Family, friends and loved ones of air travelers can now get through TSA security without a ticket at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
John Glenn Columbus is one of 13 airports nationwide the Transportation Security Administration chose for the start of its new Gateside program, which allows TSA PreCheck members and people with Known Traveler Numbers into the airport without an airline ticket, according to a Sept. 4 press release.
The change is effective immediately.
Before the Sept. 11 attacks, non-ticketed visitors were a common sight in U.S. airports. That changed with the creation of the TSA and the country's crackdown on airport security in the months and years after 9/11.
"This innovative program helps bring back special moments that
many travelers have missed – welcoming loved ones at the gate, enjoying a meal together before a flight, or simply sharing time in the terminal. Our participation reflects CRAA’s commitment to elevating the passenger experience and providing the highest level of service to our community," Columbus Regional Airport Authority President and CEO Daren Griffin said in a statement.
Visitors have to apply online with the TSA one to three days before their planned visit and have their application approved by the agency before they will be allowed into the airport. Visitors are required to use the TSA PreCheck line when they get to the airport, and all the screening and luggage requirements that apply to ticketed passengers also apply to them. Visitors will also need an acceptable form of ID to get past the checkpoint.
Children can go through the security checkpoint if they are on their parent or guardian's reservation. Their parent or guardian will have to show their online TSA dashboard to the officer at the checkpoint to confirm the child is on the reservation.
John Glenn Columbus is the only airport in Ohio the TSA chose for the program's initial rollout. Other airports around the country will be added to the program over the next few months, according to the TSA.
Reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@dispatch.com, @NathanRHart on X and nathanhart.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: TSA to allow visitors without tickets past security at Columbus airport
