TSA Lets Non-Fliers Through Security to Meet Travelers at the Gate
Gateside by TSA Precheck
TSA has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a free program that lets TSA PreCheck members and other trusted travelers pass through security without a boarding pass to meet friends and family at the gate, enjoy airport dining and shopping, or greet returning service members. Available at 13 airports initially, the program requires applying 1–3 days in advance and using your Known Traveler Number. Visitors must follow airport rules and can be removed for violations.
Those who enjoy TSA PreCheck® benefits can be at the gate for hellos and goodbyes, with shopping and dining beyond the TSA checkpoint.
- passive
Seems cool, and makes sense, but does seem like it's mostly going to be annoying.
It's available at a limited number of airports, and you have to apply 1-3 days in advance each time. Also could be annoying to travellers who have to compete with you for line, seat, or bathroom space.
But maybe more revenue from visitors means better staffing and resources for airports!
- firesteelrain
This is great.
But airports are super busy and crowded these days. Imagine all the extra people if everyone took advantage of this
I don’t remember how it looked back in the day when you didn’t need Gateside.
- treetalker
We will be happy to scan your face, x-ray your belongings, and add your latest known location to our database — no extra charge!
- acwan93
I read somewhere that Pittsburgh airport was trying to do something like this cause the stores gateside were not available anywhere else.
In any case, like with airport lounges, it seems like “everyone” has some form of credit card that gives them Precheck/Global Entry for free, further dividing the commercial air experience.
- chrishas35
TUL (and probably plenty others) has free visitor passes, no precheck required