TSA Gateside Application Lists More Than 300 Airports

The airport menu in TSA's Gateside application now lists more than 300 airports, far beyond the 13 the program launched with in September. TSA's public Gateside page, checked on October 5, 2026, still lists the 13 launch airports, so the page and the form don't match.

Gateside by TSA PreCheck lets PreCheck members go past airport security without a boarding pass, to meet someone at the gate, see them off, or eat and shop in the terminal. It's free. If your airport wasn't on the launch list, check the application before you assume Gateside isn't open to you there. Here's what changed, what TSA's page says today, and how to find your airport.

What Changed

TSA launched Gateside at 13 airports on September 9 and 10, 2026, with a series of local announcements. Our launch coverage has that list and the background on how the program started.

By early October, the airport menu inside the application listed more than 300 airports. You reach that menu by clicking Apply on TSA's Gateside page and signing in with a Login.gov account, so you won't see it without signing in.

What TSA's Public Page Says

As of October 5, 2026, TSA's Gateside page says the program "is available at 13 airports and will roll out to more airports across the country in the coming months." Its airport list shows the same 13, from Mesa Gateway in Arizona to Salt Lake City. One answer in the page's own FAQ refers to 14 airports in the initial phase, while the rest of the page says 13.

The most recent Gateside items on TSA's press release page, checked the same day, are the September launch announcements for individual airports.

How to Check Your Airport

Start at TSA's Gateside page and click Apply. You'll sign in to Login.gov, or create an account, and land in the application portal. Pick your airport from the menu, enter your details and Known Traveler Number, and submit. Then check your dashboard for the approval before you head to the airport.

Timing matters. TSA says you must apply at least one day before your visit and no more than three days in advance, so a same-day trip to the gate won't work.

The Rules on TSA's Page Today

These come from TSA's Gateside page and its FAQ as of October 5, 2026:

It's free. There's no charge for a Gateside pass.
Who can apply: TSA PreCheck members, certain federal employees and members of other trusted traveler programs, using a Known Traveler Number.
Children can come but must be on a parent's or guardian's reservation.
Use the TSA PreCheck lane. TSA says visitors may not use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes.
Bring an acceptable ID, and be ready to show your approved status on your phone. TSA says screenshots and printouts won't be accepted.
One calendar day. A pass is valid for one day, and re-entry is allowed on that date.
Same screening. Visitors go through the same screening requirements and limits as ticketed passengers.
Peak times. TSA says availability may be limited during peak times.

What This Means for You

If you have PreCheck and your airport wasn't one of the 13, you may now be able to walk a parent to the gate or meet a friend on a layover there. The application, not the public list, is where to find out.

If you don't have PreCheck yet, Gateside adds one more use for it. Several travel cards reimburse the application fee, and our TSA PreCheck guide covers how to enroll and which cards pay for it.

The Bottom Line

If your airport wasn't one of the 13, check the application's airport menu before you rule Gateside out. Apply one to three days ahead, choose your airport from the menu, and check your approval before you leave home. For every trusted traveler program in one place, see our TSA PreCheck and Global Entry hub.

Sources

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