For decades, airport security has marked the end of the road for friends and family seeing off a traveler. That’s changing for some travelers. The Transportation Security Administration has launched a new program at some U.S. airports that allows eligible TSA PreCheck members without airline tickets to go through security and enter the gates, reviving a tradition that largely disappeared after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks nearly 25 years ago. way, bringing back the moments that once defined air travel,” the TSA said on its website. Before 9/11, people without tickets were generally able to escort travelers to the gate. The attacks prompted sweeping changes to airport security, including restrictions on access to secure areas of airports. The program, called “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” is free, but people must apply online one to three days before their visit. planned and receive approval before going to the airport. If approved, they can enter through a TSA PreCheck lane with an acceptable form of identification. The pass is valid for one calendar day and visitors can re-enter that day. TSA says members of other trusted traveler programs who have a Known Traveler Number can also request gate access. Harry Reid in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International Airport, according to the TSA. But the agency says it plans to expand the program to more airports in the coming months. Several airports across the country already have their own version of the program. Pittsburgh International Airport launched myPITpass in 2017, although the program was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained on hold during construction at the airport. boarding up to 300 people without tickets per day. Other airports that have their own versions of the program include Philadelphia International Airport and Kansas City International Airport More from CBS News Go deeper with The Free Press at:
