TSA to let non-ticketed guests past security, visit gates at 13 US airports: See where

More than a dozen US airports are now allowing some people without tickets to pass through security and enter airplane gate areas, reviving a tradition that largely disappeared after the 9/11 attacks.

The Transportation Security Administration announced the changes, which apply to eligible TSA PreCheck members, Wednesday. According to the agency’s announcement, the changes — which will allow people without plane tickets to see friends and family off or greet them at the gate — will go into effect at 13 airports.

“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.

The program, called Gateside by TSA PreCheck” is free, but interested members must apply online one to three days before their planned visits and receive approval before going to the airport. If approved, they can enter security using a TSA PreCheck lane with an acceptable form of identification. The passes are valid for one calendar day, but reentries are allowed on that day.

TSA says members of other trusted-traveler programs who have a Known Traveler Number also can apply for access to the gates.

Before the Sept. 11 attacks, individuals without tickets generally could accompany ticketed passengers to their gates. The attacks, which mark 25 years this week, prompted sweeping changes to airport security, including restrictions on access to secure areas of airports.

According to TSA, the program will be available at the following airports:

• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha, Nebraska
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas
• Indianapolis International Airport (LAX)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City

Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway International Airports were not on the list released by TSA, but the agency says it plans to expand the program to more airports in the coming months.

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