TSA Opens Terminal Access to Non-Flyers with New PreCheck Gate Pass Program

TSA Launches New PreCheck Gate Pass for Non-Flyers

The days of saying goodbye at the security checkpoint are officially making a comeback! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a brand-new pilot program allowing non-ticketed visitors to pass beyond airport security and walk loved ones directly to their gates.

Designed to give trusted travelers a nostalgia-filled return to pre-2001 airport goodbyes, the program lets eligible visitors enter terminal dining, shopping, and gate areas without buying a plane ticket.

Unlike traditional visitor pass programs that force non-flyers through standard security lines, Gateside allows approved visitors to use expedited TSA PreCheck screening lanes.

Here are the key details:

• Who Is Eligible: Active TSA PreCheck members or anyone holding a valid Known Traveler Number (KTN) through programs like Global Entry.
• Cost: Free (no additional fee beyond your active Known Traveler membership).
• How to Apply: Submit a pass request 1 to 3 days prior to your planned visit via the TSA visitor pass portal using a Login.gov account.
• Approval Limits: Passes are subject to daily visitor caps and peak-hour capacity limits set by participating airports.
• At the Airport: Approved visitors bring a valid photo ID and must be prepared to show their live approval dashboard on a mobile device at the PreCheck lane (screenshots and printouts are not accepted). Children can accompany eligible adults as long as they are listed on the reservation.

The Gateside pilot is currently running across 13 U.S. airports, with plans to expand to more locations in the coming months:

• AZA – Mesa Gateway Airport (Arizona)
• CMH – John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Ohio)
• DFW – Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Texas)
• DTW – Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Michigan)
• ICT – Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (Kansas)
• IND – Indianapolis International Airport (Indiana)
• LAS – Harry Reid International Airport (Nevada)
• LAX – Los Angeles International Airport (California)
• LIT – Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Arkansas)
• OKC – Will Rogers World Airport (Oklahoma)
• OMA – Eppley Airfield (Nebraska)
• SAN – San Diego International Airport (California)
• SLC – Salt Lake City International Airport (Utah)

While major hubs like Los Angeles International (LAX) are included in the initial pilot, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is not currently listed among the first 13 participating airports. However, MCO does offer its own independent visitor pass program (MCO Experience), though it utilizes standard security lanes rather than TSA PreCheck.

If Gateside expands to Orlando in the future, it could make airport pickups and drop-offs for Disney World vacations much smoother!

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