The TSA is opening up airport terminals at selected airports to non-travelers, with what it is calling Gateside by TSA Pre-Check.
The program grants passes to non-travelers to the secure area of airports beyond the security checkpoint, where they can say goodbye or hello to friends or family that are traveling, or to enjoy shopping and dining experiences in the airport’s secure zones.
The program is free but requires people to have either a Known Traveler Number or be a TSA Pre-Check member.
The application window is from one to three days before the requested pass date. At launch, the program is focused on 13 airports, although the TSA said more will be added eventually.
The launch airports are:
• 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)
• Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
• Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
• Omaha’s Eppley Airfield (OMA)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
This will add more bodies to the TSA security lines at these airports, but don't except it to that big of an impact. After all, these people are simply in and out, with zero bags.
Some other airports have added similar access for travelers already.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport introduced what it calls the Hopkins Hangout Pass in February, allowing non-travelers to apply for a pass between one and seven days before the requested visit.
Similarly, the pass is intended not only for non-travelers to accompany travelers to the gate, but to encourage patronage of the stores and restaurants at the airport. The Cleveland program is free of charge for citizens who have a REAL ID or a valid Passport.
TSA continues to adjust its rules, reshaping the air travel experience. This gate access change comes a year after the TSA ended the requirement of removing shoes during security, which was most welcome to many travelers.
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