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New TSA PreCheck Program Lets Non-Travelers Go Beyond Airport Security at 13 Airports

The TSA is piloting the Gateside program at 13 U.S. airports, including Reid International, Columbus, Salt Lake City, and Mesa Gateway. Eligible trusted travelers and their children can obtain a free, one-day pass to clear security without a boarding pass. This allows non-passengers to access airport lounges or meet people at arriving and departing gates. The program provides a controlled method for non-ticketed guests to enter secure areas, a practice that was largely banned for 25 years.

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What changed

Reid International is identified as one of the 13 participating airports.

Live updates

  1. TSA Gateside Pilot Lets Non-Travelers Access Gates at 13 Airports

    The TSA is piloting the Gateside program at 13 U.S. airports, including Reid International, Columbus, Salt Lake City, and Mesa Gateway. Eligible trusted travelers and their children can obtain a free, one-day pass to clear security without a boarding pass. This allows non-passengers to access airport lounges or meet people at arriving and departing gates. The program provides a controlled method for non-ticketed guests to enter secure areas, a practice that was largely banned for 25 years.

    Why it matters

    Before the September 11 attacks, people without tickets could generally accompany passengers to their gates. This pilot tests a modern, secure return to that practice. It targets trusted travelers to maintain security while increasing terminal accessibility.

    What is confirmed

    • The TSA Gateside program allows eligible non-travelers to pass through security without a plane ticket at 13 airports.
    • Participating locations include Reid International, Columbus, Salt Lake City, and Mesa Gateway airports.
    • The program allows trusted travelers and their children to access airport gates.

    What to watch next

    • Expansion of the pilot to additional U.S. airports
    • Official TSA criteria for eligibility to become a trusted traveler for Gateside passes
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.floridatoday.com — TSA letting some non-travelers past security. Any Florida airports?
    2. thepointsguy.com — You can now go through TSA without a plane ticket at these airports
    3. www.reviewjournal.com — No plane ticket? New TSA program allows you to go to the gate
    4. www.nbcchicago.com — TSA to let non-ticketed guests past security, visit gates at 13 US airports: See where
    confidence 100%

  2. TSA PreCheck Members Can Now Access Airport Gates Without Tickets

    The TSA is testing a pilot program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck at 13 U.S. airports. This initiative allows eligible non-travelers to obtain a free, one-day pass to clear security without a boarding pass. Approved visitors can enter secure areas to access lounges or meet arriving and departing passengers at their gates. Participating locations include Columbus, Salt Lake City, and Mesa Gateway airports. The program provides a controlled way for non-passengers to enter terminals, a practice that was largely banned for 25 years.

    Why it matters

    Strict security protocols implemented after the September 11, 2001 attacks previously barred non-ticketed individuals from secure areas. This program marks a shift in those restrictions. The TSA is using a pilot phase to evaluate the effect of allowing non-travelers back into passenger zones.

    What is confirmed

    • The Gateside by TSA PreCheck program is being tested at 13 U.S. airports.
    • Approved visitors without airline tickets can pass through security to enter secure passenger areas.
    • The program allows non-travelers to meet arriving or departing passengers at their gates.
    • The initiative reverses security restrictions introduced after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The program provides access to airport lounges for PreCheck members.
    • The program is not yet available at airports in Houston.

    What to watch next

    • Expansion of the pilot program to additional U.S. airports
    • Official TSA report on the security impact of the pilot phase
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. simpleflying.com — TSA’s New Gatecheck Program Lets PreCheck Members Pass Security Without Flying
    2. www.click2houston.com — New TSA program lets non-travelers meet loved ones at airport gates, but not yet in Houston
    3. www.baltimoresun.com — Former pilot weighs potential effect of Gateside by TSA PreCheck program
    4. www.pattayamail.com — US airports open Gateside access to non-ticketed visitors after 25 years
    confidence 95%

  3. TSA Launches Gateside Program for Non-Ticketed Visitors at 13 Airports

    The TSA has launched a program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck that allows people without plane tickets to pass through security at 13 U.S. airports. The initiative enables non-travelers to access terminals for gate-side reunions and farewells. Participating locations include Columbus, Salt Lake City, and Mesa Gateway airports. This shift allows visitors to enter secure areas of the terminal without a boarding pass, a change in security protocols that were previously tightened following the events of September 11.

    Why it matters

    This program represents a rollback of post-9/11 security protocols that restricted terminal access to ticketed passengers. It transforms the secure area of airports into spaces for social interaction and dining. The TSA is currently testing these rules to evaluate the impact on airport security and operations.

    What is confirmed

    • The Gateside by TSA PreCheck program is available at 13 airports across the U.S.
    • Non-ticketed visitors can now pass through security at the Columbus, Salt Lake City, and Mesa Gateway airports.
    • The program allows non-travelers to enter terminals for reunions and farewells.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Tampa International Airport is planning to move TSA operations to private contractors.
    • Tampa International Airport is among the first to join the TSA Gold+ program.

    What to watch next

    • Expansion of the program to additional U.S. airports
    • TSA evaluation results regarding the security impact of non-ticketed visitors
    • Formal announcement of all 13 participating airports
    Sources used for this update (9)
    1. baynews9.com — Tampa International planning to move TSA to private contractors
    2. The Columbus Dispatch — TSA to allow visitors without tickets past security at Columbus airport
    3. ABC4 Utah — SLC airport to allow gateside reunions and farewells under new TSA program
    4. nxsmediawire.com — TSA now allowing non-ticketed visitors into terminals at several U.S. airports
    5. KJZZ — You can now pass through TSA without a plane ticket at Mesa Gateway Airport
    6. TheGrio — Want to see a loved one off at the gate? TSA is testing a new program
    7. WDW News Today — New TSA PreCheck Program Lets Non-Travelers Go Beyond Airport Security at 13 Airports
    8. abcnews.com — TSA launches program allowing non-travelers past security
    9. san.com — Can’t decide where to go for dinner? Add the airport to your list
    confidence 90%