US airports to let some people without tickets pass through security

TSA PreCheck program members will be eligible to send off friends and family at gate in change to post-9/11 rule

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Some people without plane tickets will be allowed to pass through security at US airports and go to gates to see off family or friends, rolling back a rule that was introduced after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Certain people who are part of the TSA PreCheck program but who do not have tickets to fly will be able to go through security to airport gates, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said.

This will revive a previous tradition where friends and family of those flying were able to go to the gate with them to bid farewell. The practice was largely banned following the 2001 terror attacks, which are nearing their 25th anniversary on Friday.

“As an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers, this new program makes 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, bringing back the moments that once defined air travel,” the TSA said on its website.

The program, called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, is free, but interested members must apply online one to three days before their planned visits and receive approval before going to the airport. If approved, they can enter security using a TSA PreCheck lane with an acceptable form of identification. The passes are valid for one calendar day, but re-entries are allowed on that day.

The TSA says members of other trusted-traveler programs who have a Known Traveler Number also can apply for access to the gates.

The program is initially available at 13 airports, including Los Angeles international airport, Dallas-Fort Worth international airport, Harry Reid international airport in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City international airport, according to the TSA. The agency says it plans to expand the program to more airports in the coming months.

The TSA was created in the wake of 9/11 as part of a series of changes aimed at tightening aviation security. Passengers underwent more rigorous security checks, with knives and box cutters banned from carry-on bags. Aircraft cockpit doors were reinforced and air marshals were introduced to flights.