New program allows unticketed visitors past security at Mesa Gateway Airport

Approved Mesa Gateway Airport visitors can now go through security and reach the gates without an airline ticket thanks to a new Transportation Security Administration program.

The new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program could be especially helpful for children, older adults and others who may need assistance getting to or from their gates, according to airport spokesman Ryan Smith.

“If you have an elderly parent or a younger kid that you want to travel with or to pass through and accompany all the way to the gate, you’ll have that ability,” Smith told KTAR News 92.3 FM Wednesday. “If you want to be there and waiting for a family member that may need a little extra assistance or you just want to spend a little extra time with that person before they fly out, you have that ability.”

Approved visitors can eat at restaurants, visit shops and watch planes from inside the secure area at the Valley’s second-busiest airport.

“A lot of people, especially right now in the summertime, just love to watch planes,” Smith said. “We actually have a lot of people that are interested in coming and just hanging out in the terminal and watching the planes come and go.”

Why was Mesa Gateway Airport selected?

Mesa Gateway is one of 13 airports initially selected to offer the TSA-run program.

Smith believes the airport was selected partly because it serves 45 nonstop destinations while typically having short security lines. That could allow the airport to accommodate additional visitors without causing significant delays.

“There’s typically no wait when you’re flying with TSA PreCheck here at Gateway,” Smith said. “So, to be able to add that service to us is a great way to test it out to make sure that the TSA agents are prepared and that they can go through this training and kind of do this pilot program.”

The initial launch will help TSA address any problems before bringing the program to more airports, Smith said.

“I know they’re working through the kinks and making sure that it’s going to be a smooth program to roll out to other airports later in the year and early next year,” he said.

How to apply for a Gateside pass

Visitors must be enrolled in TSA PreCheck and apply for a Gateside pass before arriving at the airport.

“You do need to be part of the TSA PreCheck program, which is a program that you pay for. It’s good for five years. More and more people are using PreCheck just because of the the simplicity,” Smith said.

Applicants must provide their TSA PreCheck number and should apply one to three days before their planned visit, Smith said. Approved visitors must bring an acceptable form of identification and go through a TSA PreCheck screening lane.

Passes may be limited during busy travel periods. Visitors must also follow the same security rules as ticketed passengers.

“Your typical security restrictions will also apply,” Smith said. “Anything that you couldn’t bring through a checkpoint when you’re traveling, you can’t bring if you’re just going Gateside, so leave all of your liquids. Leave your weapons in the car or at home.”

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