TSA Launches Gateside PreCheck Program Allowing Non-Ticketed Visitors Beyond Security at 13 US Airports

The Transportation Security Administration has launched its new "Gateside by TSA PreCheck" pilot initiative, permitting pre-approved non-ticketed visitors to pass security checkpoints at 13 participating United States airports to meet arriving travelers, send off departing family members, or spend time in secure terminal concourses.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a security clearance program designed to restore gate-side welcomes and send-offs across selected domestic airports. Under the initiative, eligible non-flying visitors who hold an active TSA PreCheck membership or Known Traveler Number (KTN) can apply for advance authorization to enter airport secure areas without purchasing an airline ticket.

The phased rollout launches across 13 geographically diverse US airports, spanning major international hubs like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to regional gateways like Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). Approved visitors pass through standard TSA PreCheck lanes, utilizing Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) units for digital identity verification before accessing post-security dining, shopping, and gate lounges.

Gateside Program Parameter	TSA Policy Rule / Operational Standard	Strategic Aviation Impact
Program Name	Gateside by TSA PreCheck	Controlled non-passenger gate concourse access
Initial Airport Scope	13 US Commercial Airports	Geographically balanced pilot testing
Target Applicant Group	Active TSA PreCheck / KTN Members	Restricted to pre-screened trusted travelers
Application Window	1 to 3 Days (24 to 72 Hours) prior to visit	Advance background & security processing
Identity Verification	CAT-2 Digital Readers & Real-time Photo	High-accuracy biometric credential checking
Accompanying Minors	Children allowed when included on application	Facilitates family reunions & elder assistance

Complete Roster of 13 Participating US Airports

The initial 13 airports taking part in the Gateside rollout represent a mix of international connecting hubs, coastal destinations, and regional transport centers:

            Gateside by TSA PreCheck Initial 13 Airport Network
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ West Coast & Southwest: LAX (Los Angeles), SAN (San Diego), AZA (Mesa) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Mountain & Central Hubs: SLC (Salt Lake City), LAS (Las Vegas), DFW     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Midwest & Plains: DTW (Detroit), IND (Indianapolis), CMH (Columbus),    │
│ OMA (Omaha), ICT (Wichita)                                              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ South & Central: OKC (Oklahoma City), LIT (Little Rock)                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

1. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) — Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona
2. John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) — Columbus, Ohio
3. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
4. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) — Detroit, Michigan
5. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) — Wichita, Kansas
6. Indianapolis International Airport (IND) — Indianapolis, Indiana
7. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) — Las Vegas, Nevada
8. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — Los Angeles, California
9. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) — Little Rock, Arkansas
10. Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
11. Eppley Airfield (OMA) — Omaha, Nebraska
12. San Diego International Airport (SAN) — San Diego, California
13. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) — Salt Lake City, Utah

Airport Name	IATA Code	City & State	Operational Gateway Context
Los Angeles International	LAX	Los Angeles, California	Primary Pacific long-haul international hub
Dallas Fort Worth	DFW	Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas	Major interior connecting hub & multi-terminal complex
San Diego International	SAN	San Diego, California	Busy Southern California coastal destination
Salt Lake City International	SLC	Salt Lake City, Utah	Mountain West connecting hub
Detroit Metropolitan	DTW	Detroit, Michigan	Major Midwest domestic & international gateway
Harry Reid International	LAS	Las Vegas, Nevada	High-density leisure & convention destination
John Glenn Columbus	CMH	Columbus, Ohio	Metropolitan capital city airport
Indianapolis International	IND	Indianapolis, Indiana	Midwest business & sporting event hub
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway	AZA	Mesa, Arizona	Growing East Valley regional airport
Will Rogers World Airport	OKC	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	Central regional transit hub
Eppley Airfield	OMA	Omaha, Nebraska	Serving Nebraska, Iowa & Great Plains
Wichita Eisenhower	ICT	Wichita, Kansas	Kansas commercial & aviation manufacturing center
Clinton National Airport	LIT	Little Rock, Arkansas	Arkansas capital regional gateway

Gateside Application Rules: TSA PreCheck Eligibility, Advance Booking, and Screening

Access under the Gateside initiative is subject to strict advance approval and identity verification.

