The Transportation Security Administration has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck at 13 U.S. airports. Eligible people with TSA PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number can request a free pass to enter the secure side of a participating terminal without a boarding pass. The program can be used to meet an arriving traveler, accompany someone to a departure gate or visit airport restaurants and shops.
Key facts
- Initial rollout: 13 U.S. airports.
- Eligibility: TSA PreCheck benefits plus a Known Traveler Number.
- Application window: one to three days before the visit.
- Price: no additional fee for the Gateside pass.
- A pass provides secure-area access, not permission to board a flight.
Timeline
Early September 2026 — Gateside applications open at 13 airports. One to three days before a visit — eligible applicants request a pass. On the approved date — the visitor presents identification and the approval at a TSA PreCheck lane. Next — TSA evaluates the pilot and may add airports.
The pilot restores a limited form of gateside access that most U.S. airports reserve for ticketed passengers and people with special escort needs. It is especially useful for families meeting an arriving relative, seeing off a traveler who would benefit from company or spending time with someone during a layover. It does not create a general right to enter any airport terminal beyond security.
The immediate operational question is whether extra visitors change checkpoint demand at participating airports. TSA says it is assessing the program before expanding to more locations, so airport additions—not viral claims of nationwide access—are the useful signal to watch.
What happened?
Applications are open for visits at Los Angeles, Dallas Fort Worth, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix-Mesa, Columbus, Detroit, Wichita, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Omaha and Salt Lake City airports. Applicants submit a request through TSA between one and three days before the planned visit. Approval appears in the applicant's account, and an approved visitor brings acceptable identification and uses a TSA PreCheck lane.
Why it matters
The pilot restores a limited form of gateside access that most U.S. airports reserve for ticketed passengers and people with special escort needs. It is especially useful for families meeting an arriving relative, seeing off a traveler who would benefit from company or spending time with someone during a layover. It does not create a general right to enter any airport terminal beyond security.
Background
The Transportation Security Administration has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck at 13 U.S. airports. Eligible people with TSA PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number can request a free pass to enter the secure side of a participating terminal without a boarding pass. The program can be used to meet an arriving traveler, accompany someone to a departure gate or visit airport restaurants and shops.
Who wins?
PreCheck members at the 13 participating airports gain a practical new use for their existing vetting, while arriving and departing travelers can receive help or company closer to the gate. Airport restaurants and shops may also see visits from approved local guests.
Who loses?
People without PreCheck benefits are not eligible for the federal pilot, and travelers at airports outside the initial list receive no new access from this program. A pending application is not permission to enter the checkpoint, and TSA can deny access.
Market impact
The immediate operational question is whether extra visitors change checkpoint demand at participating airports. TSA says it is assessing the program before expanding to more locations, so airport additions—not viral claims of nationwide access—are the useful signal to watch.
Nivegu analysis
Gateside is best understood as a controlled visitor-pass test, not a rollback of airport security. Every approved visitor still passes through screening, must follow prohibited-item rules and receives access only for the approved airport visit. Some airports operate separate guest-pass programs with different eligibility and screening rules, so travelers should use the program named by their airport rather than assume the TSA pilot applies everywhere.
Different viewpoints
PreCheck members at the 13 participating airports gain a practical new use for their existing vetting, while arriving and departing travelers can receive help or company closer to the gate. Airport restaurants and shops may also see visits from approved local guests.
People without PreCheck benefits are not eligible for the federal pilot, and travelers at airports outside the initial list receive no new access from this program. A pending application is not permission to enter the checkpoint, and TSA can deny access.
What are you still wondering?
Answers will use this briefing and its cited sources.Sources and further reading
01TSA — Gateside by TSA PreCheck↗02ABC News — TSA launches Gateside program↗03Axios Salt Lake City — Gateside begins at SLC↗Questions, answered.
What is the short version?
The Transportation Security Administration has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck at 13 U.S. airports. Eligible people with TSA PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number can request a free pass to enter the secure side of a participating terminal without a boarding pass. The program can be used to meet an arriving traveler, accompany someone to a departure gate or visit airport restaurants and shops.
Why does this matter now?
The pilot restores a limited form of gateside access that most U.S. airports reserve for ticketed passengers and people with special escort needs. It is especially useful for families meeting an arriving relative, seeing off a traveler who would benefit from company or spending time with someone during a layover. It does not create a general right to enter any airport terminal beyond security.
What should readers watch next?
The immediate operational question is whether extra visitors change checkpoint demand at participating airports. TSA says it is assessing the program before expanding to more locations, so airport additions—not viral claims of nationwide access—are the useful signal to watch.
