Unannounced rollback quietly reverses TSA benefit for travelers at some US airports; here’s what to know
A short-lived access expansion
The program allowed TSA PreCheck members without tickets to pass through security and reach gate areas at selected airports. Its expansion revived an option that had largely disappeared after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, which brought tighter airport security measures.
Airport officials say the added access was removed within days. Denver International Airport was among the newly included locations, and KUSA reported successfully testing the service last week.
Norfolk officials learned from travelers
Norfolk International Airport officials became aware of the change after passengers reported that the airport was missing from TSA’s online application portal. Chris Jones, the airport’s chief marketing and communications officer, said he checked the portal and also could not find Norfolk listed.
Without an airport appearing on the official website, people cannot apply for a pass to visit its secure areas. The report says some airports did not know about the reversal until travelers raised the issue.
TSA has not explained the rollback
TSA has not publicly said why it reduced the program. Its website had described the benefit as a way for visitors to meet friends during layovers, accompany people to gates, and use airport dining and shopping options.
Online applications are now restricted to the original 13 participating locations. The article does not name those airports, so travelers would need to check the TSA portal to see which locations remain available.
Key points
- The expanded program let PreCheck members without tickets enter secure areas at selected airports.
- The expansion was reportedly reversed within days, without public notice.
- Norfolk officials learned of the change after travelers could not find the airport in the online portal.
- Online applications are limited to the original 13 participating airports, and TSA has not explained the rollback.