The U.S. government and airlines appreciate what Armed Services personnel do for this country. The government provides tips designed to make the travel experience smoother for military members. Many airlines offer cheap airline tickets for military members to make personal travel less expensive for enlisted personnel and their families.
When military personnel arrive at an airport checkpoint, they should have their regular or discounted airline ticket and proper identification available. They must remove their class A uniform jacket, metal belt buckle, and all metal items in pockets and submit these to be screened by the X-ray. Military personnel who are in uniform and present a valid military ID need not remove footwear unless the metal detector alarm sounds.
Carry-on luggage may not contain prohibited items. Military personnel should refer to the list on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Web site. Equipment that is heavy and dense like books, helmets, and boots should be packed at the top of checked baggage. Clothing and small personal items can be packed in the bottom of these bags. This makes it easier for airport screeners to neatly repack baggage.
Electronics and valuables should be hand carried with the military discount airline ticket. If a firearm, firearm part, or ammunition must be transported, it must be packed in checked baggage. Military personnel who are returning from an assignment or overseas duty where they carried ammunition or a gun should ensure that the item is not in the carry-on bag.
The TSA also regulates the transport of tools and sharp objects. Carry-on luggage may not contain knives or certain tools. A tool that is larger than seven inches may not be carried onto a plane, nor may saws, drills, crowbars, or hammers. If pointed scissors have a blade longer than four inches, they must be packed with checked luggage.