TSA Launches Gateside PreCheck Program for Airport Visitors

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program, allowing approved visitors to enter secure airport terminal areas without holding an airline ticket.

Official response and confirmed impact

The initiative gives eligible people access to secure airport areas beyond security checkpoints, even when they are not travelling by air.

The program aims to make airport visits more convenient for families, friends, and visitors who want to accompany departing passengers, welcome arriving travellers, or spend time inside airport terminals.

The TSA Gateside program allows approved individuals to enter the secure side of participating airport terminals without a boarding pass.

Visitors cannot board flights, but they can enjoy many facilities available to passengers, including restaurants, shops, and seating areas.

Unlike traditional airport access rules that limit secure terminal areas to ticketed passengers, this program creates a controlled opportunity for non-travellers to experience the airport environment.

Visitors must complete an approval process before entering the secure area and follow all airport security requirements.

The new airport visitor program is designed for several types of visitors. The Gateside program allows people to accompany loved ones to departure gates.