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For the first time in years, some US airports will allow non-ticketed individuals to re-access boarding areas. The measure is part of a new program by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), aimed at travelers previously vetted through TSA PreCheck, and seeks to make it easier for family and friends to say goodbye to or welcome passengers directly at the boarding gate.
The program, called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, was launched this month and allows members of TSA PreCheck to obtain a free pass to enter restricted terminal areas even if they do not have a scheduled flight. The initiative recalls a common practice before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when companions could go as far as the boarding gates to see off their loved ones.
What is Gateside by TSA PreCheck?
According to the TSA, this new benefit offers trusted travelers the possibility of requesting a special pass to go through security checkpoints and access the airport terminal without needing a boarding pass.
Participants will be able to use access for:
- Acompañar familiares o amigos hasta la puerta de embarque.
- Recibir pasajeros directamente al llegar a su vuelo.
- Reunirse con personas durante escalas o conexiones.
- Visitar restaurantes y tiendas ubicados después de los controles de seguridad.
- Recorrer la terminal sin necesidad de viajar.
The agency notes that all visitors will still be subject to the same security screenings as ticketed passengers.
Who can obtain this pass?
The TSA reported that the program is available to TSA PreCheck members and other individuals who possess a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Those interested must request the pass between one and three days before visiting the airport through the official portal TSA.gov/gateside. During the process, they must provide their KTN, select the participating airport, and wait for the corresponding approval.
Once authorized, they must present a valid identification compatible with REAL ID or another document accepted by the TSA to enter the security area.
Airports where the program is already operating
Currently, Gateside by TSA PreCheck operates at 13 US airports:
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Arkansas.
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas.
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Michigan.
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Nevada.
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Indiana.
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Ohio.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California.
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), Arizona.
- Eppley Airfield (OMA), Nebraska.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah.
- San Diego International Airport (SAN), California.
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), Kansas.
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC), Oklahoma.
The TSA indicated that the list will grow in the coming months as more airports join the program.
A partial return to the pre-9/11 experience
The creation of Gateside has drawn attention because it recovers one of the most common air travel experiences before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: allowing family and friends to reach the boarding gate or receive passengers as they deplaned. Following those events, security measures were tightened and access was restricted primarily to ticketed passengers.
Although the new program does not eliminate security screenings nor open access to the general public, it does represent a loosening of restrictions for travelers considered low-risk by the TSA. According to the agency, the goal is to make the airport experience more comfortable and family-friendly without compromising current security standards.
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