Gateside by TSA PreCheck: 2026 Program Changes & How to Apply

Gateside by TSA PreCheck: Program Changes, Eligibility, and How to Get a Visitor Pass

Gateside by TSA PreCheck is a free TSA program that lets TSA PreCheck members pass through airport security without a boarding pass. After a brief nationwide expansion to over 300 airports in October 2026, TSA scaled the program back to the original 13 participating airports due to operational considerations. Members apply online one to three days before their visit at TSA.gov/gateside, and passes are valid for one calendar day with re-entry allowed.

Quick Facts Table

What Is Gateside by TSA PreCheck?

Gateside by TSA PreCheck is a TSA-managed program that allows eligible TSA PreCheck members to access airport terminals beyond the security checkpoint without a boarding pass. It restores a pre-9/11 experience where family and friends could accompany travelers to the gate or greet arriving passengers at the gate.

The program is available exclusively to TSA PreCheck members, including members of other trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI who hold a valid Known Traveler Number (KTN). Children aged 17 and under can join an approved adult through the same application.

Gateside is not a financial assistance program. It does not provide monthly benefits, income support, or cash assistance. It is a free visitor access benefit for pre-screened travelers.

Who Qualifies?

You qualify for Gateside if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You are an active TSA PreCheck member or a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI with a valid Known Traveler Number (KTN).

• You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident (the same eligibility rules that apply to TSA PreCheck).

• You have not been disqualified by a criminal record that bars TSA PreCheck approval.

• You apply one to three days before your planned airport visit.

Who does NOT qualify:

• Individuals who are not TSA PreCheck members

• Non-citizens without lawful permanent resident status (unless they hold a qualifying trusted traveler membership)

• Individuals with disqualifying criminal offenses

• Anyone who has not received an approved Gateside pass

Income Limits

Gateside has no income limits. TSA PreCheck eligibility does not consider income, employment, or financial standing. The background check focuses on criminal history and security risk, not financial status. Applicants at any income level can apply. The only costs involved are the TSA PreCheck enrollment or renewal fee, which covers a five-year membership.

Asset Limits

There are no asset limits for Gateside or TSA PreCheck. The program does not consider savings, property, or financial resources. This distinguishes Gateside from needs-based programs such as SSI, SNAP, or Medicaid, which have strict asset and income tests.

Household Requirements

There are no household requirements for Gateside. An individual applies on their own behalf using their KTN. Children aged 17 and under can accompany an approved adult if they are registered as part of the same Gateside application. There is no requirement to be part of a specific family structure or household size.

Citizenship Rules

Gateside is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents—the same categories eligible for TSA PreCheck. This mirrors TSA PreCheck’s citizenship requirements. Non-citizens who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) qualify. Other visa holders or undocumented individuals do not qualify unless they hold a qualifying trusted traveler program membership that includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

Immigration Eligibility

Non-citizens may qualify for Gateside only if they are lawful permanent residents or hold a qualifying trusted traveler membership (Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI). A work visa, student visa, or other temporary immigration status does not qualify on its own. This is consistent with TSA PreCheck’s broader immigration eligibility rules.

State Differences

Gateside is currently available at 13 airports across the United States. The program is not available at every airport, and availability varies by state and airport. Some airports operate their own visitor pass programs independent of TSA—for example, Kansas City International, Philadelphia International, Orlando International, and San Francisco International have their own free programs that do not require TSA PreCheck membership.

The 13 currently participating Gateside airports are:

Required Documents

To use Gateside, you need:

• A valid Known Traveler Number (KTN) from your TSA PreCheck membership

• A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification at the TSA checkpoint

• The approved Gateside pass displayed through the program’s mobile portal (screenshots and printed copies are not accepted)

You do not need a boarding pass or flight reservation.

How to Apply

1. Visit TSA.gov/gateside one to three days before your planned airport visit.

2. Enter your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN).

3. Select the participating airport you wish to visit.

4. Submit your request. Approval is subject to daily availability.

5. If approved, go to the airport on your selected day.

6. Present your REAL ID or other acceptable ID at the TSA checkpoint.

7. Display your approved Gateside status through the mobile portal.

8. Go through TSA PreCheck screening to enter the secure area.

Online Application

The Gateside application is entirely online. There is no in-person interview, no paperwork, and no fee. The portal is accessible at TSA.gov/gateside. The application takes only a few minutes to complete. You must apply at least one day before and no more than three days before your planned visit. Passes are subject to daily availability and approval is not guaranteed.

