Gateside by TSA PreCheck Brings Back Airside Access for PIT Visitors

The Transportation Security Administration has expanded a program to more than 300 airports nationwide giving visitors with TSA Precheck the opportunity to access post-security gates, shops and restaurants, nine years after Pittsburgh International Airport pioneered a similar concept.

PIT is among the airports included as part of the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program. The program marks the return of airside access availability to many airports across the country, a nod to an idea PIT first rolled out in 2017.

Nearly a decade ago, PIT gave the community – and the post-9/11 aviation industry – a new way to experience airports. Through myPITpass, non-ticketed visitors could pass through the TSA checkpoint – with proper screening – to greet loved ones, see off family and friends or enjoy the airport’s shops and restaurants.

While PIT’s myPITpass program paused during the pandemic and then for new terminal construction, TSA’s announcement means that visitors without an airline ticket can proceed through security to airport gate areas. The program is different from PIT’s previous program in that only TSA PreCheck enrollees are eligible. Those without TSA PreCheck will not be granted access through the checkpoint.

“Access to the airport’s gates, shops and restaurants for non-ticketed visitors is concept that Pittsburgh has been at the forefront of as an industry leader,” said Travis McNichols, PIT’s Chief Operations Officer. “PIT has long recognized that an airport is more than a place to catch a flight. It’s a place where people come together. We’ve seen the value of giving our community greater access to the airport, and we’re pleased to once again work with TSA to give people the opportunity to experience our terminal, welcome loved ones and enjoy the airport beyond the security checkpoint.”

TSA officials said safety and security is always the top priority and that the Gateside program enhances the visitor experience.

“TSA is proud to partner with Pittsburgh International Airport to bring Gateside by TSA PreCheck to the Pittsburgh area,” said Steve Taber, TSA Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania and Delaware.

“This initiative provides an innovative way for non-ticketed visitors to access the post-security side of the airport while maintaining the strong security standards the public expects. Whether welcoming a loved one home, seeing someone off, or experiencing the airport’s amenities, Gateside creates new opportunities for our community to connect with the airport in a meaningful way. We appreciate the continued partnership with Pittsburgh International Airport as we work together to enhance the passenger and visitor experience while keeping security at the forefront of everything we do.”

While Gateside is similar in concept to myPITpass, TSA has different eligibility requirements and guidelines.

How Gateside works

Gateside is designed for those enrolled in TSA PreCheck. Visitors must apply online through the TSA Gateside portal between one and three days before their planned airport visit. Applicants must have a Login.gov account and an active Known Traveler Number associated with TSA PreCheck.

Approval is not automatic. Visitors must check the Gateside portal to confirm whether their request has been approved.

Once approved, a Gateside pass is valid for one calendar day.

At PIT, Gateside visitors use a TSA PreCheck screening lane and must present a TSA-approved form of identification (Real ID). They may also be required to show their approved status through the program’s mobile portal. Screenshots and printed copies are not accepted.

Another way to reach the gate

Gateside is not the only option for non-ticketed visitors seeking checkpoint access.

Airlines may, at their discretion, provide checkpoint access to non-ticketed visitors. These arrangements are separate from Gateside by TSA PreCheck and must be coordinated directly with the airline in advance.

Visitors interested in airline-issued access should contact their airline for information about eligibility, availability and requirements. All non-ticketed visitors remain subject to TSA screening and security requirements.

For PIT, the return of airside access brings back more than a program. It revives an idea that became part of the airport’s identity nearly a decade ago: that an airport can be more than a place to catch a flight.

Post-security access is a concept that has been popular – and frequently asked about – in the Pittsburgh region. The program enhances the traveler and visitor experience while drawing additional support to airport vendors.

With Gateside by TSA PreCheck, visitors can once again experience PIT beyond the checkpoint. Whether they are welcoming someone home, seeing a loved one off or exploring the terminal’s growing lineup of shops, restaurants and amenities.