The Transportation Security Administration has quietly launched a pilot program that revives a pre-9/11 ritual: walking a loved one to the gate without a ticket. Dubbed “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” the initiative allows approved non-ticketed visitors to pass through security and spend time in the secure terminal, offering a return to the days when anyone could greet or say goodbye at the gate.
Under the program, only travelers who are already enrolled in TSA PreCheck or possess a Known Traveler Number (KTN) are eligible to apply. Interested visitors must submit a request through the TSA's website one to three days before their intended visit. Once approved, they undergo the same security screening as ticketed passengers. However, access is not guaranteed: airports can cap the number of daily passes and may suspend the program at any time, particularly during peak travel periods.
The pilot is currently available at 13 airports across the country, including major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), Los Angeles International (LAX), Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), and San Diego International (SAN). Other participating airports include Mesa Gateway (AZA) in Arizona, John Glenn Columbus (CMH) in Ohio, Wichita Eisenhower (ICT) in Kansas, Indianapolis International (IND), Little Rock's Clinton National (LIT), Oklahoma City's Will Rogers (OKC), Omaha's Eppley Airfield (OMA), Salt Lake City International (SLC), and Bill and Hillary Clinton National (LIT) in Arkansas.
TSA officials emphasize that visitors are subject to the same code of conduct as ticketed passengers. Federal and local regulations, posted throughout the airport, apply to all individuals in the secure area. Violators risk having their pass revoked, being removed from the airport, or facing civil or criminal penalties.
The program marks a significant shift from the post-9/11 security landscape, where access to secure areas has been tightly restricted for more than two decades. For many frequent flyers and their families, the ability to share a meal or a final conversation before a flight is a welcome change. However, some security experts have raised concerns about expanding access to secure zones, even for vetted individuals.
TSA has not announced a timeline for expanding the program beyond the current 13 airports, but the agency says it will monitor the pilot's effectiveness and safety. For now, eligible travelers can apply for gateside passes through the TSA's website, though availability may be limited, especially during busy travel days.
This development comes as the TSA explores other innovations, such as privatized screening at select airports, reflecting a broader effort to balance security with passenger convenience. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to debate broader aviation policy, including government funding measures that could affect TSA operations.
For those interested in using the program, it's advisable to apply well in advance and have a backup plan if passes are unavailable. The TSA also reminds visitors that they must comply with all posted rules and regulations, just like any passenger.
