A new TSA program means you can get through security without a plane ticket at some airports
The Transportation Security Administration is piloting a program called Gateside that permits eligible TSA PreCheck members to pass through security checkpoints without a plane ticket. This free initiative allows specific individuals to access terminal and gate areas at 13 participating U.S. airports, including Mesa Gateway and Harry Reid International. While the program opens gate access to non-fliers, it is not available to the general public. The move brings back some security practices that existed before the September 11 attacks.
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- ✓ The Gateside program allows eligible non-travelers to pass through security without a plane ticket at 13 airports.
- ✓ Participating locations include Harry Reid International Airport and Mesa Gateway Airport.
- ✓ The program is free of charge.
- ✓ Eligible TSA PreCheck members can use the program to enter gate areas.
What changed
The program specifically limits gate access to eligible TSA PreCheck members.
Live updates
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TSA Gateside Program Allows Eligible Non-Travelers Past Security
The Transportation Security Administration is piloting a program called Gateside that permits eligible TSA PreCheck members to pass through security checkpoints without a plane ticket. This free initiative allows specific individuals to access terminal and gate areas at 13 participating U.S. airports, including Mesa Gateway and Harry Reid International. While the program opens gate access to non-fliers, it is not available to the general public. The move brings back some security practices that existed before the September 11 attacks.
Why it matters
Standard airport security rules typically require a boarding pass for checkpoint entry. This pilot program tests whether known travelers can be granted access without an active flight. Frequent flyers are currently divided over the rule change.
What is confirmed
- The Gateside program allows eligible non-travelers to pass through security without a plane ticket at 13 airports.
- Participating locations include Harry Reid International Airport and Mesa Gateway Airport.
- The program is free of charge.
- Eligible TSA PreCheck members can use the program to enter gate areas.
Still unconfirmed
- The liquid ban is facing a major shake-up.
What to watch next
- Expansion of the pilot to additional U.S. airports
- Official TSA criteria for eligibility beyond PreCheck membership
- Feedback from frequent flyers regarding security impact
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- thepointsguy.com — You can now go through TSA without a plane ticket at these airports
- www.consumeraffairs.com — TSA will allow non-travelers through security at some airports
- www.newsday.com — New TSA PreCheck program allows gate access without tickets
- www.dailymail.com — TSA tears up America's best-known airport rules: People WITHOUT tickets can return to gates as liquid ban faces major shake-up
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TSA program allows non-travelers past security at airports
A new Transportation Security Administration program grants non-travelers access past airport security checkpoints to terminal and gate areas without needing an airline ticket. The pilot program, named Gateside by TSA PreCheck, is free of charge but restricted to specific airports and individuals. Participating locations include Harry Reid International Airport and Mesa Gateway Airport, with a total of 13 specific airports testing the non-ticketed gate access. The initiative permits certain individuals to move through checkpoints and reach gates, though it remains closed to general airport visitors who do not meet the criteria.
Why it matters
Airport terminals traditionally restrict secure side entry strictly to ticketed passengers and badged employees due to aviation security regulations. Opening terminal gates to non-travelers bridges policy changes for visitors wishing to greet family members at gates or access terminal amenities. The pilot program extends PreCheck utility beyond active flyers to enrolled members.
What is confirmed
- The TSA launched a program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck allowing non-travelers past security.
- The program lets members enter secure terminal areas without a flight at 13 specific airports.
- Harry Reid International Airport and Mesa Gateway Airport are participating in the new pilot program.
- The program is free but not open to every airport visitor.
What to watch next
- Expansion of the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program to additional airports beyond the initial 13 locations.
- Further announcements from the TSA regarding eligibility criteria for non-travelers.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- ny1.com — Hundreds of flights canceled at NYC airports due to weather
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — TSA launches program allowing non-travelers past security
- FOX5 Vegas — Here’s how to enter Harry Reid International Airport terminals without an airline ticket
- news3lv.com — Former pilot weighs potential impact of new TSA program
- Business Insider — A new TSA program means you can get through security without a plane ticket at some airports
- The Hill — TSA now allowing non-ticketed visitors into terminals at several US airports
- www.ntd.com — New TSA Program Allows Non-Passengers Past Airport Security
- abcnews4.com — New TSA program lets non-flyers through airport security
- www.floridatoday.com — TSA letting some non-travelers past security. Any Florida airports?
- www.fox10phoenix.com — Mesa Gateway Airport tests non-ticketed gate access
- www.wsoctv.com — TSA clears Gateside, allows PreCheck members without flights to pass through security
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