TSA’s plan to expand gate access for non-passengers at hundreds of airports stuck in testing phase

By
FOX Local
Published October 19, 2026 6:00 PM CDT

Travelers arrive at the Transportation Security Administration TSA Precheck security line at Denver International Airport (DEN) on March 23, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • TSA’s Gateside program will remain in its assessment phase for the time being, a spokesperson confirmed.
    • The program would let some individuals past security even if they do not have a flight.
    • The program is being tested at 13 airports, and the TSA had announced plans to expand it to more than 300 others.

The expected rollout of a new program that would bring back the days of heartwarming reunions with airline passengers moments after they step off their planes will have to wait a little longer. 

What we know:

The expansion of the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program to hundreds of airports across the country will remain in its testing phase and be limited to the 13 airports where it already is up and running, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson confirmed in a statement. 

What they're saying:

"Gateside by TSA PreCheck is currently in the operational assessment phase at 13 airports across the nation," the spokesperson told Fox Business. "TSA is evaluating participation levels and assessing operational impacts. This assessment is proving that TSA's security posture remains strong while delivering innovative benefits to PreCheck customers."

What we don't know:

The spokesperson did not explain why the planned rollout to 301 additional airports is now being delayed. Tulsa International Airport had announced that Gateside would come there on Oct. 1 and to other airports beginning the next day. Now, the statement also did not indicate when the program could be implemented at any of those airports.

The backstory:

The Gateside by TSA PreCheck program allows people who are TSA PreCheck members and who have Known Traveler Numbers to go past airport security, even when they do not have a flight. 

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How Gateside works

The program is free for those who already use TSA PreCheck, which does have a fee, or those who have Known Traveler Numbers, the TSA explains. However, meeting that criterion does not mean a person can go past security whenever they want.

To use Gateside, that person would have to apply on the TSA website between one and three days before they need to be at the airport. After the application is approved, the person will need to bring valid identification to the TSA PreCheck lane to gain access. Children are allowed to come through too if they are on their parent’s or guardian’s reservation.

Which airports have Gateside?

Only 13 airports are currently offering the Gateside program. However, the TSA’s website indicates that the agency is adding more as part of a phased rollout plan. Here is the list of airports that are part of the initial set:

  • 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 

The Source: Information for this article was taken from Fox Business and the TSA. This story was reported from Orlando.

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