The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has introduced a new option that allows some travelers to access airport terminal gates and enjoy shops and restaurants without needing an airplane ticket.
This change enables friends and family of specific travelers to accompany them all the way to the gate, reversing a post-9/11 rule that made them separate at the security checkpoint.
The initiative is called “Gateside by TSA Precheck,” as detailed on the official TSA government website.
TSA has launched a new pilot program that allows some people without plane tickets to go through airport security and visit the gates at 13 U.S. airports.
The free Gateside program is available to TSA PreCheck members who apply one to three days ahead, allowing them to meet… pic.twitter.com/lxi5KDNoMg
— Complex (@Complex) September 7, 2026
Currently, the Gateside program is available only at a limited number of airports and requires travelers to already be enrolled in TSA Precheck services.
The TSA website describes this program as a special benefit for trusted travelers, aiming to facilitate more personal interactions at the airport—like greeting and saying farewell, meeting friends during layovers, and enjoying shopping and dining experiences reminiscent of earlier times in air travel.
This week we pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. Some vividly remember, while others know only through stories. TSA will never forget.
Each checkpoint, each K9, each Federal Air Marshal is here to ensure terror cannot strike our Homeland again. pic.twitter.com/5Y4feT9bBY
— TSA (@TSA) September 8, 2026
One user on X shared their view, calling the return to pre-9/11 access “pro-family.”
THIS IS SO PRO FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!
(1) husband leaves on a business trip. Mom and kids park, go in together, have lunch, say bye to dada.
(2) kids and families get experience with the airport before it’s time to do it for real
(3) moms traveling alone can get someone to assist… https://t.co/JGJ8sXEISd
— Nat Sauer (@natssauer) September 8, 2026
According to TSA.gov, the Gateside program is currently available at the following thirteen airports:
- 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
While the program’s current availability is limited, TSA plans to expand it in the future, as reported by the Associated Press.
Gateside by TSA Precheck is free, and applications can be submitted online. It’s suggested that applications be filed 1 to 3 days prior to the scheduled departure.
