TSA Launches 'Gateside' Pass Letting PreCheck Members Past Security Without a Flight

The Transportation Security Administration has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a pilot program that allows eligible people without a boarding pass to pass through security and enter the secure area of participating airports. The idea is to let family and friends greet arriving travelers at the gate, see off a departing relative, meet someone during a layover or simply visit airport shops and restaurants. Gate access for non-ticketed visitors has been sharply restricted since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

To use the service, a visitor must have TSA PreCheck benefits and a Known Traveler Number. Children can be included on a parent's or guardian's application. Travelers apply online one to three days before the planned visit, and the Gateside pass itself is free. After approval, visitors must bring acceptable identification and their approval to a PreCheck lane. Those without an accepted ID can use TSA's ConfirmID process for a $45 fee.

The program started at 13 airports: Los Angeles International, Dallas Fort Worth International, Harry Reid International in Las Vegas, San Diego International, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, John Glenn Columbus International, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National, Indianapolis International, Bill and Hillary Clinton National in Little Rock, Will Rogers International in Oklahoma City, Eppley Airfield in Omaha and Salt Lake City International. TSA issued local announcements for several of these airports on September 9 and 10.

TSA says it is assessing the pilot for possible expansion. Coverage by ABC News noted the agency is testing several ways to change the checkpoint experience, including self-service ID checks.

Reporting based on TSA press releases and ABC News.