New Gateside Program At Pensacola Airport Allows Non-Flyers Past Security

October 3, 2026

A new program now in place at Pensacola International Airport will allow people to spend a little more time together. Gateside by TSA PreCheck allows approved visitors with active TSA PreCheck memberships to pass through security without a boarding pass.

For Pensacola residents, that could mean walking alongside a family member before a departure, being at the gate when a loved one arrives or stopping by airport concessions, the airport said.

“Our airport is growing, but the things people love about their hometown airport should grow with it,” said Pensacola International Airport (PNS) Executive Director Matt Coughlin. “We hear how much it means to be there for a goodbye or a welcome home. Gateside gives eligible visitors another way to share those moments, and it’s the kind of experience we want to keep making possible at PNS.”

How to visit with Gateside:

  1. Apply online through TSA’s official Gateside portal one to three days before your planned visit. You must be an active TSA PreCheck member.
  2. Wait for approval. Your TSA PreCheck membership alone does not allow you through the checkpoint without an approved Gateside pass.
  3. Bring acceptable identification to the security checkpoint on the date of your approved visit. TSA will verify your pass electronically.
  4. Go through screening in a TSA PreCheck lane. Once screened, you may enter the terminal beyond security.

Gateside passes are valid for one calendar day and allow re-entry on that date. Visitors planning to see someone off should leave enough time for security screening before the traveler’s flight boards.

Gateside is now available at many airports nationwide.

Pictured: Security at the Pensacola International Airport. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT TOP 

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