TSA Quietly Reverses Nationwide Expansion of ‘Gateside by TSA PreCheck’ Program

Just 12 days after expanding its Gateside by TSA PreCheck program to roughly 300 airports nationwide, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has abruptly backtracked, quietly scaling the initiative back down to its original 13 operational test hubs.

The program, which originally launched in early September, allows active TSA PreCheck members, Global Entry holders, and other travelers with Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs) to clear security without a flight ticket. Designed to bring back a small taste of pre-9/11 airport culture, the pass lets non-flying visitors greet or see off family members, meet friends during long layovers, and access post-security dining and retail,

On October 1, the TSA dramatically expanded the initiative beyond its initial trial locations, opening up application portals for hundreds of commercial airports across the country. However, by October 13, the TSA scrubbed those additional airports from the application portal without advance notice, leaving only the original 13 test hubs active for pass requests.

The TSA has not released a full explanation for the pivot, saying only that it is evaluating participation levels, operational impacts, and overall security posture across participating checkpoints.

Where the Program Stands Now

While the nationwide expansion is currently grounded, the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program remains open and operational strictly at the original 13 assessment hubs.

They are: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS), Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock (LIT), Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City (OKC), Eppley Airfield in Omaha (OMA), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT).

While the TSA maintains that the nationwide expansion is merely paused while the agency evaluates initial data, no official timeline has been provided for when-or if-the remaining airports will reopen for Gateside requests.

How It Works for Eligible Travelers

At those 13 participating airports, the rules and application process remain unchanged.

Applicants must hold an active KTN through TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or an eligible federal trusted traveler program. Children may accompany an approved parent or guardian through the checkpoint.

Requesting and receiving a pass is free of charge, but passes must be requested one to three days prior to the intended visit via the TSA’s login.gov portal.

Approval is not guaranteed and depends on each airport’s daily visitor cap and peak-hour capacity constraints.

Once approved, visitors have to present a government-issued photo ID and their digital Gateside pass at TSA PreCheck lanes, and then undergo standard PreCheck screening protocols.