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TSA brings back airport gate access for some travelers without tickets
Fox Business • • business
Key Points:
- The TSA has introduced "Gateside by TSA PreCheck," a program allowing eligible TSA PreCheck members without tickets to pass through security and access gate areas to greet or say goodbye to passengers at 13 U.S. airports.
- This program restores pre-9/11 practices of emotional send-offs and reunions at gate areas, which had been restricted due to heightened security measures after the September 11 attacks.
- Participants must apply online 1-3 days before their visit for approval, and approved guests can use TSA PreCheck lanes with valid ID; a $45 fee applies for identity verification via TSA ConfirmID if needed.
- The passes are valid for one calendar day with reentry allowed, and children can accompany parents or guardians if included in the application; members of other trusted-traveler programs with Known Traveler Numbers may also apply.
- The TSA plans to expand the program beyond the initial 13 airports, joining other airports nationwide that have allowed non-ticketed visitors access to terminals through guest passes since 2017.
