After expanding a pilot program for trusted travelers, the Transportation Security Administration has scaled it back.
Gateside by TSA PreCheck, which allows PreCheck members to access post-security parts of an airport without a boarding pass for a flight, debuted in 13 airports as a pilot program in September.
TSA then expanded the program on Oct. 2 to about 300 airports, with social media accounts for airports in Norfolk, Virginia; Jacksonville, Florida; and Syracuse, New York sharing that Gateside was coming to their airports. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport spokeswoman Monica Hernandez told The Arizona Republic that Gateside did not expand to Sky Harbor.
Now, according to multiple reports, TSA has pulled back the Gateside expansion.
The Points Guy found that on the Gateside application page, the list of airports where the program is available was scaled back to just the first 13 airports.
Mesa Gateway Airport, the reliever airport in east Mesa, was one of the airports to offer Gateside. Here's what we know about the program and whether it's still available.
Is Mesa Gateway still offering Gateside by TSA PreCheck?
Yes.
Although TSA scaled back the Gateside program, it remains available at the 13 airports where it was offered as a pilot program. That includes Mesa Gateway.
"(Gateside) is still active and running, although we have heard that there may be a delay with the larger expansion," Mesa Gateway spokesman Ryan Smith said on Friday, Oct. 16. "Our program continues to be very popular with friends and family of those traveling."
What is Gateside by TSA PreCheck?
TSA describes Gateside as a special authorization for non-travelers who are eligible for PreCheck screening to access parts of an airport beyond the security checkpoint.
The program is the only way that non-travelers can access post-security areas of the airport using PreCheck lanes, according to TSA. Typically, non-travelers with gate passes from airlines or airport visitor programs must use regular security lanes.
People who use the Gateside authorization can use it to welcome or say goodbye to family members and friends at their gate, meet a friend on a long layover, browse airport dining and shopping outlets or greet military servicemembers returning from deployment.
Passes issued under the program are only valid for one day.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: TSA PreCheck perk scaled back. Is it still at Arizona airports?
