TSA Expands Airport Access With Gateside Program Launch
TSA launches Gateside program enabling gate access without boarding passes at 13 airports.
Event / Security
TSA Gateside Airport Access Program
The Transportation Security Administration launched the Gateside program at 13 U.S. airports, allowing eligible TSA PreCheck members to access airport security gates without boarding passes for meeting travelers and accessing airport retail areas. Applicants must apply online in advance with a Known Traveler Number and present valid identification, representing a relaxation of post-9/11 gate access restrictions.
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2026-09-09 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 9 Sept, 02:01 UTC
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What happened
TSA launches Gateside program for airport gate access without boarding pass
The Transportation Security Administration launched the Gateside program, which allows eligible TSA PreCheck members to access secure areas of participating airports without a boarding pass. The program enables visitors to meet or see off friends and family at gates, meet someone during a layover, or visit airport restaurants and shops. Eligible participants must have TSA PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Gateside program operational at 13 U.S. airports
The Gateside program is currently available at 13 U.S. airports: Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, San Diego International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Will Rogers International Airport, Eppley Airfield, and Salt Lake City International Airport. TSA is assessing the program for expansion to additional airports.
Gateside eligibility and application requirements
To use Gateside, visitors must hold TSA PreCheck benefits and have a Known Traveler Number. Applicants must apply online between one and three days before their planned airport visit. The Gateside pass is free and valid only for the approved visit. Visitors must bring acceptable identification and their Gateside approval to the airport and proceed through a TSA PreCheck security lane. Children can participate if included on their parent or guardian's application. Visitors without acceptable identification can use TSA ConfirmID to verify identity for a $45 fee.
TSA testing self-service ID verification at airports
The TSA began testing self-service ID checks for eligible travelers at several airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This testing occurred earlier in the summer prior to the Gateside program launch.
Homeland Security Secretary confirms Gateside does not compromise security
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed the Gateside program on September 8 and stated that the initiative does not compromise security standards. Mullin noted that the program is part of the known passenger process and indicated that in some instances, people may want to access gates to pick up children, elderly people, or U.S. military service members.
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