TSA now allowing non-ticketed visitors into terminals at several U.S. airports
The Transportation Security Administration now allows eligible TSA PreCheck members without plane tickets to pass through security checkpoints at 13 U.S. airports. This program, called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, permits non-flyers to access gate areas for reunions and farewells. Participating locations include airports in Columbus, Salt Lake City, Reno, and Mesa Gateway. The initiative marks a reversal of security protocols established after the September 11 attacks, allowing specific approved visitors into secure terminal areas previously restricted to ticketed passengers.
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- ✓ The Gateside by TSA PreCheck program is available at 13 U.S. airports.
- ✓ Eligible TSA PreCheck members can pass through security to enter gate areas without a plane ticket.
- ✓ The program reverses security protocols implemented after the September 11 attacks.
What changed
The program is officially named Gateside by TSA PreCheck and is specifically limited to eligible TSA PreCheck members.
Live updates
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TSA launches Gateside program for eligible non-travelers at 13 airports
The Transportation Security Administration now allows eligible TSA PreCheck members without plane tickets to pass through security checkpoints at 13 U.S. airports. This program, called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, permits non-flyers to access gate areas for reunions and farewells. Participating locations include airports in Columbus, Salt Lake City, Reno, and Mesa Gateway. The initiative marks a reversal of security protocols established after the September 11 attacks, allowing specific approved visitors into secure terminal areas previously restricted to ticketed passengers.
Why it matters
The TSA is lifting these restrictions by citing advancements in technology. This shift revives airport access practices that existed before 2001.
What is confirmed
- The Gateside by TSA PreCheck program is available at 13 U.S. airports.
- Eligible TSA PreCheck members can pass through security to enter gate areas without a plane ticket.
- The program reverses security protocols implemented after the September 11 attacks.
What to watch next
- Expansion of the program to additional U.S. airports
- Clarification of eligibility requirements for non-travelers
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- abcnews.com — TSA launches program allowing non-travelers past security
- san.com — Can’t decide where to go for dinner? Add the airport to your list
- apnews.com — TSA brings back gate access for some people without plane tickets 25 years after 9/11
- www.floridatoday.com — TSA letting some non-travelers past security. Any Florida airports?
- thepointsguy.com — You can now go through TSA without a plane ticket at these airports
- san.com — TSA is reversing some post-9/11 airport security restrictions, citing technology advancements
- townhall.com — The TSA Is Rolling Out New Rules About Who Can Access Airport Gates. Here's What We Know.
- www.consumeraffairs.com — TSA will allow non-travelers through security at some airports
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TSA permits non-ticketed visitors at 13 U.S. airports
The TSA now allows approved non-passengers to pass through security checkpoints to accompany loved ones to airport gates at 13 U.S. airports. This program enables gateside reunions and farewells for visitors who do not hold a plane ticket. Participating locations include airports in Columbus, Salt Lake City, Reno, and Mesa Gateway. The initiative marks a shift in security protocols by allowing specific non-flyers to enter secure terminal areas that were previously restricted to ticketed passengers.
Why it matters
This program loosens security curbs established after the September 11 attacks. For over two decades, post-9/11 policies generally prohibited non-passengers from entering the sterile area of terminals.
What is confirmed
- Approved non-passengers can pass through security to accompany loved ones to gates at 13 U.S. airports.
- Mesa Gateway Airport is testing a program that allows non-passengers at gates.
- The TSA is allowing visitors without tickets past security at the Columbus airport.
- Salt Lake City airport will allow gateside reunions and farewells under the TSA program.
Still unconfirmed
- A Nevada airport is allowing non-flyers to pass security under the TSA program.
- The program represents a reversal of post-9/11 policy.
What to watch next
- Expansion of the program to additional U.S. airports.
- Official TSA criteria for designating approved non-passengers.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- The Columbus Dispatch — TSA to allow visitors without tickets past security at Columbus airport
- ABC15 Arizona — Mesa Gateway Airport tests TSA PreCheck program allowing non-passengers at gates
- ABC4 Utah — SLC airport to allow gateside reunions and farewells under new TSA program
- People.com — This Airport May Reverse a Post-9/11 Policy So Passengers Can Say Goodbye to Loved Ones at the Gate
- nxsmediawire.com — TSA now allowing non-ticketed visitors into terminals at several U.S. airports
- Newsweek — TSA Launches Major Airport Security Change, Loosening Post-9/11 Curbs
- KJZZ — You can now pass through TSA without a plane ticket at Mesa Gateway Airport
- Reno Gazette Journal — TSA program lets non-flyers pass security at this Nevada airport
- TheGrio — Want to see a loved one off at the gate? TSA is testing a new program
- www.newsweek.com — TSA Launches Major Airport Security Change, Loosening Post-9/11 Curbs
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