A new Transportation Security Administration pilot program allows approved visitors to access airport terminals without a boarding pass.
Gateside by TSA PreCheck allows members to access the airport terminal beyond security to make it easier to return to the gate for welcomes, send-offs, meet friends during a layover, dining and shopping.
This program is currently available at 13 airports in the U.S. and will include more airports in the coming months. Participating airports include:
- 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
“If your airport doesn’t appear, it doesn’t participate in the program yet. TSA is adding airports in a phased approach to expand access to the program.” TSA said in a statement on its website.
While Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is not
currently participating, eligible travelers can still apply for the program if they plan to visit one of the participating airports.
How to apply for Gateside by TSA PreCheck
Members of TSA PreCheck and flyers with Known Traveler Numbers are eligible to apply. The cost is free and members are advised to fill out an application one to three days before visiting. Children are eligible to visit but must be entered on their parent/guardian’s reservation.
If approved, members must bring an acceptable form of ID and use the TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport. Members must be prepared to log in to show the TSA Officer your approval status if children are on the reservation.
TSA advises that availability may be limited during peak times. Visitors are held to the same airport code of conduct rules as ticketed passengers and must follow federal regulations in 49 C.F.R. Part 1540 and any federal or local requirements as indicated in posted signage.
Visitors may be asked to leave, have their Gateside pass revoked, or be subject to civil or criminal penalties for violation of federal or local airport security requirements.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: TSA pilot lets approved visitors enter airports without tickets
