The TSA Might Start Allowing Gateside Guests Again

The TSA has launched "Gateside, by TSA Precheck," a "pilot program."

Remember back when non-travelers were allowed to walk their loved ones to their gate at the airport, and wait with them. It feels like a lifetime ago, but it was roughly before 9/11.

Those days might be coming back. The TSA has launched “Gateside, by TSA Precheck,” a “pilot program” allowing approved, non-ticketed visitors to pass through security at 13 U.S. airports.

Non-ticketed visitors who are approved for the program must still go through screening and they must apply through TSA and receive a gateside pass one to three days before arriving at the airport. You must also have TSA Precheck or a “known traveler number.” If you’re worried about this making lines longer, they say availability can be restricted during particularly busy periods around holiday travel. Designed to make airport visits easier for families…especially those with children flying, or elderly passengers.