TSA Just Let Non-Flyers Back Past Security Check — Check If Your Airport Is One Among the 13 Testing Gateside

AUSTIN, TEXAS - JULY 03: A family looks out towards the tarmac ahead of departure at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on July 03, 2025 in Austin, Texas. AAA Travel is forecasting a record high of approximately 72.2 million people traveling at least 50 miles from home over the upcoming fourth of July weekend. (Credit: Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

• TSA's new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program launched September 1 at 13 U.S. airports, letting approved non-ticketed visitors clear security and walk straight to the gate.
• Only current TSA PreCheck members or Known Traveler Number holders can request a pass; kids under 18 can tag along with an approved adult at no extra cost.
• Passes must be requested one to three days ahead of the visit and approved before arrival, and each airport caps how many it issues per day.
• It's the broadest rollback yet of a security rule that has restricted terminal access to ticketed passengers since the September 11 attacks.

Something that hasn't been possible at most American airports in a quarter-century is possible again this month: walking a friend to the gate, or waiting there for one to land, without a boarding pass of your own. Gateside by TSA PreCheck opened its doors on September 1 at 13 airports around the country, giving people already vetted for PreCheck a new reason to head to the terminal even when they aren't flying.