✈️ YOU AIN’T FLYING… BUT TSA MIGHT STILL LET YOU THROUGH THE GATE

Remember when you could walk somebody all the way to their gate, sit around with them, give them that last hug and watch them disappear down the jet bridge?

Well, 25 years after 9/11 changed airport security in America, TSA is bringing a piece of that experience back.

The Transportation Security Administration has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, a new program allowing certain people without an airline ticket to pass through security and enter the secure side of participating airports.

But before you grab your purse talking about, “I'm finna go sit at the airport,” there are some rules.

YOU CAN’T JUST WALK UP IN THERE 😂

The program is specifically for eligible TSA PreCheck members and certain other trusted travelers with a Known Traveler Number.

You also have to apply in advance and be approved. TSA recommends submitting your request one to three days before the day you want to visit. The Gateside pass itself is free.

Once approved, you can go through a TSA PreCheck security lane, show an acceptable ID and your approved Gateside status, and enter the secure portion of the airport even though you aren't getting on anybody's airplane. The approval is good for the calendar day, including re-entry.

SO WHY WOULD YOU GO THROUGH TSA IF YOU AIN’T FLYING?

TSA says Gateside can be used to walk loved ones to their gate, meet somebody arriving, visit a friend during a long layover, have a business meeting, eat at airport restaurants or shop beyond the security checkpoint.

Basically, the airport can become a destination again instead of that place where your family member throws you and your luggage out the car while yelling:

“TEXT ME WHEN YOU GET THROUGH SECURITY!” 😂

ONLY 13 AIRPORTS FOR NOW

Gateside is launching at 13 participating U.S. airports, including major airports such as Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International Airport. TSA says it intends to expand the program to additional airports in the coming months.

And Chicago, before y'all start planning a romantic dinner at O'Hare...

O'HARE AND MIDWAY ARE NOT CURRENTLY AMONG THE INITIAL 13 AIRPORTS.

So no, don't pull up at Terminal 3 tomorrow talking about, “Lady Red said I could come through.” 😂 Wait until TSA adds Chicago.

WHY THIS IS SUCH A BIG DEAL

For people old enough to remember flying before September 11, 2001, this probably sounds strangely familiar.

Before the attacks, people without tickets could generally accompany travelers to their gates. The sweeping security changes that followed largely ended that practice. Gateside represents a limited return of that airport tradition, but this time access is restricted to vetted travelers who apply and receive authorization beforehand.

And don't get it twisted: you're still going through security. Gateside doesn't allow anybody to bypass TSA screening or wander into restricted areas without authorization.

Now here's my question:

Would you actually go through TSA security when you DON'T have a flight just to walk somebody to their gate, or are you still dropping them at Departures and yelling, “CALL ME WHEN YOU LAND!”? 😂

730 BOOM RADIO

IT HITS DIFFERENT. EVERY TIME. BOOM! 💥