CAN MILITARY SPOUSES USE THE USO AT AIRPORTS?
The United Service Organizations (USO) offers plenty of resources for those serving in the military and their families. A USO airport offers pre-security lounges offering to-go snack packs for active-duty members, Reservists, and National Guardsmen of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Since 1941, this charity organization has supported this community as it serves to defend our nation. Learn more about who is eligible for this unique benefit found in lounges across the country.
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Who Can Use the USO at Airports?
Those serving in active duty along with the National Guard and Reservists can all access USO lounges at airports. Furthermore, military spouses and families are also permitted.
Although the USO recognizes and appreciates the Veterans who have served our nation, due to limited resources, the benefits of USO lounges at airports continue to focus on active duty members and their families.
The USO is a nonprofit working with many volunteers to support modern warfighters and their families. However, this means resources are limited.
Benefits Available to Families
Due to the nature of USO lounges, the hours of operation, personnel on hand, and overall amenities will vary from location to location. However, here are some of the core features you can expect:
- Snacks and beverages are available. This includes coffee and tea along with a snack bar.
- Keeping your devices charged is always an important factor when traveling. USO lounges offer CAC readers and charging stations available.
- If you need a device, WiFi is available, along with workspace and computers/laptops.
- Entertainment is hard to come by at times. Not to worry, if you have time to kill, there are DVD & Blu-ray players, televisions, video games, and cards available to pass the time.
- Supplies geared just for children can be found in the play area along with other supplies families may need, such as books, toiletries, and more.
- General travel amenities, including lost and found and flight information hubs are available.
- Traveling during the holidays adds an extra level of stress. From dances to Valentine’s Day dinners to Halloween parties and more, you’ll find a ton of events if you’re on the go during a holiday celebration.
- USO airport lounge staff, including volunteers, have helped with various weather-related and family emergencies for travelers, continuing to go above and beyond for the military community.
Find a USO Airport Near You
There are more than 230 USO locations around the world, including over 50 airport lounges in the U.S. and abroad.
Often found near boot camps or common areas for those leaving on deployment, volunteers are available to help the military community when traveling.
Below are a few common hubs for USO airport locations. Be sure to have a valid DoD ID card and to double-check individual hours of operation, which may vary depending on available volunteers:
- You can find the USO Atlanta airport lounge at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport outside of security in the domestic terminal on the third floor in the atrium on your left.
- The Denver International Airport is home to the USO Denver airport lounge. It’s located inside the TSA Secured area within Concourse A’s Center Court (Level 4), between the airline clubs.
- There are multiple DFW USO airport locations making access even more convenient. Travelers can find a lounge at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Terminal B, Gate 47, as well as USO Dallas Love Field by the Dallas Cowboys Club in the “stem” section of the secured DAL side.
- The Charlotte airport USO location is on the upper portion of Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s atrium.
- USO at the Chicago airport can be found before security in O'Hare Terminal 2 on the Mezzanine Level (USO O'Hare T2) and at Terminal 3 (after security) on the Mezzanine Level of the Rotunda (USO O’Hare Terminal 3).
- The USO San Diego airport lounge is located on the first floor of the San Diego International Airport.
- The Houston airport USO location is at the Bush Intercontinental Airport in Terminal D, across from Gate D8.
The USO app is also available to help you find locations, programs, and easily check in when traveling.
You can also look for the nearest USO airport location online. Click to find a USO to locate a location near you with ease.
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