Jacksonville International Airporttravelers will soon have a new way to access the secure side of the airport even when they aren’t flying.
Gateside by TSA PreCheck launches at JAX Airport on Friday, as the Transportation Security Administration expands the program to 315 airports nationwide on Oct. 2.
The program is made to allow 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.
Daniel Velez, a TSA regional spokesperson, said the program is part of an effort to make airport travel easier for trusted travelers.
“This is all part of what we’re calling the golden age of travel, where in the past year, we’ve instituted family lanes, military lanes. You
can now keep your shoes on when you go through. This is just another added benefit for our vetted members who are in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.”
Here’s what travelers need to know about Gateside and how to apply for approval to ensure a proper farewell — or welcome home — the next time they travel.
How does 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 do 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.
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.
Is there a cap on how many people can apply to Gateside per day?
Gateside will be available at JAX on an ongoing basis, but there will be a limit on how many people can use the program each day.
According to Velez, TSA is not releasing a specific number for JAX or any other of the participating airports because the limit will vary by airport and could change based on passenger volume and flight activity.
This includes high travel season and holiday season travel.
New in Jacksonville: Military members and veterans now get front-of-the-line access
The Jacksonville Airport is also expanding front-of-the-line screening access for active-duty military members and veterans. Under the new policy, active-duty service members no longer need to be in uniform to use the benefit.
“Here at Jacksonville International, we now have the availability for active duty and veterans to get front-of-the-line service here at Jacksonville International. Before, you had to be active duty military in uniform, that’s no longer the case. You can be active duty in or out of uniform, and you can also be a veteran, and all you need to do is make sure that you have your DOD ID card with you, whether you’re a veteran or active duty," Velez said.
Additionally, immediate family members, including spouse and children, will be able to accompany the military member and/or Veteran.
How many airports are participating in Gateside?
As of Sept. 30, 2026, Gateside is available at 13 airports nationwide. Starting Friday, Oct. 2, the program will expand to 315 of the 430 federally operated airports, with plans to continue expanding to additional airports.
See the list of current participating airports.
Who qualifies for front-of-the-line access? Are there specific lanes?
Active-duty military members and veterans can use front-of-the-line screening access. At JAX, military travelers should show their Department of Defense ID to the employee checking boarding passes, who will direct them to the dedicated military screening lane.
JAX already has CT scanners in every security lane
Despite recent attention around TSA’s CT scanners, Velez said Jacksonville International Airport finalized the installation of the Computed Tomography (CT) scanner back in January of 2024. So, if you’ve traveled through JAX since then, chances are you’ve likely already used one.
The scanners create 3D images of carry-on bags, allowing travelers to leave laptops and qualifying liquids inside their bags during screening. The 3.4-ounce liquid limit, however, remains in place.
Velez emphasized, “Whatever you have liquid wise, it still has to be 3.4 ounces or less.”
How to avoid checking your carry-on at JAX International Airport
Don’t overstuff your bag. The standard carry-on size airlines typically allow is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which fits through TSA’s CT scanners. The scanners have an entrance measuring 24.5 inches wide by 16.5 inches high.
Some airlines, including Frontier and Southwest, allow larger bags up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Those bags can still fit, but passengers should be mindful of expandable luggage and avoid overpacking.
The Jacksonville Airport currently has 9 CT's; seven are full-sized, and two are smaller base-model units with narrower openings. However, Velez said most standard-size carry-ons should fit as long as they aren’t overstuffed.
“And if there is an issue with the bag, our officers are there to help them. We can either direct them to another lane where we have a bigger CT unit and it’ll fit no problem,” Velez said.
For Jacksonville travelers, the biggest immediate change as the holiday season nears is Gateside, which gives eligible TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members a new way to access the secure side of JAX without a boarding pass.
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: Jacksonville airport launches Gateside access on Oct. 2. What to know
