TSA rolls out Gateside program to let non-ticketed travelers access secure airport areas
The Transportation Security Administration has introduced Gateside by TSA PreCheck, permitting eligible PreCheck members to enter secure zones at 13 U.S. airports without a boarding pass.
The Transportation Security Administration announced a new service that lets certain travelers without airline tickets move through airport security checkpoints. Named Gateside by TSA PreCheck, the program permits qualified TSA PreCheck members to enter the secure area of participating airports to meet or see off friends and family, accompany someone during a layover, or visit airport restaurants and shops.
Gateside is currently offered at 13 airports, including Los Angeles International, Dallas-Fort Worth International, Harry Reid International in Las Vegas, San Diego International, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, John Glenn Columbus International, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National, Indianapolis International, Bill and Hillary Clinton National, Will Rogers International, Eppley Airfield and Salt Lake City International. The TSA said it is evaluating the service with plans to add more locations.
To use the service, participants must hold TSA PreCheck status and a Known Traveler Number. Applicants can request a Gateside pass online one to three days before the intended visit; the pass is free and valid only for that specific trip. At the airport, travelers must present a valid ID and the approved pass and proceed through a TSA PreCheck lane. Those lacking acceptable identification may verify their identity through TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee. Children are allowed to join if they are listed on a parent or guardian’s application.
The initiative reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to modify the airport security experience, which has been tightly controlled since the September 11, 2001 attacks.