Visitors without a plane ticket can now pass through airport security at 13 U.S. airports under a new TSA program—but access is limited to approved members of trusted-traveler programs.
The Transportation Security Administration has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, giving eligible non-travelers single-day access to secure areas normally reserved for ticketed passengers.
Approved visitors can use the program to walk relatives or friends to their departure gate, welcome passengers as they arrive, meet someone during a long layover, or visit restaurants and stores beyond the security checkpoint.
The change revives part of an airport experience that largely disappeared after the September 11, 2001 attacks, when access beyond checkpoints became restricted primarily to passengers with boarding passes.
However, the new policy is not a general reopening of airport gates. Visitors must already be eligible for TSA PreCheck, apply in advance and complete security screening before entering the terminal’s restricted area.
How Gateside by TSA PreCheck works
Applicants must hold an active TSA PreCheck membership or have a Known Traveler Number through an eligible trusted-traveler program, such as Global Entry.
A pass request must generally be submitted through TSA between one and three days before the planned airport visit. Applicants need to sign in through a Login.gov account and provide the requested identity and visit information.
If approved, the authorization will appear in the applicant’s account dashboard. The visitor must then bring an acceptable form of identification and present the Gateside pass at the airport’s TSA PreCheck checkpoint.
The visitor will still undergo security screening. Standard restrictions covering prohibited items, conduct inside the terminal and access to controlled areas remain in effect.
There is no additional charge for a Gateside pass, although the visitor must already be enrolled in an eligible trusted-traveler program.
Approval is not guaranteed. Airports can restrict the number of passes issued each day, particularly during holidays, peak departure periods or other times when checkpoints are congested. Ticketed passengers will continue to receive priority.
Mesa Gateway Airport confirmed that TSA is responsible for the application, eligibility, approval and screening process. The airport also warned that availability may be limited during busy travel periods.
Which 13 airports allow non-ticketed visitors?
Gateside by TSA PreCheck is initially available at the following airports:
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) — Mesa, Arizona
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) — Columbus, Ohio
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) — Detroit, Michigan
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) — Wichita, Kansas
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) — Indianapolis, Indiana
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) — Las Vegas, Nevada
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — Los Angeles, California
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) — Little Rock, Arkansas
- Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) — Omaha, Nebraska
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) — San Diego, California
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) — Salt Lake City, Utah
The program could be particularly useful for people accompanying elderly relatives, saying goodbye to family members, meeting loved ones at their arrival gate or spending time with someone facing a long connection.
It may also provide additional customers for airport restaurants and shops located beyond security. At Mesa Gateway Airport, Executive Director and CEO J. Brian O’Neill said the program could allow visitors to have lunch with a loved one, walk them to their gate or meet them when they return.
This is not the first time non-ticketed visitors have been permitted beyond security since 9/11. Several airports have introduced their own visitor-pass programs in recent years. The new TSA initiative is different because it creates a TSA-managed access route for eligible PreCheck members at multiple participating airports.
The rollout also comes as TSA screening operations continue to attract attention. Swikblog previously reported on the TSA Gold+ airport security initiative and the impact of staffing shortages at major U.S. airports.
Travelers and visitors should confirm that their chosen airport still participates, check operating restrictions and apply through the official TSA website before making plans. Receiving a pass does not provide permission to board a flight, enter airline lounges without separate eligibility, bypass screening or access customs and other restricted federal areas.
Reporting is based on information published by the Transportation Security Administration and participating airport authorities. Program availability and requirements may change according to security and operational conditions.
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