life
Sep 10, 20264 min read
You can now visit airport gates without a plane ticket at these 13 airports
You can now visit airport gates without a plane ticket at 13 airports in the United States. The TSA's new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program allows non-ticketed
Based on reporting by The Points Guy Travel Logistics & Rewards. Research, structure, and fact-checking by Groundwork.
You can now visit airport gates without a plane ticket at these 13 airports
You can now visit airport gates without a plane ticket at 13 airports in the United States. According to editorial research analyzed by Groundwork, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rolled out a new program called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, which allows non-ticketed visitors to use dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for expedited entry to the airport.
You can visit airport gates without a plane ticket at 13 airports, including Mesa Gateway Airport, John Glenn Columbus International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport, among others.
Numbered Steps to Apply for Gateside by TSA PreCheck
- Ensure you have TSA PreCheck status or a Known Traveler Number.
- Apply for a Gateside by TSA PreCheck day pass one to three days before your planned visit.
- Log in using your Login.gov account or create one.
- Enter your personal information on the form and wait for approval.
- Bring a Real ID or other acceptable form of ID to a PreCheck lane at the airport.
- Log in to the application portal to show the TSA officer your approval status.
How it Works
Gateside by TSA PreCheck is free and open to TSA PreCheck members and those with Known Traveler Numbers. The program is designed to make 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.
Airports Rolling Out Gateside by TSA PreCheck
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Gateside by TSA PreCheck versus Other Airport Gate Pass Programs
At least 20 airports already welcome non-ticketed guests to apply for gate passes to visit the non-secure side of the airport. These programs go by different names at each airport, such as the Hopkins Hang Out Pass at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and the Wingmate Pass at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Tips for Using Gateside by TSA PreCheck
- Be sure to enter your children's information on your reservation if they are accompanying you.
- Screenshots or printouts of your approval status will not be accepted.
- TSA PreCheck lanes are available at participating airports, and you can use them for expedited entry to the airport.
Contingency Plan
If you don't have TSA PreCheck or know that your membership will soon be renewed, consider applying for TSA PreCheck or exploring other airport gate pass programs.
Decision Matrix Framework
Research Data Table
Share via system sheet on mobile, or copy link on desktop
P
Editorial Analysis
Priya Nair • Legal & Career Advisor
“The TSA's new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program is a welcome addition to airport amenities, allowing non-ticketed visitors to enjoy the airport experience without the hassle of security lines.”
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a plane ticket to use Gateside by TSA PreCheck?▼
No, you don't need a plane ticket to use Gateside by TSA PreCheck. You can apply for a day pass one to three days before your planned visit.
How do I apply for Gateside by TSA PreCheck?▼
To apply for Gateside by TSA PreCheck, log in using your Login.gov account or create one, enter your personal information on the form, and wait for approval.
Can I bring my children with me when using Gateside by TSA PreCheck?▼
Yes, you can bring your children with you when using Gateside by TSA PreCheck. Be sure to enter their information on your reservation.
What forms of ID are accepted for Gateside by TSA PreCheck?▼
You can use a Real ID or other acceptable form of ID to enter the PreCheck lane at the airport.
Related research guides
life
3m
Hilton American Express Card Offers Worth Up to 200,000 Bonus Points
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers a highest-ever welcome bonus of 200,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months
G
Groundwork Researcher
life
3m
Aeroplan Card's Best-Ever Offer: Earn Up to 115,000 Bonus Points
Earn up to 115,000 bonus Aeroplan points with the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card's best-ever offer.
G
Groundwork Researcher
life
3m
We're talking less than ever. It's damaging our health—and how we work
The Silent Shift in Communication A quiet but meaningful shift is happening in how people communicate—and most organizations don’t yet recognize its health
G
Groundwork ResearcherRelated Research & Topic Index (life)
Explore related evidence-based investigations, decision tools, and entity breakdowns:
Primary Research & Citations
Contextual evidence and verified documentation referenced in this research guide
Groundwork enforces a strict, independent verification standard. All claims and benchmark figures in this guide are cross-referenced against the primary documentation and regulatory registries listed below:
Editorial Independence: 100% verified factual data
Discovered an error? Submit for verification
How to Cite This Research Guide
Priya Nair (2026). You can now visit airport gates without a plane ticket at these 13 airports. Groundwork. Retrieved from https://gworky.com/article/tssa-gateside-no-plane-ticket
License: CC BY-NC 4.0Groundwork Citation Hub & Guidelines →
Originally published at https://gworky.com/article/tssa-gateside-no-plane-ticket — Groundwork Evidence-Based Research.
Featured Utility & ResearchGroundwork Intelligence
Metro Relocation & Tax Index
Cost of Living & Real Purchasing Power Calculator
Compare state income taxes, housing premiums, and net take-home pay between metro areas.
Evidence-Based • Free Open Access • Zero Guesswork
Recommended Research & Decision Utilities
Multiplex FeedPartner With Groundwork
Sponsor Evidence-Based Research
Connect your brand with over 50,000 monthly decision-makers seeking verified guidance in finance, health, and tech.
View Media Kit Verified
Interactive Utility
Car Cost of Ownership Calculator
See the real cost of owning a car per mile, including fuel, depreciation, insurance, and maintenance.
Launch Tool→
lifeHilton American Express Card Offers Worth Up to 200,000 Bonus Points
6 min readRead Guide →
lifeAeroplan Card's Best-Ever Offer: Earn Up to 115,000 Bonus Points
5 min readRead Guide →
lifeWe're talking less than ever. It's damaging our health—and how we work
5 min readRead Guide →
lifeWhy solopentreur AI projects fail (and how to get better results)
5 min readRead Guide →
Benchmarked LIFE Solutions At a Glance
Evaluated for performance, privacy protocols, and pricing transparency.
| Solution | Key Benchmark | Pricing | Verdict & Access |
|---|---|---|---|
NordVPNEditor Pick via Nord Security | Post-quantum encrypted tunneling | $3.39/mo | |
SoFi Financial via SoFi Bank | High-yield cash & mortgage refinance | 0.00% Fees | |
TradingView via TradingView Inc. | Financial charts & Pine Script screener | Free / $14.95 |
Editorial integrity: Groundwork rates products independently without sponsor influence.More Comparisons →
Written byLead AnalystPrimary Research
Life & career advisor focused on consumer legal rights, relocation costs, and auto ownership. Priya builds decision frameworks from public data and case law.
Fact-Checked byReview BoardIndependent Audit
James Thorne
Lifestyle & Legal Systems Optimizer
Lifestyle and legal systems optimizer who hunts down consumer rights, loopholes, and total-cost-of-ownership math across travel, career, and auto decisions.
Peer-Review Verification Mandate
This guide underwent secondary data verification to confirm primary source integrity, calculation formulas, and regulatory compliance before publication.