The TSA quietly reversed its "Gateside by TSA PreCheck" program expansion, which allowed non-flying PreCheck members to go through security, scaling it back to only the original 13 airports just days after expanding it nationwide.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has significantly scaled back its "Gateside by TSA PreCheck" program, a new benefit introduced with much fanfare in September. This program initially allowed members of the expedited security program to apply one to three days in advance for a pass to go through airport security checkpoints even when they were not traveling. The TSA promoted it as a way to facilitate welcomes, send-offs, layover meetings, and access to airport dining and shopping. After launching at 13 initial airports, the program expanded to hundreds more across the country earlier this month, including Denver International Airport. However, this widespread expansion was quietly reversed within days, with operations returning solely to the original 13 participating airports. The reason for this sudden change is unclear, as the TSA has not responded to requests for information. Airports like Norfolk International Airport (ORF) only discovered the program's cessation when would-be users complained about being unable to apply. Now, only the initial 13 airports are listed as available for booking on the Gateside website.
