by Donald Wood
Last updated: 7:50 AM ET, Tue September 8, 2026
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has
launched a new program that lets people without airline tickets pass through
airport security and enter secure terminal areas at 13 airports in the United
States, dubbed “Gateside by TSA PreCheck.”
According to ABC
News, the program lets eligible visitors meet friends and family at the
gate, say goodbye to departing passengers, meet someone during a layover, or
access restaurants and shops beyond security. The program gives non-travelers a
new option to enter secure areas without a boarding pass.
Gateside is currently available at Los Angeles International
Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International
Airport in Las Vegas and San Diego International Airport. Other participating
airports include Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, John Glenn Columbus, Detroit
Metropolitan, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower, Indianapolis, Bill and Hillary
Clinton National, Will Rogers, Eppley Airfield and Salt Lake City International
Airport.
Participation is limited to people who have TSA PreCheck
benefits and a Known Traveler Number. Visitors must apply online for a Gateside
pass 1 to 3 days before their planned airport visit. The pass is free and is
valid only for the approved visit.
After receiving approval, visitors must bring acceptable
identification and their Gateside approval to the airport. They will then use a
TSA PreCheck security lane to enter the secure area.
Children can also participate, but their parent or guardian
must include them on the application. Visitors without an acceptable form of
identification can use TSA ConfirmID for identity verification at a $45 fee,
according to TSA.
TSA is currently evaluating the Gateside program and plans
to expand it to additional airports in the coming months. The initiative
represents a change in airport access rules that have largely restricted
non-ticketed visitors from secure terminal areas since the September 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks.
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