The Transportation Security Administration has introduced a new program that lets eligible TSA PreCheck members who are not traveling pass through airport security at select US airports, giving them access to secure gate areas to welcome arriving passengers or say farewell to departing family and friends.
Through the program, approved TSA PreCheck members without airline tickets may clear security and enter concourses and gate areas, restoring a type of airport access that was sharply curtailed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks prompted sweeping changes to airport security.
The initiative could revive the gate-side goodbyes and emotional reunions that were once a familiar part of flying before 9/11. It also gives visitors a way to meet someone during a layover or spend time at airport restaurants and shops beyond the checkpoint.
Since 9/11, access past airport security checkpoints has generally been reserved for ticketed passengers, though airlines have been able to provide gate passes in limited situations.
“As an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers, this new program makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet friends during a layover, and enjoy dining and shopping along the way, bringing back the moments that once defined air travel,” the TSA said on its website.
The program, Gateside by TSA PreCheck, is free, but members interested in a guest pass must apply online at least one day and no more than three days before their planned visits and receive approval before showing up at the airport.
If approved, guests can enter security using a TSA PreCheck lane with an acceptable form of identification.
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Visitors who do not have an acceptable form of identification can use TSA ConfirmID to attempt to verify their identity for a $45 fee. TSA does not guarantee that it will be able to verify their identity.
The passes are valid for only one calendar day, although reentries are permitted for that day.
Children can also go through security but must be included on their parent or guardian’s application.
The TSA said members of other trusted-traveler programs who have a Known Traveler Number may also apply for access to the gates.
The initial rollout applies to 13 airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, San Diego International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
The other participating airports are Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Will Rogers International Airport and Eppley Airfield.
But the agency said it plans to expand the program to additional airports in the coming months.
This comes as 21 airports across the country have adopted policies allowing non-ticketed visitors to receive a guest pass to move through airport security and into the terminal at no charge, with Pittsburgh International Airport being the first major US airport to enact such a policy in 2017.