TSA launches Gateside program letting non-flyers pass security at select California airports

The Transportation Security Administration introduced a pilot called "Gateside by TSA PreCheck" that lets non-ticketed individuals clear security at 13 airports, including Los Angeles International and San Diego International. Eligibility is limited to current or former PreCheck members and travelers who hold a Known Traveler Number, and applications should be submitted one to three days before the intended visit. The program costs the same as a five-year PreCheck enrollment, ranging from $76 to $85, and promises short wait times, with the agency citing that about 99% of passengers wait under ten minutes.

Public response is divided: some users welcome the ability to accompany loved ones to the gate, while others worry it will exacerbate already busy terminals. Gateside follows existing visitor schemes at more than 20 U.S. airports, such as Seattle's Visitor Pass, and mirrors practices in countries like Australia where non-passengers can accompany travelers to the boarding area. The TSA indicated plans to roll the program out to additional airports in the coming months.