Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks ended the era of walking a family member all the way to their gate, the Transportation Security Administration is bringing a version of that access back.

The new program, called "Gateside by TSA PreCheck," lets eligible TSA PreCheck members and other trusted-traveler participants pass through security and into gate areas without holding a boarding pass, according to NPR. It is free, but travelers must apply online one to three days ahead of a planned visit and receive approval before heading to the airport.

Once approved, a Gateside pass is valid for one calendar day, with reentry allowed as needed that day. TSA PreCheck members and travelers with a Known Traveler Number from other trusted-traveler programs can apply, the agency said.

Rolling Out at 13 Airports

The program launched initially at 13 U.S. airports, including Los Angeles International, Dallas-Fort Worth International, Harry Reid International in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International, per The Washington Post. TSA says it plans to expand Gateside to additional airports, though it has not published a full timeline.

Unescorted gate access for non-passengers was standard at American airports for decades, letting families say goodbye — or welcome travelers — right at the arrival gate. That largely disappeared after security was overhauled following the 2001 attacks, restricting gate areas to ticketed passengers only.

GATESIDE PASSES ARE VALID FOR ONE CALENDAR DAY, WITH REENTRY ALLOWED.

The timing, landing in the same week as the 25th anniversary of 9/11, has drawn mixed reaction. Frequent flyers welcomed the return of a convenience many hadn't experienced since childhood, while some security commentators questioned why a program restoring pre-9/11 access is launching in the same week the country marks the anniversary of the attacks that ended it, according to The Points Guy. TSA has framed the rollout as a deliberate, security-vetted middle ground rather than a return to the unrestricted access of the pre-2001 era, since only pre-cleared trusted travelers qualify.

What's Next

TSA says it will monitor demand and security outcomes at the initial 13 airports before deciding how quickly to expand Gateside nationwide. For now, most travelers without a ticket — and without TSA PreCheck or a Known Traveler Number — will still need to say their goodbyes at the curb.