TSA is bringing back a part of air travel that disappeared after 9/11

Back before September 11, 2001, it was commonplace for family members to see their loved ones off at the departure gate, or be there to welcome them when they stepped off the jetway. But after the 9/11 attacks, which occurred 25 years ago this Friday, that changed. 9/11 ushered in a raft of strict new security measures at airports nationwide, including banning most people without a ticket from passing the security checkpoint (there are still rare exceptions, like for people seeing a child off or people with disabilities). As of this month, however, those restrictions, too, are changing. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a new program called TSA Gateside that will allow PreCheck members who are not flying to see off or greet family and friends at the gate. Here’s what you need to know about the program. What is TSA Gateside? TSA Gateside is a new program announced by the TSA early this month. It allows PreCheck members to pass through security checkpoints at select airports even without a ticket for air travel. “As an exclusive benefit for our most trusted travelers,” the TSA says, “this new program makes it easier to return to the gate for welcomes and…