Little Rock, Arkansas – Travelers at Clinton National Airport will have a new option this September as the airport takes part in a nationwide pilot program designed to make the travel experience more welcoming for families and friends.
The airport is among a select group in the country participating in Gateside by TSA PreCheck. The free program gives eligible visitors an opportunity to enter areas of the terminal located beyond the security checkpoint, even when they are not traveling and do not have a boarding pass.
For families, the program could make saying goodbye or welcoming someone home a little easier. Approved visitors can use Gateside to accompany a departing passenger all the way to the gate. The program also allows people to meet arriving friends or relatives once they have passed through the airport and reached the gate area.
Gateside will be available throughout September, but visitors cannot simply arrive at the airport and request access on the spot. Approval is required, and the number of passes available is limited.
People who already have TSA PreCheck benefits and a valid Known Traveler Number, or KTN, are eligible to apply online for a Gateside pass. Applications must be submitted between one and three days before the planned visit.
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Once an application is approved, the visitor will still have to follow the same basic security requirements as other people entering the secure portion of the airport. Visitors will enter through a TSA PreCheck lane and must complete security screening before moving beyond the checkpoint.
After clearing security, approved Gateside visitors can spend time in the gate areas and have access to restaurants and shops located beyond the checkpoint. That means someone meeting a loved one or accompanying a traveler will be able to remain with them in the secure terminal rather than having to say goodbye at the public side of the airport.
The pilot is not limited to people traveling on the same day. Instead, it is intended to give eligible members of the public a temporary way to access the post-security areas when they have a reason to accompany or meet a passenger.
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To participate, visitors must have a valid KTN and meet TSA PreCheck eligibility requirements. Gateside passes do not cost anything, although availability is limited.
Clinton National Airport’s participation gives eligible families and friends an additional way to spend time together during the airport experience. With the program running only throughout September, visitors interested in using Gateside will need to apply in advance and wait for approval before heading to the airport.
