The Transportation Security Administration started allowing non-travelling visitors with TSA PreCheck to go beyond the checkpoint in 13 airports through the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program.
TSA described the rollout of Gateside as “the Golden Age of Travel taking off” and said that Gateside “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.”
To get the Gateside pass, prospective visitors must apply at least one day in advance, but not any more than three days ahead. The process involves accessing the TSA PreCheck website and submitting your request for approval.
Children of adults using the day pass can be included by their guardian or parents using the “add visitor” option. Upon arrival, the parent or guardian is responsible for presenting the child’s registration to the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
Even though the program is free, not every applicant is set to receive a day pass. In the 13 airports that are participating—Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas, Indianapolis International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada, Los Angeles International Airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Arkansas, Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma, Eppley Airfield in Nebraska, San Diego International Airport and the Salt Lake City International Airport—availability is limited during peak times and each airport sets a limit on daily passes issued.
While limitations on eligibility and day passes restrict widespread usage, some travelers are concerned about the new program leading to further crowding.
One commenter under a Fox Business’ Instagram post wrote, “Please no, Gate areas are crowd-
ed enough. My kids and I often sit on the ground at the gates. There’s already plenty of areas for greeting and saying goodbye.”
Others, like Brittany Anas, an award-winning journalist, said, “Before access to airport terminals became much more restricted following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, meeting someone at the gate was part of the travel experience. Some of my fondest memories involve waiting with my family for relatives to walk off a plane. You didn’t watch a tiny airplane icon creep across an app or ask someone to text when they reached the passenger pickup lane. You watched the jet bridge door and waited for a familiar face to appear.”
Fears of overloaded airports stem from Gateside pass users having to abide by the same screening requirements as passengers with tickets.
