More than two decades after the September 11 attacks brought sweeping restrictions on who could enter secure airport areas, some travelers will once again be able to walk loved ones to the gate without having a plane ticket of their own. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a pilot program allowing approved, non-ticketed visitors to pass through security at thirteen U.S. airports. The program marks a limited reversal of one of the most visible post-9/11 changes to airport security: restricting access beyond security checkpoints to ticketed passengers and authorized people.
Newsweek contacted the TSA via email for comment on Sunday. The pilot is currently available at 13 airports across the U.S.: https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/30169352/ Before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, people who were not flying could generally pass through airport checkpoints and enter gate areas. After the attacks, airport security rules were tightened significantly.
Access beyond security checkpoints became largely restricted to ticketed passengers and authorized individuals, with exceptions for people assisting unaccompanied children, passengers with disabilities and others with specific needs. The new Gateside program loosens that access restriction, rather than removing airport security screening. Non-ticketed visitors who are approved for the program must still go through TSA screening before entering the secure area.
People who want to participate must apply through TSA and receive a Gateside pass before arriving at the airport. Applicants must have TSA PreCheck benefits or a Known Traveler Number. They can apply between one and three days before their planned visit.
If approved, visitors receive a pass that allows them to enter through the TSA PreCheck screening lane with acceptable identification. The pass does not function as a boarding pass and does not allow visitors to board an aircraft. Once through security, approved visitors can accompany passengers to their departure gates, meet arriving passengers and spend time in restaurants and shops located beyond the security checkpoint.
The program could be particularly useful for families who want to spend more time together before a flight or for people helping elderly passengers or children reach their gates. At Arizona's Mesa Gateway Airport, communications director Ryan Smith said the program could be particularly useful for passengers traveling with elderly parents or young children. They want to take them and be with them right to the end of the process, and be there at the gate to see them off.” TSA says the program is designed to make airport visits easier for families and other non-ticketed visitors while still maintaining security screening.
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