Bismarck Airport has implemented a new policy allowing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck members to accompany friends and family to the gate or meet them as they deplane, according to a press release from the Bismarck Airport. This change marks the return of a service that has been largely unavailable since the security enhancements following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
For nearly 25 years, the ability to share goodbyes or welcome home hugs directly at the gate has been restricted at airports nationwide, including in Bismarck. The new "Gateside by TSA PreCheck" program aims to restore these interactions, offering a more personal experience for travelers and their loved ones in Burleigh and Morton counties.
To utilize this new opportunity, individuals must first be enrolled in TSA PreCheck. The application process for TSA PreCheck is estimated to take about ten minutes and incurs a cost of approximately $85, which covers five years of benefits. Enrollment can be completed online or in person at designated local locations within Bismarck. Residents seeking to enroll in person can visit The Office Depot located at 1026 Bismarck Expressway or the Idemia office at 11395 12th Street.
Once an individual is a TSA PreCheck member, they can then request a free Gateside pass. This pass request must be submitted between one and three days prior to the planned airport visit. Upon approval, visitors are required to present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification at the TSA checkpoint. Like all airport visitors past the security barrier, those with a Gateside pass will undergo standard security screening procedures before gaining access to the gate areas.
Bismarck Airport Assistant Director Matthew Remynse expressed enthusiasm for the new program. "We're excited for TSA to bring this opportunity to Bismarck Airport and give families and friends more time together," Remynse stated. The reintroduction of gate access, though requiring some pre-planning and an initial investment in TSA PreCheck, is expected to create more meaningful moments for residents connecting with arriving or departing loved ones, particularly as holiday travel approaches.
The new policy reflects a shift in airport access protocols, bringing a notable change to the travel experience for Bismarck and Mandan residents. This updated approach from the Transportation Security Administration at Bismarck Airport reintroduces a level of personal interaction at the gate that has been absent for decades, offering a new convenience for local families and friends.