Last month, the Transportation Security Administration rolled out a new benefit that allowed TSA PreCheck members to head through airport security without a plane ticket, and the program quickly expanded to hundreds of airports across the country. But that expansion has now been quietly reversed, just days after it went into effect.
The program, known as Gateside by TSA PreCheck, is back to operating at only its original 13 airports, at least “for the time being.” Interestingly, the agency hasn’t offered any explanation for the sudden change.
Gateside Program Launched in September
The TSA introduced Gateside in September, giving PreCheck members a way to get to the gate area without a boarding pass, something that has largely been off-limits since 9/11. Members of other trusted traveler programs with a Known Traveler Number were eligible as well.
The pass was free, but users had to apply online one to three days in advance and get approval before heading to the airport. Each pass was valid for one calendar day, according to NPR, which noted that the TSA called it “an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers.”
“This new program 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, bringing back the moments that once defined air travel,” the TSA said on its website.
Gateside launched at 13 airports, with the TSA planning to add more down the line. This month, the program expanded to hundreds of additional airports throughout the country. But that rollout was seemingly short-lived.
Perk Suddenly Rolled Back
Within days of rolling out the new perk to hundreds of airports throughout the country, Gateside was pulled back from nearly all of those new airports.
The TSA didn’t say why it made the change. Instead, the agency said that Gateside “is currently in the operational assessment phase at 13 airports across the nation.”
“TSA is evaluating participation levels and assessing operational impacts. This assessment is proving that TSA’s security posture remains strong while delivering innovative benefits to PreCheck customers,” the agency added.
Some airports didn’t even get a heads-up. Norfolk International Airport in Virginia only learned that Gateside was no longer available there after travelers began complaining.
“We received a few comments on social media and emails from people who said they recently tried to apply via the TSA’s online portal but found ORF was not among the available airports,” Norfolk’s chief marketing and communications officer Chris Jones said via CNN. “I logged in to check these claims and likewise did not see ORF in the pulldown menu.”
For now, Gateside passes can only be booked at Mesa Gateway Airport, John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Indianapolis International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Will Rogers International Airport, Eppley Airfield, San Diego International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport.
Needless to say, PreCheck members outside of those cities will have to keep waiting to meet their loved ones at the gate.
