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According to TSA Security Directive 1544-01-10w (Access to Sterile Concourse for Non-traveling Individuals), Military Passenger Family Members may be given a pass to escort the military passenger to the gate or to meet a military passenger's inbound arrival at the gate. According to a TSA spokesperson, family members who want to escort the service member to the departure gate need to process through the airline ticket line when the service member checks in or checks their baggage. The airline will at that point issue the special access pass(es) and the family member(s) will need to proceed through the security station at the same time and the military member.

Family members who want to meet their service member at the arrival gate should first check to see if the airport has a USO Office. The USO is working with TSA and the airlines to secure the special access passes. If the airport does not have a USO Office, family members should go to the ticket counter of the airline that the military member is flying on and request the passes.

Family members will need to present the pass and photo ID (i.e., Drivers License) to get through the security checkpoint. The TSA spokesperson stated that "Not all Airports or Airlines" are able to issue the special access pass(es) to meet returning service members at the gate due to local security situations. The same Spokesperson also stated that "one way to make this process easier, is for the traveling service member to inform the ticket agent at check in, that family memb ers will be contacting the ticket office at the arrival destination to request the special pass(es)."

Note 1 - This TSA Security Directive primarily affects military personnel who are on leave from Afghanistan or Iraq. It will offer a better "welcome home" for those service members as they exit the airplane to see their family at the gate. As well as provide service members more time with
their families before leaving. This policy is in effect at U.S. airports only.

Note 2 - For more information regarding the attached TSA Security Directive, contact TSA at 1-866-289-9673. If you're outside the United States and cannot use the toll free number, please call 1-571-227-2900.