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TSA quietly reverses benefit for travelers at some US airports

The Independent • October 17, 2026 • business

Key Points:

The "Gateside by TSA PreCheck" program, which allowed members to clear security without a ticket, was expanded to hundreds of airports but has now been abruptly rolled back to only 13 original locations.
The program, reintroduced in September and aimed at restoring pre-9/11 airport security access traditions, was quietly reversed within days at many airports, including Denver International Airport.
Some airports, such as Norfolk International, were unaware of the rollback until passengers reported difficulties accessing the TSA booking system for the service.
TSA initially promoted the program as enhancing travel convenience, but it has not provided a public explanation for the sudden reduction in participating airports.
Currently, online booking for the service is only available at the original 13 airports, limiting access for many TSA PreCheck members nationwide.

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