TSA has launched a new program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck that lets eligible non-travelers pass through airport security and enter the secure terminal. The pilot currently operates at 13 U.S. airports and is designed for people who already hold TSA PreCheck benefits or a Known Traveler Number.
You can now walk a family member to their gate, greet someone arriving, meet a friend during a layover, or simply use the restaurants and shops beyond the checkpoint—without holding a boarding pass yourself.
This marks a clear shift from the tight restrictions that have limited non-ticketed access since 2001. For many families, the ability to say goodbye at the actual gate rather than at the security line feels like a return to a more personal way of traveling.
Which Airports Currently Offer Gateside by TSA PreCheck?
The program is available right now at these 13 airports:
| Airport | Code | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles International | LAX | California |
| Dallas Fort Worth International | DFW | Texas |
| Harry Reid International | LAS | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| San Diego International | SAN | California |
| Phoenix-Mesa Gateway | AZA | Arizona |
| John Glenn Columbus International | CMH | Ohio |
| Detroit Metropolitan | DTW | Michigan |
| Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower | ICT | Kansas |
| Indianapolis International | IND | Indiana |
| Bill and Hillary Clinton National | LIT | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Will Rogers World | OKC | Oklahoma City |
| Eppley Airfield | OMA | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Salt Lake City International | SLC | Utah |
TSA is evaluating the pilot and plans to expand it to more airports in the coming months.
Who Can Apply for a Gateside Pass?
Only people who already have TSA PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number qualify. The pass itself is free.
Children can participate if a parent or guardian includes them on the same application. Visitors who lack an acceptable form of identification can use TSA ConfirmID for identity verification at a $45 fee.
The program is not open to the general public. It is limited to those who have already completed the background check required for PreCheck or similar trusted-traveler programs.
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How Do You Get a Gateside Pass Step by Step?
The process is straightforward and must be completed in advance:
- Apply online through the official Gateside portal between one and three days before your planned visit.
- Provide the required personal details and your Known Traveler Number.
- Wait for approval. The pass is valid only for the specific date and visit you requested.
- On the day of your visit, bring acceptable photo identification and your Gateside approval.
- Proceed through a TSA PreCheck security lane.
Once inside the secure area, the same rules that apply to ticketed passengers apply to you. You cannot board an aircraft with a Gateside pass.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Gateside Visit
Apply early. Availability can be limited on busy travel days, and last-minute requests are not accepted.
Bring the exact ID you used when you enrolled in PreCheck. Mismatched documents cause delays.
Plan extra time for security even though you will use the PreCheck lane. Screening still occurs.
Check the airport’s terminal map in advance so you know which gates or restaurants you want to reach.
If you are meeting a traveler, confirm their arrival or departure time and gate number before you leave home. Airport information can change quickly.
Keep your phone charged. You may need to show digital approval or communicate with the person you are meeting.
Many first-time users report that the experience feels surprisingly normal once you clear the checkpoint. The main difference is the advance planning required.
Why TSA Introduced This Program Now
For more than two decades, non-ticketed visitors were largely barred from secure areas. Airlines sometimes issued limited gate passes for specific situations such as accompanying minors or passengers with disabilities, but general access remained restricted.
Gateside by TSA PreCheck creates a controlled, pre-vetted pathway. Because participants already hold a Known Traveler Number, the agency can apply existing security protocols while restoring some of the family and social moments that once defined airport farewells and greetings.
The program also supports airport businesses by allowing more people to access post-security dining and retail.
What This Means for Everyday Travelers and Families
If you regularly drop off or pick up loved ones at one of the 13 airports, Gateside can change the experience. Instead of saying goodbye at the crowded security entrance, you can walk together to the gate. Instead of waiting in the public arrivals hall, you can meet someone closer to their aircraft.
The change is still limited. Most U.S. airports do not yet participate. Eligibility is restricted to PreCheck holders. Advance approval is mandatory.
For those who qualify and live near or travel through the listed airports, the option restores a simple human connection that many people missed.
Bottom Line
TSA’s new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program allows eligible non-travelers to pass security and reach the gate area at 13 U.S. airports. The pass is free, requires advance online approval one to three days ahead, and is limited to people with TSA PreCheck or a Known Traveler Number.
Check whether your local airport is on the list, apply early if you qualify, and bring proper identification. The program is still in its pilot phase, with expansion expected in the months ahead.
For official details and the application link, visit the TSA Gateside by TSA PreCheck page.
