Back before September 11, 2001, it was commonplace for family members to see their loved ones off at the departure gate, or be there to welcome them when they stepped off the jetway. But after the 9/11 attacks, which occurred 25 years ago this Friday, that changed.
9/11 ushered in a raft of strict new security measures at airports nationwide, including banning most people without a ticket from passing the security checkpoint (there are still rare exceptions, like for people seeing a child off or people with disabilities).
As of this month, however, those restrictions, too, are changing. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a new program called TSA Gateside that will allow PreCheck members who are not flying to see off or greet family and friends at the gate. Here’s what you need to know about the program.
What is TSA Gateside?
TSA Gateside is a new program announced by the TSA early this month. It allows PreCheck members to pass through security checkpoints at select airports even without a ticket for air travel.
“As an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers,” the TSA says, “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.”
While the TSA is promoting the program as a way for family and friends to be able to spend more time together at the airport, it is also likely to appeal to businesspeople, as now, via the program, it will be possible to meet a client or colleague on a long layover at the airport to discuss that important project.
Can everyone use TSA Gateside?
Unfortunately, no. TSA Gateside is not a return to the more relaxed security measures pre-9/11. That means that not every non-ticketed passenger can just go to the airport, pass through security, and meet their loved ones at the gate.
TSA Gateside is part of the PreCheck program, and so, in order to use Gateside, you’ll need to be an approved PreCheck member. The program also isn’t a free pass for any PreCheck member to simply enter the secure area of the airport any time they wish.
PreCheck members who are not ticketed passengers will be required to apply for a Gateside pass for a specific day 1 to 3 days in advance. If approved in that instance, the non-ticketed TSA PreCheck member will be able to go to the airport on the day of their pass and use the TSA PreCheck lanes to pass through security.
What airports offer TSA Gateside?
While the TSA has announced the launch of the Gateside program, it is currently available at only 13 airports nationwide. The airports that offer TSA Gateside are:
Arizona
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Arkansas
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
California
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Indiana
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Kansas
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
Michigan
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Nebraska
- Eppley Airfield (OMA)
Nevada
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Ohio
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Oklahoma
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
Texas
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Utah
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
The TSA says it will add additional airports to the program in a phased approach.
Does it cost money to use TSA Gateside?
As long as you are already a PreCheck member, TSA Gateside is a free service.
You can learn more about the program on the TSA’s website here.