Earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced plans to expand its Gateside by TSA PreCheck program to 315 airports nationwide, including JAX International Airport, beginning Oct. 2.
The program allows TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members to go through security without a boarding pass so they can accompany or greet family members and loved ones.
However, theplanned expansion has since been put on hold. According to TSA regional spokesperson Daniel Velez, “TSA is currently evaluating participation levels and assessing operational impacts. This assessment is proving that TSA's security posture remains strong while delivering innovative benefits to PreCheck customers.”
As of Oct. 22, Gateside by TSA PreCheck remains
available at only 13 airports, none of which include JAX. However, according to Velez, Jacksonville International Airport could still be added in the near future.
Here’s what travelers flying out of JAX need to know about the program, including how it works and which airports currently offer access.
When will Gateside by TSA PreCheck be available at JAX?
There is no set timeline for when Gateside by TSA PreCheck will launch at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). However, Velez said, “once the operational assessment phase is complete and TSA decides to move forward with more airports, JAX more than likely will be included,” adding that the expansion could happen sometime in November.
Once implemented, here's what travelers should know about the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program.
How will Gateside by TSA PreCheck work at JAX, and who is eligible?
Eligible travelers (those with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access) can apply through TSA.gov before their trip. Travelers should apply one to three days before they plan to use Gateside to allow time for approval. Once approved, the applicant will receive a mobile dashboard with their Gateside access information.
What will travelers need to get through Gateside?
Travelers will need to be either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry members and have a Known Traveler Number (KTN), the mobile dashboard showing they are approved, and a REAL ID or passport when they arrive at JAX.
After entering the TSA PreCheck line, they will complete the normal security screening before entering the secure area.
The program can be used to greet arriving passengers, say goodbye to departing travelers or accompany family members.
What airports have Gateside by TSA PreCheck available?
As of Oct. 22, 2026, the program’s expansion has been put on hold, and Gateside remains available only at the original 13 airports where it first launched. See the list of current participating 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
Where to apply for a Gateside Pass
Travelers can get a Gateside Pass, also known as a TSA Visitor Pass, by applying online and filling out the form (shown below) 1-3 days before their planned visit:
Can children use Gateside? How to get a Gateside Pass
Yes, children do not need their own TSA PreCheck membership if they are accompanying an eligible parent or guardian.
“As long as the parents or guardian has TSA PreCheck, they can put the names of the children that will be accompanying them, and the child will be able to go, because children don’t need TSA PreCheck," said Velez.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?
How to apply for TSA PreCheck:
- Visit the TSA PreCheck enrollment portal and select an authorized enrollment provider: IDEMIA, CLEAR, or Telos.
- Complete the online pre-enrollment application, which typically takes about five minutes.
- Schedule an in-person appointment or visit a participating enrollment center to complete fingerprinting, have your photo taken, and pay the enrollment fee. The cost is $76.75, good for 5 years.
- Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and add it to your airline profiles and reservations when booking flights.
How to apply for Global Entry:
- Create an account on the Trusted Traveler Programs website using Login.gov.
- Complete the Global Entry application and pay the $120 non-refundable application fee, good for 5 years.
- Wait for conditional approval. Once approved, schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center.
- Bring the required documents to your interview, including a valid passport and a secondary form of identification, such as a driver's license.
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Gateside by TSA PreCheck expansion rolled back. What it means for JAX
