The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) initially launched the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program in September 2026, allowing PreCheck members to bypass ticket requirements to access airport gates. This initiative, reminiscent of pre-9/11 practices, aimed to enable friends and family to see off or greet travelers directly at the gates.
Expansion Timeline and Withdrawal
Weeks after its launch in 13 airports, reports indicated a quiet expansion to about 300 airports nationwide. However, this expansion has now been placed on hold, reverting back to only the original 13 participating airports.
According to a representative from the Norfolk Airport Authority in Virginia, TSA officials confirmed that the Gateside program is currently suspended indefinitely. This sudden change has sparked curiosity regarding the reasons behind the retraction.
Participating Airports
The Gateside program remains operational at the following airports:
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) - Arizona
- 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) - Kansas
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) - Arkansas
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) - Oklahoma
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) - Nebraska
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Other Airport Gate Pass Options
While the 13 Gateside airports have this unique program, various other U.S. airports offer their own versions of gate passes for non-travelers. However, these options do not allow access to the TSA PreCheck lanes, requiring non-passengers to use the standard security checkpoints. Some notable airports providing these services include:
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Nashville International Airport (BNA)
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) - California
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) - California
- Capital Region International Airport (LAN) - Michigan
- Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) - Washington
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) - Louisiana
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Despite the rollback of the expanded Gateside program, the TSA maintains its intention to increase access to more airports. The agency’s website continues to suggest that the program will broaden its reach in the coming months, although no specific timeline has been shared.
Conclusion
In summary, the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program's expansion to additional airports has been halted, leaving members with access only at the original 13 locations. With the past positive media coverage surrounding the announcement, the abrupt retraction raises questions that still remain unanswered. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Tag: Airports & Security