The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rolled out a new program for eligible TSA PreCheck members without an airplane ticket.
After 9/11, only ticketed, screened passengers could pass through security. Airlines already issue gate passes for a few situations, like an unaccompanied minor or handicapped passengers with disabilities.
From the TSA website:
The Golden Age of Travel is taking off. Gateside by TSA PreCheck provides members with access to the terminal beyond airport security, even when they aren’t flying. Just use your KTN [Known Travler Number] to apply and use the same dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for a smoother entry. 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.
However, it is not a guarantee. You have to apply using your KTN number, enter personal information, and submit the request at least a day before.
The TSA listed a few reasons why it denied your request:
The personal information you enter into the portal must exactly match the information in your TSA PreCheck application. This includes name, date of birth, and KTN. Make sure you enter your information correctly. Additionally, each participating airport sets limits on the number of passes issued for each day. If your information is correct but you’ve been denied a pass, your airport may have reached its limit for your selected day.
Yeah, there is a limit to how many people can get the Gateside pass. I expect the days around the holiday will fill up fast.
The luxury is at 13 airports, including my airport:
- Arizona — Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
- Arkansas — Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
- California — Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- California — San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Indiana — Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Kansas — Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
- Michigan — Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Nebraska — Eppley Airfield (OMA)
- Nevada — Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Ohio — John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Oklahoma — Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
- Texas — Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Utah — Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Some airports have their own program:
Pittsburgh International Airport launched the myPITpass in 2017, although the program was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained on hold during construction at the airport.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport began a similar program a year later, allowing gate access for up to 300 people without tickets a day. Other airports that have their own versions of the program include Philadelphia International Airport and Kansas City International Airport.
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