An Airport Oasis for Military Families During PCS Season

Have you ever seen a red, white, and blue USO sign while traveling through an airport?

Have you wondered what exactly the USO is and who it’s for? And are those snacks and Wi-Fi free?

Great news: USO Airport Centers are for YOU and your military family!

Especially in the whirlwind of PCS season, they’re meant to give you a well-earned break during a hectic journey.

We know it can feel like a logistical and emotional marathon, navigating unfamiliar airports, dealing with travel delays, and hauling around heavy luggage (which you’ve been living out of the past few weeks or months).

Most of the USO’s Airport Centers feature comfortable lounge areas with TVs, books, and free Wi-Fi.

Some even have showers, quiet rooms, and family rooms! They aren’t just pit stops — they’re sanctuaries.

Here’s a look at USO Airport Centers and how they can turn a stressful travel day around.

Who Can Utilize USO Airport Centers?

• They’re open and FREE to all active-duty, Reserve and National Guard, and retiree service members and their family (spouse and children) with a valid DoD ID.

• You are always welcome into these centers without your service member. Just show your DoD ID.

• Gold Star Families and Families of the Fallen can also access USO centers, and they don’t need to provide an ID.

What You’ll Find at a USO Airport Center.

Whether you’re solo or juggling three toddlers and a stroller, USO Airport Centers offer military families a place to breathe and relax. Inside, you willl find:

 Cozy lounges with plush chairs and couches to sprawl out and rest your tired feet.
 Complimentary snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled.
 Wi-Fi, charging stations, and entertainment options to help you plug in — or unplug with a good
book.
 Many Centers even have family rooms — quiet, private areas designed for nursing mothers, napping babies, or families who just need a little privacy away from airport crowds. Family rooms offer space for kids to decompress and a calm environment for overwhelmed and
overstimulated parents.
 Some Airport Centers offer the USO Reading Program, where service members can record themselves reading their child’s favorite story and have that recording shipped home. Children can also read stories to be sent to their deployed loved ones.
 Children’s books, games, and kids’ play areas to help little ones stay busy.
 Helpful staff members or volunteers who understand the fatigue and loneliness of military travel and are ready to lend a hand.

When are USOs open?

Check if the airport you’ll be traveling through has a USO Center here and when they’re open. Some Centers are open for specific hours each day, while other locations are open 24/7, 365 days a year.

In times of extreme weather or family emergencies, USO volunteers and staff often go above and beyond to help. In the past, they have helped stranded service members find a way home, offered to keep a location open past typical hours, or simply helped entertain children so a military spouse could get a moment to herself to rest.

Where You Can Find a USO Airport Center

Of the USO’s more than 250 locations worldwide, more than 60 are USO Airport Centers. Find yours here.

These centers are located at major and regional airports across the United States and in select international locations, providing support and comfort for service members and their families during travel, including PCS moves, deployments, and emergency leave. These centers can be located before or
after TSA security checkpoints.

Many are strategically situated at frequently used airports so that service members and their families have plenty of support from USO volunteers as they take the next step in their journey of service.

USO Airport Centers at Major U.S. Travel Hubs

Check out your upcoming travel itinerary and what airports you may be traveling through. These 10 USO
Airport Centers at major travel hubs stand out for their exceptional amenities during PCS season:

1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – The USO is open 24/7, a huge plus for red-eye travelers. The USO at LAX offers a family room, quiet rooms, a TV lounge, and an outdoor patio. On busy days, it serves more than 1,000 service members and military families.

2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – ORD’s USO is spacious and welcoming. ORD hosts two USO Centers, located in Terminals 2 and 3, both featuring children’s playrooms and quiet areas.

3. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – As one of the world’s busiest airports, ATL is a common stop during PCS travel.

4. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – DFW’s USO is known for its dedicated family room, where military families can unwind in a quiet, kid-friendly environment.

5. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) – BWI is a major hub for military flights in and out of the DC area and is a great spot to catch your breath.

6. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – It’s a relaxing stopover point for families heading up or down the East Coast.

7. Denver International Airport (DEN) – Located in a military-heavy region, DEN’s USO features a kids corner, offering a space for children to play and unwind during travel.

8. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – Serving the large Joint Base Lewis-McChord community, SEA’s USO has a movie theater and a bunk room.

9. San Diego International Airport (SAN) – With a vibrant military community, SAN’s USO is a welcoming space in a large and newly renovated environment.

10. Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – If your PCS orders are taking you to or from Hawaii, the HNL USO offers aloha-infused hospitality, perfect for recovering from long flights.

Final Thoughts…

PCS moves are full of change, but the comfort and consistency of USO Airport Centers help military spouses feel supported no matter where they’re headed. Whether you’re on a 3-hour layover or facing an unexpected delay, these USO Centers can be your oasis — a place to recharge, refuel, and remember that you’re not alone.

So next time you’re at a major airport during PCS season, look for the USO sign. Behind that door is a community ready to welcome you with open arms — and maybe even some snacks and a hot cup of coffee.

Make sure to also check out upcoming USO Coffee Connections at your next duty station or contact a USO Transition Specialist to help you navigate your career and access additional community resources.

For the Estrada family, the USO came to their rescue when they needed a safe place to relax with their three children as they waited 14 hours for their next flight. “Our family has been here since 7:00 a.m. this morning and our flight was delayed until 9:00 p.m. tonight,” said Marine Staff Sgt. Antonio Estrada. “The USO has been very accommodating, friendly, and great with our kids.” (Photo courtesy of USO)

-Written by Nicole Vogel.

Nicole is a proud Air Force spouse, mom of two, and Senior Manager of Military Spouse and Family Programs at the USO. For more posts like this, check out the USO Expert Page at Mission:Milspouse.