TSA PreCheck expands to allow non-ticketed access at 13 airports
The Transportation Security Administration has launched a pilot program that lets TSA PreCheck members enter secure airport areas without a boarding pass at 13 U.S. airports.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun a pilot program that permits members of its TSA PreCheck trusted traveler program to enter the secure, post-security areas of airport terminals without holding a boarding pass. The "Gateside" benefit is currently available at 13 airports, including major hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Detroit, as well as several regional facilities.
According to TSA information, the service is intended for members who wish to meet arriving passengers, spend time during layovers, or otherwise use the airside area for personal reasons. Eligibility is limited to individuals who already possess a TSA PreCheck membership or a Known Traveler Number.
Applicants must submit a request through the TSA portal using a login.gov account, with the application window opening no earlier than three days and no later than one day before the intended visit. Status updates are provided on the login.gov dashboard.
The program is described as a complimentary extension of the existing TSA PreCheck membership, which costs $78 for a five-year term, though some credit-card programs may cover the fee. The agency plans to evaluate the pilot and may add additional airports in the coming months.