Eppley Airfield is one of 13 U.S. airports offering Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a free program that allows approved members to meet travelers at the gate or enter post-security areas without flying.
By Hola Nebraska
OMAHA, Nebraska — Some visitors can now go through security at Eppley Airfield without a plane ticket under a new TSA program available at only 13 airports nationwide.
Gateside by TSA PreCheck allows approved TSA PreCheck members to enter the secure side of participating airports even when they are not flying that day.
Visitors can use the access to accompany a family member or friend to the gate, meet an arriving passenger, spend time with someone during a layover, or visit restaurants and shops located beyond the security checkpoint.
Gateside access is free but requires TSA PreCheck and advance approval
There is no additional charge to request a Gateside pass, but the program is limited to eligible TSA PreCheck members.
Applicants need their Known Traveler Number and must request access online one to three days before the planned airport visit.
Approval is required before entering the secure area. An approved visitor must present a REAL ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification at the checkpoint and complete security screening before entering the concourse.
| Gateside at Eppley Airfield | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Who can apply | Eligible TSA PreCheck members |
| When to apply | 1–3 days before the visit |
| Boarding pass required | No |
| Identification required | REAL ID or another acceptable TSA ID |
| Security screening | Required |
Visitors can meet arriving passengers at the gate
The program restores an airport experience that largely disappeared after the security changes that followed the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Instead of waiting in baggage claim or another public area, an approved Gateside visitor can pass through TSA screening and meet an arriving passenger inside the secure portion of the airport.
The same access can be used to stay with a departing traveler until the gate area or to visit airport dining and retail businesses beyond security.
A Gateside pass does not function as a boarding pass and cannot be used to board a flight.
Eppley is one of 13 airports in the first Gateside rollout
Eppley Airfield is the only Nebraska airport included in the initial group of 13 airports offering the program.
Other participating airports include Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, San Diego International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport.
TSA plans to expand Gateside to additional airports in the coming months.
Visitors still go through TSA screening at Eppley
Gateside changes who may request access beyond the checkpoint, but it does not eliminate airport security screening.
Approved participants go through a TSA checkpoint before entering the secure area and remain subject to the same security restrictions that apply inside the terminal.
Eppley Airfield currently operates separate North and South terminal areas during its ongoing terminal modernization project. Southwest and United use the North Terminal, while Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta and Frontier operate from the South Terminal.
Current checkpoint hours, terminal navigation and travel information are available through Eppley Airfield’s security and travel information.
Gateside requests can be submitted online before the airport visit
TSA PreCheck members can request access through the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program one to three days before they plan to visit Eppley Airfield.
Visitors need a Known Traveler Number, approval for the requested date and an acceptable form of identification before entering the secure side of the airport.
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