Processing Time

Gateside passes are typically approved immediately or within the same day. There is no multi-week processing period like disability or SSI applications. Approval depends on daily capacity at the selected airport. If your request is not approved for a specific day, you may try a different date within the three-day window.

Payment Schedule

Gateside is free. There is no fee to request or use a Gateside pass. The only associated cost is the TSA PreCheck membership fee, which is $77.95 to $85 for five years for new enrollments and $58.75 to $79.95 for renewals, depending on the enrollment provider. TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years and is a prerequisite for Gateside.

Renewal Process

Gateside passes do not require renewal—they are issued per visit. However, your TSA PreCheck membership must remain active for you to continue using Gateside. TSA PreCheck memberships can be renewed online up to six months before expiration through TSA.gov or authorized providers such as IDEMIA, Telos, or CLEAR. TSA recommends renewing at least 60 days before expiration to avoid a lapse in benefits. Renewal fees range from $58.75 to $79.95, depending on the provider and whether you renew online or in person.

Reasons Applications Are Denied

Gateside passes may be denied for the following reasons:

• No active TSA PreCheck membership or invalid KTN

• Daily capacity limits at the selected airport

• Disqualifying criminal offenses on the TSA PreCheck disqualifying offenses list

• Incomplete application or incorrect KTN

• Applying outside the one-to-three-day window

• Airport not participating in Gateside

If your TSA PreCheck application itself is denied, you cannot use Gateside. Common TSA PreCheck denial reasons include permanent disqualifying offenses such as espionage, terrorism, or murder, and interim disqualifying offenses such as fraud, identity theft, or weapons violations within the past 7 years.

Appeals Process

If your Gateside pass is denied due to daily capacity, you may reapply for a different day within the allowed window. If your TSA PreCheck membership is denied or revoked, you can appeal through the TSA’s Trusted Traveler Program appeals process. The appeal must be submitted in writing to TSA within 30 days of the denial notice. TSA reviews the appeal and issues a final decision. If the appeal is denied, you may request a review by an Administrative Law Judge. Redress and correction processes are also available through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) for individuals who believe they were incorrectly denied.

Common Mistakes

• Applying too early or too late. Gateside applications are accepted only one to three days before the visit.

• Using an expired KTN. Ensure your TSA PreCheck membership is active.

• Bringing prohibited items. Gateside visitors are subject to the same TSA screening rules as passengers, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

• Showing a screenshot. The mobile portal must be displayed live; screenshots and printed copies are not accepted.

• Assuming all airports participate. Only the 13 currently listed airports accept Gateside passes.

• Forgetting REAL ID. You must present a REAL ID or other acceptable identification at the checkpoint.

Recent Changes

September 2026: TSA launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck at 13 airports as an operational assessment phase.

October 2, 2026: TSA expanded Gateside to over 300 additional airports nationwide, bringing the total to 314 participating airports.

Mid-October 2026: TSA quietly reversed the expansion, returning Gateside operations to the original 13 airports “at least for the time being”. Airports including Denver International and Norfolk International were removed from the program without public explanation. Some airports learned of the change only when users complained.

Current status (October 2026): Gateside is available only at the original 13 airports. TSA has not announced a timeline for re-expansion.

Comparison Table: Gateside vs. Airport Visitor Pass Programs

Related Government Benefits

While Gateside is not a financial assistance program, TSA PreCheck members and low-income travelers may benefit from these related programs:

1. TSA PreCheck — Expedited security screening at 200+ U.S. airports. $77.95–$85 for five years. Apply at TSA.gov/precheck.

2. Global Entry — Expedited customs re-entry into the U.S., includes TSA PreCheck. $120 for five years. Apply at cbp.gov.

3. NEXUS — Expedited crossing between the U.S. and Canada, includes TSA PreCheck. $50 for five years.

4. SENTRI — Expedited entry into the U.S. from Mexico, includes TSA PreCheck. $122.25 for five years.

5. CLEAR — Biometric identity verification at airport security. $189 annually. Not a government program.

6. DHS TRIP — Traveler Redress Inquiry Program for individuals with repeated screening issues. Free.

7. TSA Cares — Helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or special circumstances. Free.

8. Medicare — Health coverage for seniors and disabled individuals. Medicare.gov.

9. SSI — Supplemental Security Income for aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income. SSA.gov.

10. SNAP — Food assistance via EBT card for low-income households. FNS.USDA.gov.

11. LIHEAP — Utility bill assistance for low-income households. Benefits.gov.

12. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher — Rental assistance for low-income families. HUD.gov.

