TSA suspends Gateside by PreCheck access at most airports after brief expansion
The TSA has limited the Gateside by PreCheck program to its original 13 airports, ending a recent rollout that let ticket-less travelers clear security and reach gate areas.
The Transportation Security Administration has withdrawn the Gateside by TSA PreCheck service from most U.S. airports, restricting it to the original 13 locations where the program began. The initiative, which allowed PreCheck members without airline tickets to pass through security and enter gate areas, was reintroduced in September at 13 airports and later expanded to hundreds of additional sites.
Airport officials said the expansion was reversed within days and that the change was not publicly announced. Denver International Airport confirmed that the program has been returned to the original 13 participating airports "at least for the time being." At Norfolk International Airport, staff discovered the removal after passengers reported that the airport no longer appeared in the online booking portal.
"We received a few comments on social media and emails from people who said they recently tried to apply via the TSA’s online portal but found ORF was not among the available airports," said Chris Jones, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Norfolk International Airport.
The TSA announced the program’s return last month, describing it as a way for travelers to "return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet friends during a layover, and enjoy dining and shopping along the way." However, with most airports omitted from the official list, prospective applicants cannot request the pass, and the agency has not provided an explanation for the sudden reduction.
The Independent has reached out to the TSA for comment. Currently, online booking remains limited to the original 13 participating locations.