JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Non-travelers with TSA PreCheck will soon be able to accompany departing passengers to their gates at Jacksonville International Airport starting this Friday, rolling back a gate restriction established after 9/11.
In addition to gate access for pre-vetted visitors, active-duty military members and veterans are now eligible for front-of-the-line security checkpoint service at the airport.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
The new gate pass program allows non-passengers to pass through security checkpoints to wait with loved ones at departure gates, provided the non-traveler holds active TSA PreCheck credentials.
It marks the first time in a quarter century that non-ticketed visitors will be permitted past security checkpoints at Jacksonville International Airport.
Participation will be subject to a daily cap on the number of non-passengers allowed into the terminal. Specific daily limits will vary by airport based on data and the official cap for Jacksonville International Airport remains pending.
RELATED: TSA clears Gateside, allows PreCheck members without flights to pass through security
Military personnel and veterans seeking front-of-the-line access simply need to present an identification card at security checkpoints. Daniel Velez, a spokesperson for TSA Florida, explained the process. “All you need to do is make sure that you have an ID card on you. You’ll go up to the Checker show them your ID and they will take you to the front of the line no matter how deep the line is,” Velez said.
Travelers at the airport shared positive feedback regarding the expedited service for service members. Melissa Richards, a traveler bound for Ghana and Germany, voiced her support.
“Well, actually, I think it’s an honor how much sacrifices that they make for our country to skip a line to inconvenience myself having to skip the line when they’ve been inconvenienced in entire lifetime. Absolutely,” Richards said.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
The airport is also launching gate-side access for trusted non-travelers. Velez announced the official start for the program.
“Gate side by TSA pre-check, which is a trusted traveler benefit, is coming here to Jacksonville international starting on Friday,” Velez said.
Travelers expressed excitement about the chance to walk loved ones to their departure gates. Daniela Cejvanovic, who recently parted from her mother at the security checkpoint before a flight to Ecuador, welcomed the change.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
“I do have TSA pre-check and I really enjoyed the service and I think going in there with my loved one will be amazing,” Cejvanovic said.
Transportation Security Administration officials noted that expanding gate access does not mean security screening is being relaxed, as officers routinely intercept prohibited items, such as weapons, in carry-on baggage.
“When we detect them, passengers have options. They can put it back in their car. They can check it, give it to a friend, but they can’t go through security with these particular items,” Velez said. “The threat is always out there, but our technology has allowed us to combat those threats.”
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.