Remember when you could actually walk someone to their gate at the airport — even if you weren’t flying? Depending on your age, the answer might be, “Of course.” Or it might be, “Wait…you could do that?”
I sure do, and I loved it. I especially loved that my parents could escort me right to the gate when I was flying between New York (I grew up in nearby Connecticut) and Los Angeles for college. Back then, I had just gotten over my fear of flying, so it was reassuring to have loved ones with me all the way until the last second.
Well, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is bringing a little bit of that old-school airport magic back.
TSA has rolled out Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a new program that allows eligible non-travelers to go through airport security and into the terminal without a boarding pass.
Yes, you read that right. You can go through TSA security without actually getting on a plane.
The program is free for eligible TSA PreCheck members and others who have qualifying Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs). For now, it’s available at 13 airports around the country, but TSA says more airports are coming.
And I have to say, I love this addition.
So, what exactly can you do with Gateside?
Think about all those airport moments that normally end at security.
Maybe you’re dropping your parents off and want to make sure they get to their gate safely. Maybe your high school friend has a long layover and you’d rather meet them for dinner than have them spend two hours wandering around an airport alone. Or maybe you want to surprise someone at the gate when they get home from a long trip. Gateside makes those things possible again.
You can also use the program simply to check out airport restaurants and shops beyond security — although, I’m not sure how often I’d voluntarily go through airport security just to pay airport prices for lunch. But hey, you do you.
How does Gateside by TSA PreCheck work?
Thankfully, the process sounds pretty straightforward. You’ll need to apply for a Gateside pass at least one day before your visit but no more than three days in advance.
Applicants use their Known Traveler Number and sign in through Login.gov before submitting their personal information through the Gateside application portal.
Once you submit your request, you’ll need to check your dashboard to see whether you’ve been approved. What’s interesting is you don’t receive a boarding-pass-style Gateside pass.
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll present an acceptable form of ID at the TSA PreCheck checkpoint. TSA also recommends being logged into the Gateside portal on your phone because you may need to show an officer your approved status.
Don’t bother taking a screenshot, either. TSA says screenshots and printed copies aren’t accepted.
You can use the regular TSA PreCheck lane, but Touchless ID lanes are off-limits for Gateside visitors. If the PreCheck lane happens to be closed, TSA may send you through standard screening instead.
What about kids?
They’re welcome, too. Children can accompany their parent or guardian, but you’ll need to add them to your Gateside reservation using the “add visitor” option. If you have kids on your reservation, be prepared to pull up your approval in the portal at security so the TSA officer can verify that everyone is included.
These 13 airports currently offer Gateside
For now, you’ll find the program at:
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
- Eppley Airfield (OMA)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
TSA says more airports will be added as Gateside rolls out nationwide, so don’t be surprised if your home airport eventually shows up on the list.
There’s one catch: approval isn’t guaranteed
Before you start planning an elaborate gate-side surprise, know that applying doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting in. Each participating airport can limit the number of Gateside passes issued per day, and availability may be tighter during busy travel periods.
You’ll also want to triple-check your application. Your name, date of birth and Known Traveler Number need to match the information associated with your TSA PreCheck account.
Once approved, your pass is good for one calendar day, and TSA says you can leave and re-enter the secure area during that day.
And yes, you’re still going through security. Gateside doesn’t mean you get to stroll past TSA with a Starbucks in one hand and a giant bottle of shampoo in the other. The usual security requirements and restrictions still apply.
Is this actually worth using?
Definitely — especially in the right situation. I’m probably not heading to the airport on a random Tuesday just because I suddenly have a craving for terminal food. But being able to walk a loved one to the gate? Meet a friend during a long layover? Surprise someone coming home from deployment or a long trip? Those are the situations where Gateside is a game-changer.
