In a bid to enhance the airport experience for visitors, Mesa Gateway Airport has been selected as one of the few U.S. airports to allow non-ticketed individuals beyond security checkpoints. This initiative is part of the Gateside by TSA Precheck program, which Gateway is among the first 13 airports to implement.
The program permits non-travelers to navigate security protocols, enabling them to access airport amenities or meet friends and family at the gate. According to Ryan Smith, Gateway Airport’s communications director, “If you had a friend that’s passing through town that you could go and you can meet them. If they’re arriving, you can surprise them at the gate, you can go and have a lunch or have a meal right before they depart. If you’ve got a family member that may need a little extra time and maybe a little extra assistance.”
Participants in the program must adhere to the same security screening and conduct standards as those flying. Passes can be reserved one to three days in advance, although availability may be limited during peak travel times.
Smith highlighted that the airport’s size made it an ideal candidate for this trial. “We rarely have any waits at our checkpoints, and so you know we’re able to provide this service without really affecting everyday passengers,” he noted. This provides a testing ground for programs before they are potentially expanded to larger or smaller airports nationwide.
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