TSA quietly reverses benefit for travelers at some US airports — here’s what to know

Officials at Norfolk International Airport only discovered the non-traveler access perk had been removed after passengers complained about missing online booking options

A recently expanded program that allowed TSA PreCheck members to go through airport security without a ticket has been abruptly rolled back, according to officials at affected airports.

The initiative, known as “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” was reintroduced in September at 13 locations before being rolled out to hundreds of additional airports across the country earlier this month.

It was brought back 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks led to increased airport security protocols. The perk allowed members without plane tickets to clear security and access gate areas at certain U.S. airports, reviving a tradition that largely vanished after the attacks.

However, airport officials say the expansion was reversed within days without public notice, including at Denver International Airport, which was among the newly added locations. News outlet KUSA successfully tested the service last week.

“TSA recently returned Gateside by TSA PreCheck operations to the original 13 participating airports, at least for the time being,” Denver airport said in a statement.

The TSA has abruptly scaled back an expanded program allowing PreCheck members to enter airport terminal gates without a ticket, returning access to just 13 initial trial locations

Some aviation hubs were left unaware of the change until passengers raised concerns.

At Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, administrators learned the service had been withdrawn after passengers reported issues accessing the booking system.

“We received a few comments on social media and emails from people who said they recently tried to apply via the TSA’s online portal but found ORF was not among the available airports,” the airport’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Chris Jones told CNN. “I logged in to check these claims and likewise did not see ORF in the pulldown menu.”

TSA announced the return of the policy with fanfare last month.

“This new program makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet friends during a layover, and enjoy dining and shopping along the way, bringing back the moments that once defined air travel,” TSA said on its website.

But without an airport listed on the official website, prospective applicants cannot request a pass. The TSA has not publicly explained the sudden reduction in service.

The Independent has contacted the TSA for comment.

Launched in September, the program was designed to let members pass through checkpoints to meet friends during layovers, dine or send off loved ones

At present, online booking is restricted to the original 13 participating locations: