Archive · 10 Sep 2026
US Airport Security Plans Gate Access, Water Bottle Changes
Airport security rules in the United States may become easier for some travelers.
A program called Gateside lets certain TSA PreCheck members enter airport gate areas without having a ticket.
This could help them accompany older relatives or greet children arriving from flights.
Gateside is currently available at 13 airports.
The TSA hopes to expand it to more airports within about a year.
New security lanes may use cameras, e-gates and newer 3D scanners.
These scanners are designed to check bags and people more efficiently.
The TSA is also thinking about letting PreCheck members carry full water bottles through security, but that change has not happened yet.
The TSA’s Gateside program lets eligible TSA PreCheck members without tickets enter gate areas at 13 airports.
Gateside is intended to help people accompany elderly relatives or greet arriving teenage travelers.
The TSA plans to expand Gateside and upgraded PreCheck lanes to all airports in about a year.
New PreCheck lanes will use facial comparison, e-gates, 3D baggage scanners and 3D body scanners.
The TSA is considering allowing PreCheck members to keep full water bottles after new scanners verify their contents.
- Who
- The United States Transportation Security Administration and eligible TSA PreCheck members.
- What
- The TSA is introducing Gateside and upgraded PreCheck screening while considering allowing full water bottles through some security lanes.
- When
- Gateside is currently operating at 13 airports; upgraded lanes are planned to begin next week, with broader expansion targeted within about a year. Water-bottle changes are being considered for the coming months.
- Where
- At participating airports in the United States.
- Why
- To give limited access to airport gate areas for visitors assisting or greeting travelers and to make screening faster and simpler while maintaining security.
- Program
- Gateside
- Current availability
- 13 airports
- Eligibility
- Eligible TSA PreCheck members without plane tickets
- Planned expansion
- The TSA aims to expand Gateside and upgraded PreCheck lanes to all airports in about a year.
- New screening technology
- Facial comparison, e-gates, 3D baggage scanners and 3D body scanners
- Water bottles
- The TSA is considering allowing full bottles through PreCheck lanes after scanners verify their contents.
- Security context
- The changes come ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack.