TSA now lets some people without plane tickets walk through security and reach the gates at 13 U.S. airports. The new program, called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, restores a pre-9/11 tradition that disappeared for most travelers after the attacks 25 years ago. Eligible visitors can greet arriving passengers, say goodbye at the gate, meet friends during layovers, or simply use restaurants and shops beyond the checkpoint.
I remember the old days of walking a relative all the way to the jet bridge. After 2001 that stopped at the security line for almost everyone. This limited return feels like a small but meaningful shift for families who value those final moments together.
What Is Gateside by TSA PreCheck and Who Can Use It?
Gateside by TSA PreCheck is a free pilot program that gives approved non-ticketed visitors access to the secure side of participating airports. You must already hold TSA PreCheck benefits or another eligible Known Traveler Number (KTN) from a trusted traveler program.
The pass is valid for one calendar day. You can re-enter the secure area multiple times that same day. You still go through standard TSA screening in the PreCheck lane and must present an acceptable form of identification such as a Real ID or passport. The pass does not allow you to board any aircraft.
TSA describes it as an exclusive benefit for its most trusted travelers. Official details appear on the agency’s page at tsa.gov/precheck/gateside-tsa-precheck.
Which Airports Offer Gateside Access Right Now?
The program launched in early September 2026 at these 13 airports:
| Airport | Code | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mesa Gateway Airport | AZA | Arizona |
| John Glenn Columbus International | CMH | Ohio |
| Dallas Fort Worth International | DFW | Texas |
| Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County | DTW | Michigan |
| Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National | ICT | Kansas |
| Indianapolis International | IND | Indiana |
| Harry Reid International | LAS | Nevada |
| Los Angeles International | LAX | California |
| Bill and Hillary Clinton National | LIT | Arkansas |
| Will Rogers International | OKC | Oklahoma |
| Eppley Airfield | OMA | Nebraska |
| San Diego International | SAN | California |
| Salt Lake City International | SLC | Utah |
TSA plans a phased expansion to more airports in the coming months. Check the official list before you apply, because participation can change.
How to Apply for a Gateside Pass Step by Step
Apply online between one and three days before your planned visit. Earlier or later requests are not accepted.
- Log in or create a Login.gov account.
- Enter your Known Traveler Number and basic personal details that match your ID.
- Submit the request for the specific airport and date.
- Wait for approval notification in your dashboard.
- Print or save the approval confirmation.
Bring your approved pass status (on phone or paper) and acceptable ID to the airport. Head to a TSA PreCheck lane. Officers may ask you to show the digital approval. Children under 18 can often accompany an approved adult at no extra cost, but confirm details when you apply.
Also read – Why TSA TSA Wait Times Are 5 Hours Long And The Trick to Not
Airports set daily limits on the number of passes. During peak travel periods the daily quota can fill quickly, so apply as soon as the window opens.
What You Can and Cannot Do with a Gateside Pass
You can:
- Walk someone to their departure gate.
- Meet an arriving passenger at the gate.
- Join a traveler for a meal during a long layover.
- Shop or dine in the secure terminal.
- Re-enter the secure area the same day if needed.
You cannot:
- Board any flight.
- Use the pass at non-participating airports.
- Skip security screening.
- Bring prohibited items.
Violating airport rules or security requirements can lead to the pass being revoked and possible civil or criminal penalties. Stay within the secure area only for legitimate purposes listed by TSA.
Why This Change Matters After 25 Years
Before September 11, 2001, non-ticketed visitors routinely accompanied travelers to the gate. Post-attack security rules restricted the sterile area to ticketed passengers and a narrow group of authorized people. Gateside carefully reopens that access only for people who have already passed a background check through TSA PreCheck or similar programs.
The timing, just after the 25th anniversary of the attacks, underscores how carefully the agency is testing the idea. Early usage at some airports remains modest—dozens of visitors per day rather than hundreds—showing a controlled rollout focused on safety and capacity.
Practical Tips from Someone Who Has Used Similar Access
Apply the moment the one-to-three-day window opens. Daily caps are real and can close without notice during holidays or big events.
Double-check that your KTN is active and matches the name on your ID exactly. Mismatches cause automatic denial.
Arrive earlier than you think you need. Even with PreCheck, a first-time Gateside visit can involve extra questions at the checkpoint.
If you are meeting an international arrival, confirm the gate assignment in advance. Some international arrivals still clear customs before reaching the public gate area.
Keep your phone charged. You may need to display the approval status more than once.
I recently helped a friend navigate the process for a send-off at one of the listed airports. The online steps took less than ten minutes once the Login.gov account was ready. Watching the family walk together past the checkpoint felt like a small return of normalcy that many of us had quietly missed.
What Happens Next for Gateside Expansion
TSA is evaluating the pilot based on usage, security outcomes, and airport feedback. The agency has stated it will expand in phases. If your preferred airport is not yet listed, monitor the official Gateside page for updates. Enrollment in TSA PreCheck itself remains the foundation—without a valid KTN you cannot apply.
For the latest rules and the current list of airports, go directly to the TSA site rather than third-party summaries. Rules can tighten or expand based on operational experience.
This limited reopening of gate access gives families and friends a practical way to share a few more minutes at the airport. Apply early, follow the rules exactly, and the process works smoothly. The days of saying goodbye only at the security line are no longer the only option at these 13 airports.