Common Questions

1. Is Gateside by TSA PreCheck free?
Yes. There is no fee to request or use a Gateside pass. However, you must be an active TSA PreCheck member, which costs $77.95–$85 for a five-year membership. Renewals cost $58.75–$79.95 depending on the provider.

2. How far in advance can I apply for a Gateside pass?
You can apply one to three days before your planned airport visit. Applications submitted earlier than three days or later than one day before the visit will not be accepted.

3. Which airports currently accept Gateside?
Thirteen airports currently participate: Mesa Gateway (AZA), Columbus (CMH), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Wichita (ICT), Indianapolis (IND), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Little Rock (LIT), Oklahoma City (OKC), Omaha (OMA), San Diego (SAN), and Salt Lake City (SLC).

4. Why did TSA scale back Gateside in October 2026?
TSA has not publicly explained the reduction. The program was expanded to 314 airports on October 2, 2026, and then quietly reversed within days to the original 13 airports. Airports were not given advance notice.

5. Can I use Gateside if I have Global Entry but not TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI members hold a Known Traveler Number that includes TSA PreCheck benefits, making them eligible for Gateside.

6. Can my children use Gateside with me?
Yes. Children aged 17 and under can accompany an approved adult if they are registered as part of the same Gateside application.

7. What ID do I need for Gateside?
You need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification at the TSA checkpoint. The same ID rules that apply to airline passengers apply to Gateside visitors.

8. Is Gateside available at every TSA PreCheck airport?
No. Only the 13 currently listed airports accept Gateside passes. TSA PreCheck itself is available at over 200 airports, but Gateside is a separate program with limited availability.

9. Can I re-enter the secure area with a Gateside pass?
Yes. Gateside passes are valid for one calendar day and allow re-entry. You may leave the secure area and return on the same day using the same pass.

10. What happens if my Gateside application is denied?
Denials are typically due to daily capacity limits or an inactive KTN. You can reapply for a different day within the allowed window. If your TSA PreCheck membership itself is denied, you can appeal through the TSA Trusted Traveler Program appeals process.

11. Does Gateside replace airport visitor pass programs?
No. Some airports operate their own visitor pass programs independently of TSA. For example, Tulsa International Airport continues to offer its TUL Visitor Pass alongside Gateside.

12. How long does TSA PreCheck membership last?
TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years. You can renew online up to six months before expiration. TSA recommends renewing at least 60 days before expiration to avoid a lapse in benefits.

Key Takeaways

• Gateside by TSA PreCheck is a free TSA program allowing PreCheck members to access airport gates without a boarding pass.

• The program launched in September 2026 at 13 airports and briefly expanded to 314 airports in October before being scaled back to the original 13.

• Applicants must apply online at TSA.gov/gateside one to three days before their visit.

• Eligibility requires active TSA PreCheck membership (or Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI) with a valid Known Traveler Number.

• There are no income or asset limits for Gateside or TSA PreCheck.

• Children aged 17 and under can accompany an approved adult.

• Passes are valid for one calendar day and allow re-entry.

• Visitors must present a REAL ID or acceptable ID and display the live mobile portal pass.

• TSA PreCheck membership costs $77.95–$85 for five years; renewals cost $58.75–$79.95.

• TSA has not announced a timeline for re-expanding Gateside beyond the 13 current airports.

Official Government Resources

• TSA Gateside Portal: TSA.gov/gateside

• TSA PreCheck Information: TSA.gov/precheck

• TSA PreCheck Renewal: TSA.gov/precheck/renew

• TSA Disqualifying Offenses: TSA.gov/disqualifying-offenses-factors

• DHS Trusted Traveler Programs: TTP.dhs.gov

• USA.gov Trusted Traveler Guide: USA.gov/trusted-traveler-program

• DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP): DHS.gov/trip

• Global Entry (CBP): CBP.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

• TSA Cares Helpline: TSA.gov/travel/passenger-support

• REAL ID Information: TSA.gov/realid