California airports to allow non-flyers past security gates in new TSA pilot program

Live updates

1. 45m ago

   TSA Gateside program allows non-passengers past security at 13 airports

   The Transportation Security Administration now permits eligible non-travelers to pass through security checkpoints at 13 U.S. airports without a plane ticket. This Gateside program allows approved individuals to reach airport gates to meet or say goodbye to passengers. Participating locations include airports in California, Utah, Arizona, and Ohio, specifically including John Glenn International, Mesa Gateway, and Salt Lake City. Access is restricted to eligible individuals, including those with TSA PreCheck.

   Why it matters

   This policy represents a shift in security protocols by reviving practices that existed before the September 11 attacks. It allows non-flyers into secure terminal areas that were previously restricted to ticket holders.

   What is confirmed

   • The TSA Gateside program allows eligible non-travelers to pass through airport security without a plane ticket at 13 airports.
   • Participating airports include sites in California, Utah, Arizona, and Ohio.
   • The program allows non-passengers to access post-security areas to greet or bid farewell to travelers.
   • Participating locations include Salt Lake City, Mesa Gateway, and John Glenn International airports.

   What to watch next

   • Expansion of the pilot program to additional U.S. airports
   • Official TSA guidelines on the specific eligibility criteria for non-travelers
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. thepointsguy.com — You can now go through TSA without a plane ticket at these airports
   2. townhall.com — The TSA Is Rolling Out New Rules About Who Can Access Airport Gates. Here's What We Know.
   3. www.consumeraffairs.com — TSA will allow non-travelers through security at some airports
   4. aviationweek.com — Non-Passengers Gain Post-Security Airport Access In New TSA Program
   confidence 100%
2. 1d ago

   TSA Pilot Program Lets Non-Flyers Past Security

   The Transportation Security Administration has launched a pilot program that permits approved individuals without plane tickets to pass through security checkpoints and reach airport gates. Designated as Gateside by TSA PreCheck, the initiative is currently available at 13 airports across the United States, including sites in California, Utah, Arizona, and Ohio. Participating locations feature facilities such as Salt Lake City, Mesa Gateway, and John Glenn International airports. Visitors must secure proper approval to enter these secure terminal areas to greet or bid farewell to travelers.

   Why it matters

   This pilot program rolls back protocols put in place after 9/11 that restricted secure terminal access exclusively to ticketed passengers. By allowing non-flyers past security checkpoints, the program facilitates reunions and farewells at the gate, and opens up airport amenities like restaurants to the public. The initiative spans multiple states, incorporating select regional and major air hubs.

   What is confirmed

   • The TSA launched a pilot program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck allowing non-travelers past security.
   • The program is currently available at 13 airports across the United States.
   • People without plane tickets can go through security at select airports, rolling back protocols put in place after 9/11.

   What to watch next

   • Expansion of the Gateside by TSA PreCheck pilot program to additional airports
   • Official release of the full list of participating airports across all states
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. abcnews.com — TSA launches program allowing non-travelers past security
   2. san.com — Can’t decide where to go for dinner? Add the airport to your list
   3. abcnews4.com — New TSA program lets non-flyers through airport security
   4. www.floridatoday.com — TSA letting some non-travelers past security. Any Florida airports?
   5. news3lv.com — DHS asks SCOTUS to restore immigrant verification system to check citizenship for midterms
   confidence 100%
3. 3d ago

   TSA pilot program allows non-flyers past security at 13 US airports

   The TSA has launched a pilot program allowing approved non-passengers to pass through security checkpoints to accompany loved ones to airport gates. This initiative is currently active at 13 US airports, including sites in California, Utah, Arizona, and Ohio. The program enables visitors without tickets to facilitate reunions and farewells at the gate. Participating locations include Salt Lake City, Mesa Gateway, and John Glenn International airports. Visitors must be approved to enter the secure terminal areas.

   Why it matters

   This initiative represents a shift from security protocols established after the September 11 attacks. Previously, only ticketed passengers were permitted past security gates. The program tests whether loosening these curbs can improve the passenger experience without compromising safety.

   What is confirmed

   • The TSA is allowing approved non-passengers to pass through security at 13 US airports.
   • Salt Lake City airport is permitting gateside reunions and farewells under the new program.
   • John Glenn International Airport in Columbus has joined the GateSide by TSA PreCheck program.
   • Mesa Gateway Airport is testing the program to allow non-passengers at gates.
   • Airports in California are participating in the TSA pilot program.

   What to watch next

   • Expansion of the pilot program to additional US airports
   • TSA reports on security impact and passenger volume from the 13 test sites
   • Permanent policy changes regarding non-passenger gate access
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. nypost.com — California airports to allow non-flyers past security gates in new TSA pilot program
   2. The Columbus Dispatch — TSA to allow visitors without tickets past security at Columbus airport
   3. WSYX — John Glenn International Airport joins new GateSide by TSA PreCheck program
   4. ABC15 Arizona — Mesa Gateway Airport tests TSA PreCheck program allowing non-passengers at gates
   5. ABC4 Utah — SLC airport to allow gateside reunions and farewells under new TSA program
   6. KPCW — New SLC airport program allows visitors through TSA no ticket needed
   7. People.com — This Airport May Reverse a Post-9/11 Policy So Passengers Can Say Goodbye to Loved Ones at the Gate
   8. nxsmediawire.com — TSA now allowing non-ticketed visitors into terminals at several U.S. airports
   9. www.newsweek.com — TSA Launches Major Airport Security Change, Loosening Post-9/11 Curbs
   confidence 100%