A new TSA program means you can get through security without a plane ticket at some airports
Gateside by TSA PreCheck lets trusted travelers go through security without an airline ticket, to say goodbye to a friend or go shopping.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
- The TSA has launched a program that allows you to go through airport security without a plane ticket.
- Gateside will let people meet friends for a meal, shop, or see off loved ones, the TSA said.
- To begin with, 13 airports nationwide will take part, but a bigger rollout is planned.
Saying goodbye to a friend who's flying to a new country, or maybe you just really want to do some shopping in an airport terminal?
Well, now you can go through security without an airline ticket as the Transportation Security Administration has launched a program called Gateside.
Members of TSA PreCheck and other trusted-traveler programs can apply for a Gateside pass at 13 airports across the US, including three of the 10 busiest in the country — Dallas Fort Worth, LAX, and Las Vegas Harry Reid.
The TSA says the program is expected to roll out to more airports in the coming months.
It added that availability may be limited during peak times, and Gateside visitors are held to the same airport code of conduct rules as ticketed passengers.
Saying goodbye or welcoming your loved ones at the gate
While airlines occasionally issue gate passes — such as when accompanying a traveling minor — Gateside lets people past security for a variety of reasons.
The TSA listed examples like "joining a friend with a long layover for a meal, meeting with a business associate or employee, or visiting dining and retail establishments in the airport."
Also, unlike a traditional gatepass, you could use the expedited PreCheck security lanes. Children can also pass through security as visitors on a Gateside pass.
Gateside is free, and the TSA says you should apply between one and three days before your planned visit.
If approved, you wouldn't get a digital or physical pass. Instead, you would show a TSA officer your ID and the portal dashboard on your mobile device, which shows your approved Gateside status.
Passes are valid for one calendar day and allow for re-entry on that date.
Here's the full list of airports currently taking part:
- Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas.
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan.
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha, Nebraska.
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana.
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California.
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah.
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California.
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas.
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.