       Gateside by TSA PreCheck Application & Gate Access Sequence
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 1: Verify Active TSA PreCheck / KTN Status                         │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 2: Submit Online Application 1–3 Days (24–72 Hrs) Prior to Visit   │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 3: Receive Official TSA Gateside Digital Approval Confirmation     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 4: Present Valid ID at TSA PreCheck Lane (CAT-2 Reader Check)     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Step 5: Complete Security Screening & Enter Secure Concourse           │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Application Step-by-Step Guidance

• Advance Timing: Applicants must submit their request via the TSA website between 1 and 3 days (24 to 72 hours) before the intended airport visit. Same-day walk-up authorization is not permitted.
• Credential Checking: Approved visitors must bring valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport). At the checkpoint, TSA officers verify identity using Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) units equipped with cameras for real-time facial matching.
• Screening Standards: Gateside visitors undergo standard TSA PreCheck security screening (leaving shoes, light jackets, and 3-1-1 liquids in bags).
• Limitations: Gateside pass approval does not grant flight boarding rights. Passes are temporary, single-visit permissions restricted to designated terminal areas.

Application Requirement	Rule / Policy Standard	Traveler Compliance Advice
Eligibility Requirement	Must hold active TSA PreCheck / KTN	Standard public visitors without KTN cannot apply
Application Window	24 to 72 hours prior to visit	Plan ahead; no walk-up approvals granted at airport
Identification Required	REAL ID-compliant License or Passport	Standard driver's licenses without REAL ID star invalid
Minor Children Protocol	Minors included under adult application	Must be registered on guardian's advance request

Parallel Security Update: Federal REAL ID Enforcement Mandate

Alongside the Gateside rollout, TSA has re-issued critical security reminders regarding federal REAL ID enforcement:

• REAL ID Requirement: Passengers aged 18 and older flying domestically must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a star in the upper-right corner) or another TSA-accepted photo ID (such as a U.S. passport).
• PreCheck Non-Exemption: Holding a TSA PreCheck membership does not exempt travelers from REAL ID rules.
• Territories Reminders: TSA Federal Security Officers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands emphasize that non-compliant licenses will lead to secondary screening or boarding denial once full enforcement takes effect.

ID Document Category	Compliant for Air Travel / Gateside	Identification Marking Standard
REAL ID Driver's License	Compliant	Gold / Black Star in upper-right corner
U.S. Passport / Passport Card	Compliant	Standard valid federal passport
Standard State Driver's License	NON-COMPLIANT	Lacks REAL ID star marking
Global Entry / SENTRI Card	Compliant	DHS trusted traveler photo ID card

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TSA Gateside program?

Gateside by TSA PreCheck is a pilot initiative that allows approved non-ticketed visitors holding TSA PreCheck or Known Traveler Numbers to pass through security checkpoints and access gate areas to meet arriving travelers or see off departing passengers.

How far in advance must I apply for a Gateside pass?

Eligible participants must apply online through the TSA website between 1 and 3 days (24 to 72 hours) before their planned airport visit. Same-day applications at the airport are not accepted.

Does having TSA PreCheck automatically allow me to walk past security without a ticket?

No. TSA PreCheck membership makes you eligible to apply, but you must complete the specific Gateside application process and receive official advance approval before arriving at the airport.

Which US airports currently offer the Gateside program?

The initial rollout includes 13 airports: LAX (Los Angeles), DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth), SAN (San Diego), SLC (Salt Lake City), DTW (Detroit), LAS (Las Vegas), CMH (Columbus), IND (Indianapolis), AZA (Mesa), OKC (Oklahoma City), OMA (Omaha), ICT (Wichita), and LIT (Little Rock).

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