Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has been selected as one of 14 airports nationwide to participate in a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program. This initiative allows approved non-travelers to access airport gates, enabling them to send off or greet passengers inside the security checkpoint.
To be eligible for a gateside pass, individuals must be approved for TSA PreCheck, as detailed on a TSA webpage describing the program. These passes are offered free of charge, but applicants must submit their request one to three days before their intended visit. The application process requires the use of a known traveler number, according to the website. The program also permits children to be included on a visitor’s pass, facilitating family participation.
Approved visitors gain entry into the airport through dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes, providing streamlined access to the secure areas of the terminal. The TSA webpage states the program is an "exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers," designed to facilitate easier welcomes and send-offs at the gate, as well as enabling visitors to meet friends during layovers and enjoy airport dining and shopping. This initiative aims to restore some of the traditional elements of air travel, fostering closer interactions at the gate.
Currently, specific accommodations for non-travelers needing to accompany a child, an elderly passenger, or a passenger with accessibility needs to airport gates are managed directly through individual airlines, according to the Salt Lake City International Airport. This new TSA program expands gate access beyond these existing, specific circumstances.
Salt Lake City's airport is particularly recognized for the large, emotional gatherings it frequently hosts, especially when missionaries from the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints return home after up to two years of service. These significant events often draw substantial groups of family and friends eager to greet their loved ones. In response to these unique traditions, the airport’s recent remodel incorporated a dedicated greeting room located just outside the security exit. This room was designed to help manage large greeting parties and maintain clear walkways, though its effectiveness in fully achieving this goal has seen mixed results.
As a crucial transportation hub for Northern Utah, Salt Lake City International Airport plays a significant role in the region. According to its website, SLC is ranked as the 24th busiest airport in the United States and the 98th busiest globally. The airport handles more than 330 departures daily, connecting travelers to 100 nonstop destinations. The new gateside access program adds another amenity for the millions of travelers and their families who utilize this bustling airport.
Salt Lake City International Airport is one of only 14 airports nationwide offering this expanded access to its community members through the new TSA program.