The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a new initiative that permits certain individuals without airline tickets to pass through airport security checkpoints. The program, known as Gateside by TSA PreCheck, is designed to allow eligible travelers to access the secure side of participating airports to see off friends or family at the gate, meet companions during layovers, or visit terminal dining and retail establishments.
Gateside is currently being piloted at 13 airports across the United States. Participating locations include Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, San Diego International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Will Rogers International Airport, Eppley Airfield, and Salt Lake City International Airport.
To qualify for the program, visitors must hold active TSA PreCheck benefits and possess a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Applications for a Gateside pass can be submitted online between one and three days prior to the intended visit. The pass is complimentary but is valid solely for the specific approved visit.
Once authorized, visitors are required to present both their Gateside approval and an acceptable form of identification upon arrival. They must then proceed through a TSA PreCheck security lane. Individuals lacking valid identification may utilize the TSA ConfirmID service for a $45 fee to verify their identity. Children are permitted to participate but must be included on the parent or guardian’s application.
This initiative represents a shift from the strict access controls implemented following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which generally restricted non-travelers from entering secure areas. The TSA stated it is currently assessing the program’s implementation as it considers expansion to additional airports.
The Gateside launch coincides with other recent efforts by the TSA to modernize the passenger experience. Earlier this summer, the agency began testing self-service ID check kiosks at several major hubs, including Los Angeles International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
I didn’t know this was only in thirteen airports. When is Houston getting it?
Wait, they can bypass screening just for having PreCheck? What about the people waiting in standard lines?
Finally, a humane way to say goodbye at the gate. My kids loved this idea!