TSA PreCheck Members Can Now Enter Airports Without a Ticket

Key points

• TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members can now apply to enter post-security areas without a flight ticket.
• The pilot program is active at more than a dozen U.S. airports, including Los Angeles International.
• Applications must be submitted one to three days in advance via a dedicated portal.
• The initiative is designed to allow gate-side greetings and layover activities for trusted travelers.

Background

This development follows earlier reports from September 2026 detailing the launch of the Gateside by TSA PreCheck pilot at 13 specific airports, including Salt Lake City, Dallas, and San Antonio. Previous coverage noted that the program requires enrollment in PreCheck or possession of a Known Traveler Number, with access arranged through login.gov. The pilot was described as a test phase with plans for broader expansion if successful, aiming to restore the ability to meet travelers at the gate, a practice largely discontinued after the September 11 attacks.

Why it matters

This policy shift represents a significant change in post-9/11 airport security norms, potentially restoring a common pre-2001 social ritual. It highlights the TSA's continued reliance on trusted traveler programs to manage security risks while offering enhanced convenience. The pilot's success could lead to a nationwide rollout, fundamentally altering how non-travelers access secure airport zones.

What to watch

The TSA will monitor the pilot program's performance at the initial dozen-plus airports. If successful, the agency plans to expand Gateside access to additional locations. For now, only PreCheck and Global Entry members can utilize the service, requiring advance applications through the designated portal.