The Gateside by TSA PreCheck program will be implemented in 13 airports across the U.S.
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NEED TO KNOW
- TSA PreCheck members can now access airport gates without tickets through the new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program
- The program is available at 13 airports and requires an online application with a Known Traveler Number in advance
- This will allow non-ticket holders to access “the terminal beyond airport security,” making it easier to welcome and see off loved ones
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new program that lets people pass through security and reach airport gates without tickets.
The new program, Gateside by TSA PreCheck, will let TSA PreCheck members access “the terminal beyond airport security,” making it easier to welcome and see off loved ones.
“As an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers, this new program makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet friends during a layover, and enjoy dining and shopping along the way, bringing back the moments that once defined air travel,” the TSA announcement reads.
TSA PreCheck members eager to apply must use their Known Traveler Number (KTN). They must apply online at least one day before and no more than three days before their planned visit.
Credit: ERIK S LESSER/EPA/Shutterstock
The pass is valid for one calendar day. Approved applicants can re-enter that day and use the dedicated TSA PreCheck screening lanes to reach the gates with the proper form of identification.
People can be rejected if their information doesn’t match or if the participating airport has reached its daily pass limit. Each airport will issue a set number of passes each day, and availability may be limited during peak times.
The program is being implemented in 13 airports: Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona; John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio; Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas; Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan; Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas; Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana; Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California; Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas; Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma; Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska; and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah.
TSA will extend the program to additional airports in the coming months.
People used to be allowed to visit airport terminals without plane tickets before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. This practice was stopped after the attacks, but has slowly returned as 21 airports have already implemented their own versions of the program, according to CNN.
Pittsburgh International Airport launched myPITpass in 2017, but suspended it in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened it because of construction. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport created the SEA Visitor Pass in 2018, with a maximum of 300 people granted access per day.
Philadelphia International Airport has the Wingmate Pass, which limits visitors to six hours in any terminal. Kansas City International Airport implemented the MCI Guest Pass, which also limits visitors to six hours and a 10 p.m. curfew.
The San Antonio International Airport Pass Program and Tampa International Airport All Access passes allow visitors to stay for an unlimited amount of time within the airport’s operating hours.
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