What’s new
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a pilot program called “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” that allows eligible TSA PreCheck members who are not flying to pass through security and enter airport gate areas at participating U.S. airports. The move restores the ability for trusted travelers to greet arriving passengers or say goodbye at the gate — a practice largely restricted after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
How the program works
- Gateside access is available only to eligible TSA PreCheck members who apply online for a guest pass at least one day and no more than three days before their planned visit, and who receive approval before arriving at the airport.
- Approved guests may use a TSA PreCheck lane with an acceptable form of government-issued ID. Guests lacking acceptable ID may attempt verification through TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee; however, TSA does not guarantee identity verification success.
- Passes are valid for one calendar day; re-entry on that same day is permitted. Children can be included, but must be covered under the parent or guardian’s application. Other trusted-traveler program members with Known Traveler Numbers may also apply.
Initial rollout and participating airports
The pilot initially covers 13 airports, including major hubs such as Los Angeles International (LAX), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Salt Lake City (SLC) and Harry Reid International (LAS), along with San Diego (SAN), Phoenix-Mesa (AZA), John Glenn Columbus (CMH), Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower (ICT), Indianapolis International (IND), Bill and Hillary Clinton National (LIT), Will Rogers World (OKC) and Eppley Airfield (OMA). TSA said it plans to expand the program to additional airports in coming months.
Context and history
After 9/11, access past checkpoint areas was generally limited to ticketed passengers. Airlines could issue gate passes in limited circumstances, and some airports experimented with relaxed policies; for example, Pittsburgh International Airport adopted a program allowing non-ticketed visitors as early as 2017. Gateside by TSA PreCheck formalizes a new federal-level option that uses trusted-traveler vetting to restore some of those pre-9/11 social touchpoints like gate-side goodbyes and in-terminal reunions.
Security, privacy, and operational considerations
The pilot relies on identity vetting (PreCheck enrollment and optional ConfirmID) to balance access with security. Still, the rollout raises several policy and operational questions:
- Identity verification: ConfirmID offers a secondary verification route for guests without standard ID, but it carries a fee and is not guaranteed — potentially creating inconsistent entry experiences.
- Screening resources: Allowing additional non-ticketed persons through checkpoints could create queueing and staffing implications for airports and TSA, especially during peak travel periods.
- Privacy and data-sharing: Recent concerns and congressional inquiries about airlines’ sharing of passenger data with federal agencies underscore the sensitivity around traveler information. Programs that expand non-ticketed access may prompt renewed scrutiny of information-sharing practices and oversight.
- Equity and access: Because Gateside is limited to vetted travelers (PreCheck or other trusted-traveler program members), it restores gate access for a subset of the public rather than reinstating universal access to gates.
Reactions and likely next steps
Supporters argue the program restores meaningful personal interactions and improves the travel experience for families and friends without materially changing security when limited to vetted travelers. Critics and some lawmakers will likely press TSA and airports to publish data on how the pilot affects checkpoint wait times, passenger processing, and any security incidents tied to guest passes.
Operational rollout over the coming months will be important: TSA will need to monitor metrics (throughput, incident reports, identity-verification failure rates) and gather airport feedback before broader expansion.
How to apply (summary)
- Be an eligible TSA PreCheck or other trusted-traveler program member with a Known Traveler Number.
- Apply for a Gateside guest pass online at least one day and no more than three days before the planned visit.
- If approved, present an acceptable ID at a TSA PreCheck lane or attempt ConfirmID verification (fee applies for ConfirmID) if lacking standard ID.
Bottom line
Gateside by TSA PreCheck represents a cautious, incremental step toward restoring some pre-9/11 airport experiences for vetted travelers. The pilot’s success will hinge on execution: clear communications, efficient identity verification, and careful tracking of security and operational outcomes. Travelers interested in gate visits should review program rules and apply in advance if they qualify.
Sources
- TSA — official website (program announcement and program details)
- Fox Business (news coverage of Gateside rollout and participating airports)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (historical reference on airport guest-pass policies)
