What happened
TSA launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a free day pass that lets non-ticketed visitors with PreCheck or a Known Traveler Number use dedicated PreCheck lanes to reach the gate. The program is live at 13 airports, with more to be added in coming months.
Visitors apply one to three days ahead through Login.gov and wait for approval. Same-day access is not described, and screenshots and printouts are not accepted at the checkpoint. An officer must see live approval after the visitor presents a Real ID or other acceptable ID and logs into the portal at a PreCheck lane. Children may join if they are listed on the same reservation.
PreCheck members can escort family through security or meet arrivals at the gate without buying a ticket. About 20 airports already run separate gate-pass programs that generally do not require PreCheck and bar entry to PreCheck lanes. DTW and SAN appear on both lists. DTW said its Destination Pass remains open to anyone who meets that airport's own rules.
For airside access at one of the 13 airports, apply through Login.gov one to three days before a visit and present a Real ID.
- Numbers
- 13 airports: airports currently offering Gateside by TSA PreCheck
- 20 airports: airports that already offer their own non-ticketed gate passes
- Where
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
- Who qualifies
- TSA PreCheck members and people with Known Traveler Numbers
- Takeaway
- If you have PreCheck and need airside access at one of the 13 airports, apply one to three days ahead via Login.gov and bring a Real ID rather than a screenshot.