Travelers Go Beyond Airport Security at 13 Airports

Key Points:

• The TSA has launched a pilot program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, allowing eligible non-ticketed visitors with TSA PreCheck status to enter the secure side of participating airports to accompany or meet travelers and access dining and shopping areas.
• Currently, the program is available at 13 airports across the U.S., including major hubs like Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles International (LAX), and Salt Lake City International (SLC), with plans to expand to more locations.
• Eligible visitors must apply for a Gateside pass one to three days prior to their visit, undergo TSA screening, and present approved authorization and ID; there is no additional fee beyond existing TSA PreCheck membership.
• Orlando International Airport (MCO) is not part of the Gateside pilot but offers its own Experience MCO Visitor Pass program for non-ticketed visitors to access secure areas, though this program is separate from TSA's initiative.
• Gateside by TSA PreCheck revives a controlled version of pre-9/11 airport access for non-travelers, enhancing the ability of friends and family to spend time together inside secure airport terminals.