Airport security procedures have evolved considerably since the changes that followed the September 11 attacks, when non-ticketed visitors were largely restricted from proceeding past checkpoints. A new initiative from the Transportation Security Administration now offers a measured return to earlier practices at a limited number of facilities. Eligible individuals can apply for access that allows them to accompany others through security and reach departure gates. ([1])
How the Application Process Unfolds
Participation begins with an online request submitted one to three days ahead of the intended visit. Applicants log in through a Login.gov account, provide required personal details, and receive approval before traveling to the airport. Children may accompany an approved adult when their information is included on the same request. Upon arrival, participants present a Real ID or other accepted identification at a TSA PreCheck lane and display their digital approval on the application portal.
Screenshots or printed copies of the approval are not accepted, so the portal must be accessible on a mobile device. The process remains free for those who already hold TSA PreCheck status or a Known Traveler Number. This structure keeps the program straightforward while maintaining the security standards already familiar to PreCheck members.
Airports Where the Option Is Currently Available
The program launched at thirteen locations across the country, with additional sites expected in the months ahead. These airports represent a mix of major hubs and regional facilities, giving travelers in several parts of the United States an early opportunity to use the service.
- 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
Two of these airports also maintain separate visitor-pass programs that operate under different rules, allowing local authorities to evaluate how the new option integrates with existing offerings.
Practical Uses for Families and Friends
The change proves especially helpful for households supporting younger travelers or older relatives who may benefit from assistance through security and to the gate. Parents can now remain with children until boarding begins, while family members can greet arriving passengers in the secure area without needing their own flight reservation. The same access supports brief visits during layovers or shared meals in airport restaurants before departures.
By extending PreCheck lanes to approved non-travelers, the program reduces wait times for those who qualify, preserving the efficiency many PreCheck members already value. This measured expansion reflects a thoughtful balance between security requirements and the human connections that often define travel experiences.
Distinctions From Other Airport Visitor Passes
Separate gate-pass systems already exist at more than twenty airports, though most require no PreCheck membership and prohibit use of dedicated screening lanes. Those programs sometimes allow same-day applications and accept printed confirmations, yet they route participants through standard security lines. The Gateside approach therefore offers a distinct advantage for eligible PreCheck holders while remaining narrower in scope.
Airport officials at participating sites have indicated that existing local programs will continue alongside the new federal option, giving travelers flexibility depending on their status and needs. This layered availability supports a range of visitor scenarios without disrupting established procedures.
The introduction of Gateside by TSA PreCheck marks a quiet but meaningful shift in how airports can accommodate meaningful arrivals and departures. As more locations adopt the program, travelers gain additional ways to support one another through the journey while respecting the security framework that has shaped modern air travel.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.