The Transportation Security Administration has launched a new program allowing eligible TSA PreCheck members who do not hold flight tickets to pass through security and enter gate areas at 13 U.S. airports. The program, called 'Gateside by TSA PreCheck,' is free and permits members to greet or bid farewell to loved ones at gates, meet friends during layovers, and access airport restaurants and shops. According to the New York Post, participating airports in the initial rollout include Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Columbus, Detroit, Wichita, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, and Omaha.
TSA launches PreCheck gate-access program at 13 airports, allowing members without tickets to enter secure areas
The Transportation Security Administration has launched a new program allowing eligible TSA PreCheck members who do not hold flight tickets to pass through security and enter gate areas at 13 U.S. airports. The program, called 'Gateside by TSA PreCheck,' is free and permits members to greet or bid farewell to loved ones at gates, meet friends during layovers, and access airport restaurants and shops. According to the New York Post, participating airports in the initial rollout include Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Columbus, Detroit, Wichita, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, and Omaha.
The program represents a restoration of airport access that was largely restricted after the September 11, 2001 attacks, which led to heightened security measures limiting secure area entry to ticketed passengers. According to the New York Post, airlines could issue gate passes in certain circumstances following 9/11, but such access remained generally limited.
To participate, TSA PreCheck members must apply online one to three days before their planned visit and receive approval before arriving at the airport, according to the New York Post. Approved visitors can enter security using a TSA PreCheck lane with acceptable identification. The outlet notes that visitors without acceptable identification can use TSA ConfirmID to attempt identity verification for a $45 fee, though TSA does not guarantee successful verification.
Passes are valid for only one calendar day, though reentries are permitted on that day. The New York Post reports that children can also go through security but must be included on their parent or guardian's application. Members of other trusted-traveler programs who possess a Known Traveler Number may also apply.
The TSA stated the program is an exclusive benefit for its most trusted travelers, describing it as bringing back moments that defined air travel before 9/11. According to the New York Post, the agency plans to expand the program to additional airports in coming months.
According to the New York Post, 21 airports across the country have already adopted policies allowing non-ticketed visitors to receive guest passes to move through security at no charge, with Pittsburgh International Airport being the first major U.S. airport to enact such a policy in 2017.
- No airline positions or statements regarding the program are provided in the sources.
- The sources do not indicate whether any security concerns or public opposition to the program have been raised.
- No specific metrics on TSA PreCheck membership or expected participation rates are provided.
- The sources do not explain the selection criteria for which airports were chosen for the initial rollout.
- No information is provided about the timeline for expansion beyond the initial 13 airports.
- New York Post — original — by Fox Business
- PBS NewsHour — by Judy Woodruff
- The Atlantic — by Marie-Rose Sheinerman
- The Jerusalem Post — by IDAN KWELLER
- The Independent — by Alex Woodward
Read the original at New York Post