By The Daily Caller (U.S.) | Created at 2026-09-09 03:11:34 | Updated at 2026-09-25 07:45:28
2 weeks ago
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will now allow some travelers to enter airport terminal gates and visit shops and restaurants without airplane tickets.
Friends and family members of certain travelers will be able to accompany their loved ones to the gate, rolling back the post-9/11 policy that forced them to part ways at the security line.
The new program is called “Gateside by TSA Precheck,” according to the official TSA government website.
TSA has launched a new pilot program that allows some people without plane tickets to go through airport security and visit the gates at 13 U.S. airports.
The free Gateside program is available to TSA PreCheck members who apply one to three days ahead, allowing them to meet… pic.twitter.com/lxi5KDNoMg
The Gateside program is currently only available at select airports and requires an application process that is only open to travelers already enrolled in TSA Precheck services.
“As an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers, this new program makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet friends during a layover, and enjoy dining and shopping along the way, bringing back the moments that once defined air travel,” the TSA website explains.
This week we pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. Some vividly remember, while others know only through stories. TSA will never forget.
Each checkpoint, each K9, each Federal Air Marshal is here to ensure terror cannot strike our Homeland again. pic.twitter.com/5Y4feT9bBY
One X user described the reversion to the pre-9/11 status quo as “pro-family.”
THIS IS SO PRO FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!
(1) husband leaves on a business trip. Mom and kids park, go in together, have lunch, say bye to dada.
(2) kids and families get experience with the airport before it’s time to do it for real
(3) moms traveling alone can get someone to assist… https://t.co/JGJ8sXEISd
Thirteen airports are eligible for Gateside, according to TSA.gov:
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah
While the locations are limited at this time, TSA plans to broaden the program in the months to come, the Associated Press reported.
Gateside by TSA Precheck is free of charge and the application process can be completed online.
Applications should be submitted 1-3 days before scheduled takeoff.
