A Popular TSA Program Just ENDED At 100+ Airports

Here at Disney Food Blog, we love traveling and we love food, so we wish we could stay all day at some airports just for the snacks.

MCO TSA PreCheck

This September, TSA launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a new pilot program that allows certain non-travelers to go through airport security and enter the gate area without actually having a flight. It was basically our dream come true, but the program suddenly ended at more than 100 airports!

Gateside by TSA PreCheck allows non-flyers with TSA PreCheck to go through security and wait at the gate for their loved ones to arrive or depart, or shop and eat at the airport. To use it, you need to apply one to three days ahead of time, and if approved, you’ll have access to shopping, dining, and the airport gates past security.

©TSA

The program soft-launched at 13 airports across the country on September 17th, and has quietly expanded to around 300 airports since, according to Forbes. But just as quick as it started, the program rolled back to only the 13 original airports.

©DFW Airport

“Gateside by TSA PreCheck is currently in the operational assessment phase at 13 airports across the nation,” the TSA said in a press statement. “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.”

©Reagan National Airport

The program is now limited to the following 13 airports:

Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
Will Rogers International Airport (OKC)
Eppley Airfield (OMA)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

©Jeremy Bezanger/Unsplash

For our readers who fly in and out of the Orlando International Airport, Gateside by TSA PreCheck’s rollback won’t affect the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program. This is a completely different program, and you can still check out Magic of Disney, the Walt Disney World store, or Wine Bar George like normal.

TSA lines at MCO

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on changes to Gateside by TSA PreCheck, so stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more travel news!

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What do you think of Gateside by TSA PreCheck? Comment below with your thoughts!