If you’re a Boomer or a Gen X’er, you may remember WAAYYY BACK when non-travelers were allowed to walk their loved ones to their gate at the airport, and wait with them.
It feels like a lifetime ago, but it was roughly 25 years ago: Until 9/11 happened.
Well, those days MIGHT be coming back. The TSA has launched “Gateside, by TSA PreCheck,” a “pilot program” allowing approved, non-ticketed visitors to pass through security at 13 U.S. airports.
The participating airports include: John Glenn Columbus International in Columbus, Ohio . . . Dallas Fort Worth International . . . Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport . . . Indianapolis International . . .
Harry Reid International in Las Vegas . . . Los Angeles International Airport . . . San Diego International . . . and Salt Lake City International in Utah.
Non-ticketed visitors who are approved for the program must still go through screening . . . and they must apply through TSA and receive a Gateside pass one to three days BEFORE arriving at the airport.
You must also have TSA PreCheck or a “Known Traveler Number.” Then, you’d go through the PreCheck screening lane with your ID.
If you’re worried about this making lines LONGER, they say availability can be restricted during particularly busy periods . . . like around holiday travel.
TSA says the program is designed to make airport visits easier for families . . . especially those with children flying, or elderly passengers.
They also say it’s “an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers . . . that makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet friends during a layover, and enjoy dining and shopping along the way.”
The program will roll out to more airports in the coming months.