The US aviation is back to the pe-9/11 era. The TSA is unrestricting airport terminals to let non-travelers enter the secure areas, such as boarding, retail shopping, and dining, without boarding passes or flight tickets. The new TSA program 2026 is Gateside by TSA PreCheck launched at 13 US airports, including Dallas DFW, Detroit DTW, and Los Angeles LAX. TSA Gateside is the pass for eligible non-flyers to access PreCheck lanes, get past security, and see off or welcome family and friends.
What is Gateside TSA PreCheck program?
Gateside is the TSA’s latest US airport security rule change starting in September 2026. Unlike airport guest passes or airport escort gate passes, the Gateside pilot program is limited to TSA PreCheck members and those with Global Entry membership. It works through the TSA’s own airport security infrastructure, meaning approved non-ticketed visitors use the same dedicated PreCheck lanes like ticketed passengers. There’s no general screening line for them.
“The TSA strives to make air travel easier through its passenger-friendly programs. It ended the mandatory shoe removal rule, started the Families on the Fly program, expanded TSA Cares, and launched a pilot trial of self-service e-Gates at select airports. Not everyone can accompany their traveling family or parents from departure to destination. Walking them to the boarding gate before seeing off is that feeling of comfort and assurance that we long for other than booking the best international flights for them,” said Dheeraj Duvvuru, CEO of IndianEagle.com.
Who are eligible for TSA Gateside Pass?
Not every non-traveler can get TSA Gateside passes. Since it is built entirely around the TSA’s own trusted traveler network, you must have TSA PreCheck membership or a Known Traveler Number (KTN) through a trusted traveler program like Global Entry. Other than them, certain federal employees may qualify for the new TSA program.
How to apply for TSA PreCheck Gateside
Applying for Gateside is entirely online, and timing matters. There is no offline or in-person application option before your visit. Everything runs through TSA’s own digital portal.
- Sign in or register: Create a Login.gov account, or sign in if you already have one.
- Apply early: Submit your request 1 to 3 days before your planned visit — not sooner, not later.
- Enter your details: Provide your KTN, full name, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your trusted traveler enrolment.
- Add children, if any: Use the “add visitor” option to include kids in your application.
- Check for approval: Approval doesn’t come instantly, so get back to the portal to check the booking status before you head out.
Also Check: US Passport Renewal News for Americans Abroad
List of US airports with TSA PreCheck Gateside
- Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), Arizona
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Ohio
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Michigan
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), Kansas
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Indiana
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Arkansas
- Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City (OKC), Oklahoma
- Eppley Airfield, Omaha, Nebraska
- San Diego International Airport (SAN), California
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah
What are TSA Gateside rules and limitations?
- Passes are valid for one calendar day only, with re-entry allowed
- Daily approval caps apply, and TSA hasn’t disclosed exact numbers
- A Gateside pass does not permit boarding a flight
- Standard TSA screening and airport code of conduct still apply
Is there any fee for TSA Gateside Pass?
Unlike other TSA programs, the new Gateside Pass is completely free for US citizens, non-citizens, and visa holders. You can enter the airport terminal for free and see off your family or receive them within the secure area.
Is TSA Gateside available at JFK, BOS, SEA-TAC, O’Hare, Atlanta, and DC IAD airport?
Not as of today. This new airport entry program currently runs at select 13 US airports (mentioned above). Gateside will expand to other major airports in the coming months in 2026. Travel Beats, the Indian Eagle blog, will update this article accordingly.
TSA offers Gateside Pass for LAX and San Diego airports. Why not for SFO Airport?
The Gateside Pass will roll out at SFO Airport in the next phase (anytime in 2026). Yet, you can enter SFO Airport terminals and go past TSA security using the SFO Gate Explorer Pass. It is San Francisco International Airport’s own visitor pass program launched in April 2026. In case TSA falls short of Gateside passes for San Diego Airport, or you are not able to secure one for a particular day, you can apply for San Diego International Airport’s SAN Visitor Pass launched in November 2025.
