Reviving a Tradition: TSA Allows TSA PreCheck Members Access to Airport Gates Without Tickets

Travelers at airport security checkpoints, especially since the 9/11 attacks, have rarely seen friends and relatives beyond the security line. This norm is about to change for some U.S. airports.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now permitting eligible TSA PreCheck members without tickets to pass through security to access gate areas. This initiative aims to revive those familiar airport moments of farewells and welcomes.

A statement on the TSA website describes the program as offering an exclusive benefit for trusted travelers. The program, called ‘Gateside by TSA PreCheck,’ lets participants return to the gate for various activities, such as meeting friends during layovers and enjoying dining and shopping.

The program is free. Interested PreCheck members must apply online one to three days before their planned visit to the airport. Upon approval, they can use the TSA PreCheck lane alongside their identification. These passes are valid for one day, allowing them to reenter on that day.

Members from other trusted-traveler programs with a Known Traveler Number can also apply for gate access. Currently, the initiative is available at 13 airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City International Airport.

TSA plans further expansion of the program to more airports in the coming months. Before the sweeping security changes post-9/11, non-ticketed individuals frequently accompanied passengers to their gates. The new initiative echoes the airport experiences of the pre-9/11 era.