Clearing airport security normally requires a valid boarding pass. Aside from a few exceptions worldwide (such as domestic terminals in Australia), airside gate areas remain strictly closed to non-flyers. The United States is now changing this for trusted travelers through a new initiative dubbed Gateside by TSA PreCheck.
However, accessing the gates without a flight ticket comes with specific requirements:
- Active TSA PreCheck membership: You must be an active member of TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry, which includes PreCheck for $120 for 5 years).
- Initial rollout at 13 airports: The program is currently available at 13 major US airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth (
DFW), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), and Salt Lake City (SLC). - Advance registration: You must register online via the TSA website between 1 and 3 days prior to your planned airport visit.
Practical use cases for the pass include greeting arriving family members directly at the gate, assisting unaccompanied minors or elderly travelers, dining airside, or accessing airport lounges. For instance, major US airlines (Delta, American, and United) frequently permit arrival lounge access on premium transcontinental and international business class tickets. Previously, international arrivals with no connecting flight were unable to pass back through TSA security after clearing customs.
A few individual US airports (such as Seattle, Orlando, and Detroit) already operate their own local visitor pass programs open to all guests, even without TSA PreCheck.
Source: One Mile at a Time