Photo credit: The Breakfast club
The Transportation Security Administration is bringing back a familiar part of air travel for some Americans.
Through a new program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, eligible travelers can enter secure airport areas without having a plane ticket. That means they can walk family members to their gates, greet arriving passengers or meet someone during a layover.
TSA Gate Access Returns After 9/11
Before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, friends and relatives could generally accompany passengers all the way to the gate.
Security changes after the attacks largely ended that practice. Now, TSA is testing a limited return of gate access for trusted travelers.
The program comes just days before the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
TSA describes Gateside as a way to bring back some of the personal moments that once defined air travel. The program can also allow visitors to enjoy restaurants and shops beyond the security checkpoint.
Who Can Get TSA Gate Access?
The program is designed for TSA PreCheck members and certain members of other trusted-traveler programs who have a Known Traveler Number.
Visitors must apply online between one and three days before their planned airport visit. Approval is required before they arrive.
The Gateside pass is free. Once approved, visitors can enter through a TSA PreCheck lane with an acceptable form of identification.
The authorization is valid for one calendar day. Visitors can also re-enter the secure area during that same day.
Gateside Is Available at 13 Airports
The program is currently being tested at 13 U.S. airports.
They include major airports such as Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and San Diego International Airport.
Other participating airports include Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Columbus, Detroit, Wichita, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Omaha and Salt Lake City.
TSA says it plans to expand Gateside to additional airports in the coming months.
Not Everyone Will Be Approved
The new access does not mean anyone can simply walk into an airport terminal without a ticket.
Visitors must apply ahead of time and receive approval. Participating airports can also limit the number of Gateside visitors allowed each day, particularly during busy periods.
That means people planning to use the program should apply early rather than assuming they will receive access.
For families, however, the change could make airport goodbyes and reunions feel a little more familiar.
After years of meeting loved ones at the security checkpoint, some travelers can once again walk with them to the gate.
Source: Associated Press, TSA, PEOPLE
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