TSA extends Pre-Check to service academy students

The Transportation Security Administration announced it has extended expedited airport screening benefits to students of the four U.S. service academies.

Cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy and Air Force Academy now can use the TSA Pre-check at about 120 participating airports when flying on 11 major airlines, TSA said. Under the program, participating flyers are permitted to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case, and keep "3-1-1" compliant liquids and gels in a carry-on bag.

Last year, TSA extended TSA Pre-check benefits to all U.S. armed forces service members, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard. TSA also has extended expedited screening to civilian DOD employees who follow an "opt-in" process online. About 50,000 DOD employees per week use the system, TSA said.

To participate, students from the academies must enter their DOD identification number in the "known traveler number field" on reservations and in airline frequent flyer profiles.