The Transportation Security Administration is bringing back gate access for some people without a plane ticket 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks led to increased airport security protocols.
Before 9/11, non-passengers could routinely accompany travelers to their gates. The attacks prompted sweeping overhauls to aviation security, including strict limitations on who could enter secure airport zones.
On Tuesday, TSA announced a new program called “Gateside by TSA PreCheck.” It allows TSA PreCheck members without plane tickets to clear security and access gate areas at certain U.S. airports, reviving a tradition that largely vanished after the attacks.
"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 wrote on its website.
The option is free, though members must apply online one to three days in advance and secure approval before arriving. Approved visitors pass through a TSA PreCheck lane with valid identification and the pass is valid for one calendar day, permitting re-entry.
According to the agency, members of alternative trusted-traveler programs with a Known Traveler Number can also apply for gate access.
The program is initially available at 13 airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City International Airport. The TSA plans to expand the service to more locations in the coming months.
The full list of participating airports includes:
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah
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