Ever wished you could greet friends and family right at the gate at San Diego International Airport? You’re either old enough to remember those days, seen it in the movies, or someone told you about the ‘good old times.’ Thanks to a quiet new rollout from the Transportation Security Administration, eligible locals can now do exactly that – yes, without buying a plane ticket.
This week, the TSA launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a brand-new program that grants eligible non-flying visitors access to the secured areas of the airport. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of only 13 travel hubs nationwide selected for the program’s initial phase.
How Gateside works at SAN
Under the Gateside program, approved visitors are issued a free pass that allows them to go through airport security and enter the terminal.
Whether you want to give a proper send-off to a loved one, meet a friend during their layover, or just enjoy the restaurants and shops located past the security checkpoints, this pass gives you the freedom to do so. The pass is valid for one calendar day, and approved visitors can even exit and re-enter the airport during that approved day. Plus, Gateside users get to skip the lines by using the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for entry.
Who is eligible?
Gateside isn’t open to just anyone. It’s a special benefit designed for trusted travelers. To apply for a pass, you must have an eligible Known Traveler Number (KTN).
This means active members of TSA PreCheck, as well as members of other Trusted Traveler programs that provide a KTN (like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI) are eligible to take advantage of the Gateside program.
How to apply for your visit
If you want to meet an arriving flight or accompany someone to their gate at SAN, you need to plan ahead:
- Apply in advance: You must request a pass through the Gateside application portal 1 to 3 days before your planned visit.
- Bring ID: Once approved, you’ll need to bring an acceptable form of ID to the airport and be prepared to show your approval status to a TSA officer.
- Bringing kids: Children are welcome to come along to the gate, but they must be explicitly included on their parent or guardian’s Gateside reservation.
The program is currently available at 12 other airports, including regional neighbors like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS).
