25 years after 9/11, TSA is letting loved ones back past airport security to say goodbye at the gate — but there’s a catch
A new TSA program is bringing back gateside welcomes and goodbyes at 13 airports, but access comes with several restrictions
Ever since the tragic September 11 attacks rewrote the rules of American aviation, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has kept a tight grip on terminal access. Saying goodbye to loved ones at an airport gate has generally been off-limits to people without boarding passes. Now, the TSA is expanding a way for some non-ticketed visitors to get past security through its new "Gateside by TSA PreCheck" — though not everyone qualifies, reported by Live Now Fox on September 5, 2026.
A strict gatekeeper rule
There's a major hurdle that comes with it. As it turns out, unfortunately, the program isn't open to everyone. Only vetted travelers with an active TSA PreCheck membership and an assigned Know Traveler number can take part. "As an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers, this new program makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs," the agency announced. Officials also noted that people can meet their friends during layovers and enjoy dining and shopping beyond security.
Booking your gate pass
The entry itself doesn't carry any extra cost. However, securing terminal access requires planning ahead rather than simply walking up to security. TSA informed people that they must register through the official portal ahead of time, ensuring screening officers have their credentials ready. This needs to be done 1 to 3 days ahead of the flight. Once granted approval digitally, visitors must also present a compliant government ID at the standard PreCheck line. Children can accompany a parent or guardian as long as they are included in the adult's Gateside reservation.
The thirteen launch hubs
Most importantly, this facility won't be available at all airports just yet. The federal authorities have chosen a diverse group of 13 domestic air hubs to pilot this initiative during its debut phase. Major commercial airports such as Los Angeles International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport anchor this roster, joined by bustling regional hubs such as Eppley Airfield in Omaha and John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio. Travelers passing through terminals in Phoenix-Mesa and Detroit will also be able to enjoy this facility alongside several others.
The way forward
TSA has said more airports will be added to the program in the coming months, though it has not yet announced a specific expansion timeline. The rollout also comes as travelers continue to push for a simpler airport security experience. According to a U.S. Travel-Ipsos poll, 73% of respondents supported allowing passengers to leave laptops inside their bags during screening, while 86% supported allowing larger quantities of liquids. The poll also found strong support for keeping shoes on during screening — a policy TSA has since adopted for routine passenger screening.
Airports are already crowded
Some travelers, however, questioned whether allowing more non-ticketed visitors beyond security could make already-busy gate areas more crowded. A few took to the comments under a post by @theaviationcircle published on 6 September 2026 to vent their frustrations. @rj85msp noted, "Too many people at TSA. Too many people in the gate areas already during departures, etc. Horrible idea." At the same time, @lorim4020 commented, "Q: What's the difference between saying goodbye at the curb vs. the gate? A: Chaotic crowds at the gate."
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