We’ve just seen the launch of Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a program that lets TSA PreCheck members clear security at select airports even when they’re not flying. While we’ve seen individual airports launch programs to let non-travelers get through security, this is the first time we’ve seen a centrally run program like this, and it’s pretty intriguing.
In this post:
New Gateside by TSA PreCheck program launches
Gateside by TSA PreCheck is a new program that gives members access to the terminal beyond airport security, even when they’re not flying. This benefit is exclusive to those with TSA PreCheck, and only works at participating airports.
The idea is that this is a program that makes it easier to get to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet friends during a layover, or enjoy dining and shopping (you know, for those situations where you crave an awful $16 slice of pizza).
Here are the basics of how Gateside by TSA PreCheck works:
- You must apply to use the program (at no cost), at least one day before your visit, and no more than three days in advance
- The program is open to those with TSA PreCheck, so you must provide your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when you apply; children can be brought as well without PreCheck, but they still have to be registered at the same time you apply
- Once issued, passes are valid for one calendar day, and can even be used for multiple entries
- When you go through security, you just need to show a TSA officer an ID, and you may need to show your portal dashboard on your mobile device, displaying your approved Gateside pass status (screenshots and printouts won’t be accepted)
- Unlike other types of gate passes issued at airports or by airlines, those using the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program can use the TSA PreCheck lanes at airports
This Gateside by TSA PreCheck program is currently available at the following 13 airports, with more expected to be added in the future:
- 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
This is a niche concept, but a nice initiative
In 2017, we saw the TSA launch a pilot program that allows people to clear security at select airports even when not flying. This was an initiative that launched at Pittsburgh Airport (PIT), and it ultimately rolled out at a very limited number of airports.
This new program is great because the process is a bit more centralized, and travelers are allowed to use TSA PreCheck lanes. Admittedly this also means that you need TSA PreCheck to actually use the program, so that excludes a lot of people.
I consider the uses of this to be pretty niche. I can’t imagine many people want to shop or dine at US airports — I mean, we don’t exactly have any Singapore Changi-type airports in our country. But for those situations where you want to meet someone, this could be useful, and is worth being aware of.
One other unique miles & points angle to this is that you could use this program to access Delta One Lounges or United Polaris Lounges after arrival on an international flight. These lounges are typically accessible upon arrival as well, but only if you can get airside again, and when arriving internationally, you typically have to clear security. So this could be a way to do that.
Bottom line
We’ve just seen the launch of the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program, whereby those with TSA PreCheck can clear security at select airports even when not flying. This is only available at select airports, though the expectation is that the number of eligible airports will increase over time.
While we’ve seen individual airports let non-travelers clear security in the past, this is unique, as it allows travelers to use PreCheck lanes.
What do you make of the Gateside by TSA PreCheck concept?
Yeah I see two real uses for this - lounges after an international arrival (as you pointed out), and VIP greeter services for an international arrival (who in the past, outside of a few very specific vendors, could only meet clients in the arrivals hall after immigration).
I understand people complaining about too many people in the terminal now, but how many people are realistically taking advantage of this... I can't imagine many.
Awesome. More people in DFW...
No O'Hare, no care.
If too many non-flying people , this will clog up everything with mischief-makers and charity-solicitors , causing numerous crowd-jams .
Yay! More folks in the terminal! YAY!
The idea of going to an airport without a flight, absolutely no appeal.
You, sir, are no av-geek.
Now, if only lounges would allow their members entry without a flight, I'd never pay for 'meals,' again. (What's for dinner? Oh, you know, La Guardia's Chase Sapphire, yet again...)
Ugh, just when I thought the trope of making a big romantic gesture at the departure gate à la Love Actually was a thing of the past.
What’s more romantic than scheduling your big gesture at least one but no more than three days in advance?
The real use for this is lounge access from international arrivals.
@ yoloswag420 -- That's a great point, thanks! I just updated the post to reflect that.