San José Mineta International Airport Launches Gateside by TSA PreCheck®
TSA PreCheck® holders can now visit the Airport Gates without a flight
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September 30, 2026
Media Contact:
SJC Media | 408-392-1199 | sjcmedia@sjc.org
San José, Calif. – Beginning Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, TSA PreCheck® members will be able to access San José Mineta International's (SJC) post-security terminals without a boarding pass with the launch of Gateside by TSA PreCheck®. Once approved on the Gateside by TSA PreCheck® website, visitors can greet arriving loved ones at the gate, say goodbye before departure or enjoy SJC’s shops and restaurants (including the iconic Trader Vic’s, one of only two airport locations in the world).
“SJC has long been a community gathering space, with its robust customer experience programs, including SJC Happy Tails therapy animals, SJC Live artists, performers, and more,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Now, TSA PreCheck® members can access the Airport at any time, whether to send a loved one on their way or visit one of the Airport’s exciting new retail and dining options.”
“There’s nothing like an airport goodbye – and now, loved ones can extend it all the way to the gate,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Starting this week, you won’t need a plane ticket to enjoy the best mid-sized airport in the nation – whether you’re seeing someone off, welcoming them home, or just want to experience SJC for yourself.”
“The rollout of Gateside by TSA PreCheck® is a great example of how collaboration with our federal partners, namely the TSA, helps to enhance SJC’s customer experience and leads to great outcomes for our community, who have been asking for a program like this,” said Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport.
“Gateside by TSA PreCheck is an exciting new benefit for TSA PreCheck members,” said Brian Hamilton, assistant federal security director for screening at SJC for the Transportation Security Administration. “This program marks yet another significant milestone by the agency in making travel more seamless and family friendly, and we're happy to collaborate with our airport partners in delivering it.”
How Gateside Works:
- Gateside allows TSA PreCheck® members who meet the eligibility requirements to apply in advance for access to the post-security terminals beyond the security checkpoints.
- Applications must be submitted at least one day before your visit and no more than three days in advance.
- If approved, visitors should bring an acceptable form of ID and head to the TSA PreCheck® lanes at the security checkpoint. Be prepared to log in to your login.gov dashboard to show approval status to the TSA Officer. Note: It is recommended to check approval status via the online portal before proceeding to the airport.
- A Gateside pass does not replace a boarding pass and cannot be used for air travel – it simply provides approved access to SJC’s secure area during the scheduled date.
- An active TSA PreCheck® membership is required; there is no additional fee.
- Gateside passes are valid for one calendar day, and re-entry is allowed on that date.
Click here to learn more about the Gateside by TSA PreCheck® program at SJC.
About San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): Fly Simple.
Fueled by a culture of innovation, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the Bay Area's easiest and most dependable Airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate and location. SJC is located just minutes from downtown San José – the Bay Area’s largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley. SJC is a self‐supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. According to a recent economic impact study, SJC supports more than 19,000 jobs throughout Santa Clara County and generates approximately $4.3 billion in annual economic activity.
SJC was rated California’s top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium in 2024 and 2025. SJC currently offers nonstop service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. The Airport’s two fixed-base operators, as well as several corporate aviation tenants, serve the business aviation needs of Silicon Valley; corporate and general aviation traffic represents more than a quarter of aircraft operations at SJC. For more information and to connect with SJC on social media, visit flysanjose.com.
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