Okay, Raise Your Hand If You’ve Ever Ugly-Cried Saying Goodbye in a Parking Lot

You know the drill. You pull up to airport drop-off, there’s a cop tapping on your window because you’ve been parked for 90 seconds too long, and you have to say your big emotional goodbye to grandma (or your kid heading off to college) curbside, at 55 mph, basically. No lingering. No walking them to the gate. Just a quick hug and “LOVE YOU BYE” before you get honked at.

Well, mama, things might be about to change — and it’s giving major throwback vibes.

Wait… We Used to Be Allowed at the Gate?

If you’re a child of the 80s or 90s, you probably remember a time when non-travelers could actually walk their people all the way to the gate and wait with them until boarding. No boarding pass needed. Just love, snacks, and awkward small talk while you waited.

That all disappeared after 9/11, when security tightened up and gate areas became ticketed-passengers-only. It’s been that way for roughly 25 years.

But TSA just announced something that has us feeling nostalgic.

Introducing “Gateside, by TSA PreCheck”

TSA has launched a pilot program (their words, not mine — always love a little wiggle room built in) that lets approved, non-ticketed visitors pass through security to hang out at the gate with their travelers again.

Right now it’s rolling out at 13 airports, including:

• John Glenn Columbus International (Columbus, OH)
• Dallas Fort Worth International
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
• Indianapolis International
• Harry Reid International (Las Vegas)
• Los Angeles International
• San Diego International
• Salt Lake City International

Yep — Indianapolis made the list, so this one might actually be relevant for road-trip flights out of Indy.

How It Actually Works (Because Nothing Is Ever “Just Show Up”)

Before you start planning a big gate reunion, here’s the fine print:

• You’ll need to apply through TSA and get approved 1–3 days before you head to the airport
• You must already have TSA PreCheck or a Known Traveler Number
• Once approved, you go through the regular PreCheck screening lane with your ID, just like a ticketed passenger

And if you’re already bracing for longer security lines because of this — TSA says they’ll restrict availability during busy travel periods, like around the holidays, so it doesn’t turn into total chaos.

Why TSA Says They’re Doing This

According to TSA, the program is meant to make airport visits easier for families, especially those with kids flying or elderly passengers. They’re calling it an exclusive perk that makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and send-offs, meet up with friends during a layover, and enjoy dining and shopping along the way.

Basically: fewer curbside ugly-cries, more actual goodbye hugs at the gate.

TSA says they plan to expand the program to more airports in the coming months — so even if your closest airport isn’t on the list yet, it might be soon.

Want the full scoop or ready to see if you qualify? Check out the full Newsweek breakdown or head straight to TSA.gov for the Gateside application details before your next trip through Indianapolis International.

What do you think — would you use this to walk your kid to the gate, or are you team “I’ll just wait in the car with my coffee”? Let us know on our socials! 👇