TSA quietly rolls back gate-access program days after expanding it to hundreds of airports

Less than two weeks after the Transportation Security Administration expanded a program letting non-travelers pass through airport security to reach departure gates, the agency has quietly pulled it back — removing hundreds of newly added airports from its booking portal and returning the program to the 13 locations where it began, without public notice or explanation.

The program, called 'Gateside by TSA PreCheck,' was launched in September at 13 airports. It allows TSA PreCheck members who are not flying to apply one to three days in advance for a pass to clear a security checkpoint — for send-offs, arrivals, layover meetups, or airport dining and shopping. The TSA promoted it as a revival of a pre-9/11 tradition that largely disappeared after the 2001 attacks tightened airport access.

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.— TSA, website statement

Earlier this month, the program expanded to hundreds more airports across the country, according to press releases. Denver International Airport was among the new additions, and CNN affiliate KUSA successfully used the benefit there last week. But within days, the expansion was reversed.

TSA recently returned Gateside by TSA PreCheck operations to the original 13 participating airports, at least for the time being.— Denver International Airport, statement

The rollback was so abrupt that some airports did not learn about it from the TSA at all. Norfolk International Airport in Virginia found out only after passengers complained they could no longer find the airport listed on the TSA's booking portal.

We received a few comments on social media and emails from people who said they recently tried to apply via the TSA's online portal but found ORF was not among the available airports. I logged in to check these claims and likewise did not see ORF in the pulldown menu.— Chris Jones, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Norfolk Airport Authority

According to ground.news, Norfolk officials subsequently learned from the TSA that the Gateside program is on hold indefinitely at all locations outside the original 13 pilot airports. Jones also reported that 31 people had used gateside passes at Norfolk during the program's first four days there.

When an airport is not listed on the Gateside website, prospective applicants have no way to request a pass. The TSA did not respond to CNN's initial request for information, and provided a statement only after more than a day — one that offered no reason for the contraction.

Gateside by TSA PreCheck is currently in the operational assessment phase at 13 airports across the nation. TSA is evaluating participation levels and assessing operational impacts. This assessment is proving that TSA's security posture remains strong while delivering innovative benefits to PreCheck customers.— TSA, statement

The agency has given no timeline for whether or when the broader expansion might resume. The 13 remaining active airports include Denver International and Los Angeles International, according to ground.news. For travelers at any other airport, the program is currently unavailable with no indication of when that will change.

Why it matters — Millions of TSA PreCheck members who planned to use the newly expanded gate-access program — to greet family, see off friends, or use airport amenities without a ticket — can no longer do so at most U.S. airports, with no explanation from the agency and no timeline for the benefit's return.

Reported by cnn.com, independent.co.uk, ground.news