The Transportation Security Administration introduced Gateside by TSA PreCheck to let eligible non travelers use PreCheck screening and access airport areas beyond security, the agency said.
TSA described the feature as a way to meet family at the gate, join a friend during a long layover, visit dining and retail beyond security, or greet returning service members.
The agency said eligible people include TSA PreCheck members, certain federal employees, and participants in other trusted traveler programs, and that passes must be requested one to three days before a visit.
TSA guidance requires visitors to present an acceptable ID and their portal dashboard on a mobile device showing an approved Gateside pass; screenshots or printouts will not be accepted, the agency said.
The agency listed participating locations during the initial launch, naming airports including Mesa Gateway in Arizona, John Glenn Columbus in Ohio, Dallas Fort Worth in Texas, Detroit Metropolitan in Michigan, and others across the country.
TSA warned that visitors are subject to the same screening requirements and limits as ticketed passengers, that gateside users cannot use PreCheck Touchless ID lanes, and that airports set daily limits on passes.
Airport Reactions And Program Implications
CNN reported the Gateside program expanded to hundreds more airports in a recent rollout, but that expansion was quietly reversed within days, returning operations to the original 13 participating airports, according to airport statements.
Denver International Airport had been listed among the expanded sites and KUSA reported people used the benefit there last week, yet the airport later said Gateside operations were returned to the original launch airports.
Norfolk International Airport said it learned the program was no longer offered there only after people complained about not finding ORF in the TSA portal menu. Chris Jones, ORF chief marketing and communications officer, told CNN he checked the portal and did not see ORF listed.
CNN said the TSA has not responded to requests for further explanation about the reduction in access. The agency also noted that passes are valid for one calendar day with re entry allowed on that date, and that identity verification through TSA ConfirmID carries a $45 fee.
The reversal has practical effects for travelers and families who planned to use Gateside passes, because airline issued gate passes remain limited and require standard screening lanes regardless of PreCheck membership, TSA said.
