Several U.S. airports provide visitor passes that allow non-ticketed guests to navigate through security and enjoy shopping, dining, or greeting travelers directly at their arrival gate.
Anyone who traveled prior to 9/11 likely fondly remembers the delightful experience of meeting loved ones right at the departure gate. Before the tragic events of 2001 closed post-security areas to those not traveling on that day, it was common to accompany someone right to their arrival gate. This made farewells and welcomes significantly warmer, allowing people to share precious moments up until boarding time.
The dynamic of airports has shifted since 9/11, but the yearning for those added moments of connection has left many feeling a sense of loneliness while navigating these bustling spaces. Airports also faced financial setbacks after the introduction of security restrictions since retail revenue dwindled when un-ticketed visitors were banned from “airside” areas. Many airports, such as Pittsburgh International Airport, once boasted vast shopping and dining options after security, making them feel more akin to shopping centers.
Shortly after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) imposed rules limiting access to ticketed passengers, exceptions began to emerge. Airlines initiated the allowance of gate passes for parents accompanying unaccompanied minors, and such passes still exist today, recognizing the need for guardians to remain with young travelers until their flights depart. Additionally, passengers with disabilities can request a companion pass for assistance to their departure gate.
In recent years, airports began discreetly offering passes to visitors without tickets, letting them either send off or welcome friends and family at gates, or simply explore the airport restaurants and shops without flying.
Travel journalist Harriet Baskas recently updated the program at San Diego International Airport (SAN) in her Stuck at the Airport blog. The expansion includes more available terminals and a list of various other airports that offer visitor passes.
How It Works
Those wishing to see their loved ones off at the airport this holiday season can do so (as long as their airport participates), but it requires some advance preparation. The TSA mandates a method to check personal information against security watchlists for those without boarding passes, similar to ticketed passengers. Pre-registration is a requirement, allowing the TSA to perform these necessary checks, often leading to an email confirmation on the day of the visit.
Once a visitor pass is approved, individuals proceed to the TSA checkpoint with their pass to gain entry. Visitor passes are incompatible with TSA PreCheck or Clear, and some airports may require visitors to use designated checkpoints. Time spent in the secure area is also limited, with most airports restricting access to several hours and requiring exit from the terminal by a set evening time. To maintain an orderly environment for ticketed passengers, the number of passes issued daily is capped.
The same screening regulations apply to non-ticketed visitors. This means there are restrictions on liquids, and many airports disallow larger luggage items through security, permitting only smaller items like purses or briefcases. Visitors cannot spontaneously decide to fly; they cannot enter security with a visitor pass and then purchase a ticket.
Airports emphasize that non-ticketed visitors helping unaccompanied minors or passengers with disabilities should still request their passes from the respective airline. Additionally, visitors without boarding passes are not permitted to access airline or independent lounges, which require a same-day boarding pass for entry.
While going through the TSA checkpoint may seem inconvenient, the rewarding experience of seeing friends off at their departure gate or warmly greeting them after their flights can certainly bring a more vibrant touch to the traveling experience during the holidays and throughout the year.
Visitor passes can be obtained at the following U.S. airports, including four located in California:
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)John Wayne Airport – Orange County, CA (SNA)Capital Region International Airport – Lansing, MI (LAN)Nashville International Airport (BNA)Kansas City International Airport (MCI)Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)Ontario International Airport (ONT)Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)San Antonio International Airport (SAT)San Diego International Airport (SAN)Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)Tampa International Airport (TPA)Tri Cities Airport – Pasco, WA (PSC)Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
