Bored and looking for something to do? Maybe go check out the shops and restaurants at the airport. At a select few, you no longer need a plane ticket to get past security.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) unveiled Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a free program that allows people already enrolled in PreCheck or who have a Known Traveler Number to visit the airport and go through security without a plane ticket.
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It’s a change from strict security policies implemented after the Sept. 11 attacks, which created standardized security checkpoints at every commercial airport and ended open access to gates. Airlines could still issue gate passes in limited circumstances — like walking a child flying alone to their gate or assisting a person with a disability.
Just 13 airports are part of the initial phase of the Gateside pilot program. They are:
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona.
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio.
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas.
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan.
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas.
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana.
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California.
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas.
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma.
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska.
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah.
The TSA said additional airports across the country would be added to the program in the coming months.
How does Gateside work?
Eligible individuals will have to apply through the Gateside by TSA PreCheck portal between one and three days before their intended visit — so no spontaneous visits to the airport. Children can also come along if they’re added to the application before visiting.
The passes, once granted, are valid for a full day, and pass holders can come and go from the airport as much as they’d like on that day. People will go through the TSA PreCheck lane at the airport and show an officer an acceptable ID — think REAL ID or passport — and their approved pass in the portal. Screenshots won’t be allowed, and pass holders won’t be able to use the touchless ID lanes, even if they’re enrolled in that program. After passing through airport security with other travelers, pass holders can enter the terminal and visit shops and restaurants like ticketed passengers.
The TSA said people may not be able to use the Gateside program during peak travel times — when security might be backed up and the terminal full of passengers. Airports will also be able to limit the number of Gateside passes granted each day.
At least 20 U.S. airports already operated their own local visitor pass programs before the federal Gateside pilot launched.
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