Why are the USO's outside of Airport Security?

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 07:39:27 -0400

Have you ever wondered why the wonderful military privilege of the Airport USO is always outside of Security? Once you get inside and have gone through the utter scrutiny of the Airport, why would you be willing to go outside and then have to go through it all again?
As a result, I often do not utilize the USO, which irritates me, because it is a great thing to sit with brothers and talk of travels!

I wonder if somehow, someone on RP could make a difference on this.

Response by 1SG Larry Everly made Jun 19 at 2014 8:45 AM

1SG Larry Everly — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 08:45:19 -0400

The USO provides an invaluable service and I appreciate their commitment to our veterans and families. Frankly, I often forget about them. But when I see their office in an airport I make a beeline to them. Every facility I've visited has the friendliest people; the environment is so pleasant. I don't know the answer to why USO's are generally located outside the security checkpoints, but I would suspect the main terminal locations provide a more centralized locations for all veterans to access. Again, thanks to the USO organization and their staff for all their efforts.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jun 19 at 2014 9:06 AM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 09:06:48 -0400

1stSgt Nolan, it may be because airports were designed before 9/11, and security used be much easier to go through. If you recall, family members often went in to the actual gate to pick up their family/visitors. Going in and out of security wasn't a big event... so when USOs were put into airports, they probably just put them where there was the most space. That would be my guess.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 9:40 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 09:40:55 -0400

The USO in Nashville is also inside secuirty.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Jun 19 at 2014 10:26 AM

MAJ Jim Woods — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 10:26:00 -0400

I believe it is up to the Airport Manager and the TSA Supervisor where they are located.

Response by 1SG Chris Brown made Jun 19 at 2014 10:46 AM

1SG Chris Brown — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 10:46:48 -0400

I think for a lot of airports, it's about accessibility which makes me think of at least 2 issues right offhand as to why put them outside security instead of inside.

1. Many airports are setup with multiple terminals and multiple security checkpoints. Just off the top of my head, I'm thinking Reagan, SeaTac, and Frankfurt. If you put it inside one or the other terminals, what happens to everyone else not flying out of that terminal? Or do you have to have multiple USO offices at these type of airports to accomodate inside the security gates.

2. Since you have to have a ticket to get through security, what about people visiting that aren't there as passengers? I pick people often enough from airports. I get there prior to their flights and if I want a place to hang out, the USO works out well.

I'm not saying it's ideal to have the USOs where they are; but I do think there are some good reasons (and perhaps some I haven't thought of) for keeping them outside the secure areas.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 19 at 2014 7:11 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:11:00 -0400

Gents, I have a feeling that the driving reason is the almighty dollar and how much it would cost for them to be totally inside. But it would be awesome. Nothing like having a great area to hang out when you have a few hours to kill.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2014 10:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 22:43:33 -0400

I've never seen a USO outside of the security checkpoints. All of the ones that I've found are in the terminals.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2014 9:27 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:27:10 -0400

1stSgt,

Not always the case. Charlotte and Reagan National for example are within airport security. Someone hit it on the head, those with the USO outside of security were probably stood up prior to 9/11. You bring up an interesting topic. Something that I had not given a lot of thought. I agree though, many times I go into the USO and drop off a bag or two. If outside security, god bless them, but I do not think the little old ladies that normally work there would be able to fend off an intent minded extremist, or maybe they would ;)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 1:33 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 01:33:32 -0400

Only some of the airports have USO's outside of security. But the good news is that active duty members are on the pre approved TSA list so you can cut the line and not have to take off your shoes along with not going through the X-ray machine. Just have your CAC handy. It just takes 5 mins to go through the shorter line.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 1:03 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 01:03:15 -0400

Not meaning to hijack this topic (no pun intended),

What are some of the best USO lounges out there. So far I think the one at Denver International Airport is the top of the class.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 8:13 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 08:13:14 -0400

As a ease for travel remember to put your DOD Id number in as the know traveler number when booking flights and that will let you be prescreened.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 4:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 16:45:35 -0500

I though the same thing about the Denver USO. Makes me leery. A bunch of soldiers relaxing in a spot outside security seems like prime pickings for someone with bad intentions