The Transportation Security Administration has made some strides in the screening process, but it will be scaling back its non-flyer gate access through its TSA PreCheck program.
TSA has evolved by removing its shoes-off policy, banning certain hair care tools in carry-on bags, and upgrading security with new 3-D scanners.
Yet the Gateside by TSA PreCheck offering, which was just introduced last month as a program perk and allowed PreCheck members without a flight ticket to go through security at certain airports, is already changing. Here's what we know.
TSA changes TSA PreCheck non-flyer gate access perk and how it impacts Ohio
After the program was introduced to 13 airports in September, TSA expanded Gateside to hundreds of airports in early October. But it quickly scaled back, according to CNN. TSA did not comment
on why it reversed the expansion.
The perk remains available at the same 13 airports, including John Glenn International in Columbus. Cleveland Hopkins and Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky International are not currently part of the program.
At which airports is the Gateside program available?
The Gateside program is available at 13 airports, according to TSA.
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
- Eppley Airfield (OMA)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
What is the Gateside program?
The Gateside program permits non-traveling TSA PreCheck members to get through security without a ticket, allowing visitors to greet their loved ones and access dining and shops. Visitors must be a TSA PreCheck member or have a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Interested PreCheck members must apply 1-3 days before their planned visit to receive a pass.
What is TSA PreCheck?
The TSA PreCheck program permits a traveler to easily navigate through screening at participating TSA security checkpoints, allowing them to skip the long TSA lines with a membership, along with other traveler perks, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: TSA changes non-flyer gate access program. What it means for Ohio
