25 years after 9/11, TSA allows some visitors to enter American airport gates without tickets

TSA PreCheck members can now apply to enter secure gate areas at 13 US airports without holding a flight ticket, 25 years after the September 11 attacks ended the practice for most visitors.

The Transportation Security Administration has launched the programme, called “Gateside by TSA PreCheck”. It allows eligible members to see off departing passengers, welcome arriving travellers, meet friends during layovers and access shops and restaurants beyond security.

Before the September 11, 2001 attacks, people without tickets could generally accompany passengers to their gates. The attacks led to sweeping changes in airport security and sharply restricted access to secure areas.


The programme began rolling out on September 2 and is free for eligible members. Applicants must apply online one to three days before their planned airport visit and receive approval before arriving.

Approved visitors can enter through a TSA PreCheck security lane by showing an acceptable form of identification. Their pass is valid for one calendar day, and they can leave and re-enter the secure area on the same day.

“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,” TSA said on its website.

Members of other trusted-traveller programmes who have a Known Traveler Number can also apply for access.

The initial rollout covers 13 airports:

• Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio
• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan
• Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas
• Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana
• Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada
• Los Angeles International Airport in California
• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Arkansas
• Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma
• Eppley Airfield in Nebraska
• San Diego International Airport in California
• Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah

The TSA said it plans to expand the programme to more airports in the coming months.