Stuck at the Airport is a big fan of the free gate pass programs that allow non-ticketed passengers to go to the secure side of the airport to walk friends and family to the gate, greet someone getting off the plane, or just hang out at the airport to shop, eat or watch planes come and go.
The growing list of airports offering these programs is listed at the end of this post.
But here’s something new: TSA has just rolled out a different, but similar free program called Gateside by TSA Precheck.
This free program gives non-ticketed individuals with TSA PreCheck/Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs) the option to apply for a pass to enter the airport through the TSA PreCheck lane.
At airports offering their own Gate Pass program, pass holders are prohibited from using the PreCheck lanes.
The Gateside by TSA Precheck is currently being rolled offered at 13 airports – some of which, ie Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) – already offer their own Gate Pass programs.
TSA promises that more airports will be added to the list.
Here’s the current list of airports participating in the new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program:
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California
- 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) in California
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah
To apply for an airport pass through the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program, click the Apply button on the Gateside by TSA PreCheck website. You’ll be asked to use sign in via your Login.gov account or create one. Applications can be made 1 to 3 days ahead of your planned visit.
When your pass is issued, you’ll be able to visit the airport without a ticket and use the PreCheck lane.
Existing airport gate pass programs
It may confusing trying to keep track of which airports offer the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program and which airports offer their own gate pass programs, but we’ll try to keep running lists of each.
The rollout list of Gateside by TSA PreCheck airports is above. At these airports, the program is only open to travelers with TSA PreCheck.
The list below includes airport gate pass programs that are open to anyone who applies on line (in some cases in person) and is cleared by TSA to get a pass. Participation in the TSA PreCheck program is not required.
To apply, you’ll need to enter your first and last name, date of birth, gender and e-mail address. TSA will vet your information and, if approved, you’ll get an email with your pass after 12:00 midnight on the day you want to visit. For same visits, passes are often issued right away.
When you go to the airport, you’ll show that pass in digital or paper format, along with your REAL ID or passport and go through security at a desginated checkpoint.
Here’s our most recent list of airports offering general gate pass programs. Please let us know if we missed yours.
Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) in Ohio offers the CAK Guest Pass Program. Guests are welcome into the terminal Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. And as a nice bonus, concessions offers a 10% discount to anyone who shows their pass.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) gate pass program is called the FlySide Pass. Guests may enter the terminal 7 days a week from 4 am until 10 pm.
Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, MI has the LAN Visitor Pass, with a limit of 25 visitors per day.
Cleveland Hopkins Interational Airport (CLE) offers the Hopkins Hangout Pass. Pass holders can get discounts a several airports dining venues.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is home to the DTW Destinaton Pass. Guests may use the pass from 4 am until 9 pm 7 days a week in both the McNamara and Evans terminals.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) offers the MCI Guest Pass Program
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has the MSY Guest Pass program.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) welcomes guests with its BNA Passport. The aiport limits the number of passed to 75 per day.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) program is called the the Wingmate Pass. Up to 100 passes are avialable each day and discounts may be available at shops and restaurants in the terminals.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers the SFO Gate Explorer pass. Applications can be made up to 30 days in advance.
At Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the SEA Visitor Pass Program is available to up to 300 guests per day.
The OC AirPass is available at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA.
Oakland San Francisco Bay Area Airport (OAK) now has the OAK Guest Pass Program.
The ONT+ Visitor Pass Program at California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) provides access to a specific passenger terminal starting at a specific time and cannot be used to access another passenger terminal.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has rebooted and expanded its Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program. Once limited to Terminal C, the program now permits guests to apply for a pass to any of the terminals.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has a Stay and Play Visitor Pass.
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has a SAT Pass for guests.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers the SAN Pass for Terminals 1 and 2.
Tampa International Airport and its TPA All Access pass is back on the list.
Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA offers the PSC Pass.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) has the TUL Visitor Pass Program.
