TSA pulls Gateside airport gate-access program back to original 13 sites

A Transportation Security Administration program that allows vetted members of the public to pass through security without a boarding pass has been cut back to its first group of airports.

Gateside launched in September at 13 United States airports. According to TSA announcements, it reached hundreds more in the weeks that followed. This week it is operating again only at the original 13, according to airports that took part in the wider roll-out.

Denver International Airport, one of the sites dropped, said the agency moved Gateside back to the original 13 participating airports, at least for now. The airport gave that account to CNN on Thursday.

Officials at Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, also an expansion site, said they learned of the change from customer complaints and messages rather than from TSA. The agency has not commented on the reversal.

Under the program, TSA PreCheck members and holders of Known Traveler Numbers can clear screening without a ticket for a departing flight. That lets people meet or see off travellers at the gate, spend time with someone during a layover, or use shops and restaurants in the secure area.

Access of that kind has largely been barred since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Airports where Gateside continues to operate include Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, Little Rock and Mesa Gateway in Arizona.