New program at Salt Lake City Airport allows nontravelers to access gateside areas for meetings and layovers (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Salt Lake City International Airport has introduced a new program that could impact the experiences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionaries and their families. Starting Tuesday, the airport is one of 14 U.S. airports selected for the Transportation Security Administration’s “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” initiative. This program allows eligible nontravelers to bypass security checkpoints and access areas beyond the screening area.

The program enables nontravelers to meet family members at their gates, join friends during long layovers, or visit airport amenities. To participate, individuals must be enrolled in TSA PreCheck and provide their “Known Traveler Number.” They must apply for a day pass through secure.login.gov up to three days in advance. Children can also participate but must be included in the parent or guardian’s reservation.

The new program aligns with the airport’s original design, which considered the needs of Latter-day Saint missionaries. When the airport opened in 2020, officials created a public greeting room to accommodate loved ones waiting for returning missionaries. This feature has become a familiar part of the airport experience for many members of the church.

TSA spokesperson Dan Velez noted that the program’s selection was based on a mix of airports with the necessary screening technology, rather than specific considerations for missionary homecomings. However, the program is expected to benefit missionaries and their families, offering a more convenient way to greet returning members.

The initiative is part of TSA’s broader vision for the “golden age of travel,” which includes reducing restrictions and improving the traveler experience. Recent changes under this initiative include allowing most travelers to keep their shoes on during security and creating “family lanes” to assist parents with young children.

This development reflects a broader effort to enhance convenience and accessibility in air travel, potentially easing the logistical challenges faced by Latter-day Saint missionaries and their families. The program’s success could lead to its expansion to other airports with similar capabilities.

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