at 10 American airports in cities including:
- San Antonio, Texas
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Atlanta
- Austin, Texas
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- El Paso, Texas
- Fayetteville, North Carolina
- Nashville, Tennessee
- San Diego, California
- Seattle
A Fourth of July Warning
The news comes ahead of the nation's Fourth of July celebrations.
US Border Control have warned holidaymakers against bringing in illegal fireworks to the country for the celebration.
The force took to X to issue the warning, where it wrote: “Nearly $100m in legitimate fireworks comes into the U.S. annually.
“They’re subject to various federal regs for everything from customs duties & consumer product safety standards to hazardous material transport regs.
“This Independence Day, avoid illegally imported fireworks.”
Border Control added: “CBP reminds you to be safe when celebrating with fireworks."
The 10 airports getting a brand new security lane
TSA have announced that a new security lane will be added at ten major airports.
The lanes will make it quicker and easier for active-duty service members to travel.
TSA Precheck discounts for the uniformed services community will also be introduced.
Airports participating in the "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease", which will begin in some locations on Tuesday July 1, include:
- San Antonio, Texas
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Atlanta
- Austin, Texas
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- El Paso, Texas
- Fayetteville, North Carolina
- Nashville, Tennessee
- San Diego, California
- Seattle
