Knowing the latest TSA rules can save travelers time, money, and plenty of airport headaches, especially when security policies can change with little warning. This week, the agency rolled out a new program that gives certain non-flying visitors a way to spend more time with friends and family inside participating airports.
Called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, the new program allows eligible people without a plane ticket to pass through airport security and enter the secured area beyond the checkpoint.
How does TSA’s new Gateside program work
The Transportation Security Administration introduced Gateside as a new benefit for trusted travelers, rolling it out at 13 airports during an initial operational assessment phase.
Under Gateside, approved visitors can enter the post-security area even when they aren’t flying. TSA says the program is intended for welcomes and send-offs, meeting friends during a layover, and enjoying restaurants and shops located beyond security.
The pass is free and valid for one calendar day, with approved visitors able to use the same dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for entry. Visitors can also re-enter during their approved day, according to current program details.
The change brings back a part of airport travel that largely disappeared after 9/11. Before the 2001 attacks, friends and family could generally accompany travelers to the gate, but sweeping security changes restricted access to secure airport areas.
Who can get a Gateside pass and where it works
Gateside isn’t open to every airport visitor. TSA PreCheck members and people with eligible Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs) can apply using their KTN. The program is also available to eligible members of other Trusted Traveler programs that provide a KTN, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.
Applicants need to request a pass one to three days before their planned visit through the Gateside application portal. Once approved, visitors should bring an acceptable form of ID and be prepared to show their approval status to a TSA officer. Children can also visit, but they must be included on their parent or guardian’s reservation.
For now, the program is available at 13 airports:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
- Eppley Airfield (OMA)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
