The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a new program, Gateside by TSA PreCheck, enabling eligible individuals without plane tickets to pass through airport security checkpoints. This initiative allows enrolled TSA PreCheck members to access secure airport areas for various purposes, including greeting or seeing off travelers, meeting someone during a layover, or visiting airport amenities like restaurants and shops.
Gateside is currently operational at 13 airports nationwide. These include major hubs such as Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and San Diego International Airport. Other participating airports are Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Will Rogers International Airport, Eppley Airfield, and Salt Lake City International Airport.
The TSA is evaluating the program's performance with the possibility of expanding it to more airports in the future. This new service offers a revised approach to accessing airport gates, access that has been significantly restricted since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
To utilize the Gateside program, visitors must possess TSA PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Applications for a Gateside pass can be submitted online between one and three days prior to the planned visit. The pass is provided free of charge and is valid only for the approved date of entry. Upon approval, visitors must present an acceptable form of identification and their Gateside approval notification to proceed through a TSA PreCheck security lane.
For individuals who do not have an acceptable form of identification, the TSA offers a service called TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee to verify identity. Children are also eligible to participate in the program but must be listed on their parent or guardian's application.
The launch of Gateside by TSA PreCheck follows the TSA's ongoing efforts to innovate the airport security experience. Earlier this summer, the agency began testing self-service identification checks for eligible travelers at several airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.