There was a time when friends and families could send off or welcome loved ones at terminal gates. However, after the tragic 9/11 attacks, security measures tightened, which meant those without an air ticket had to remain landside.
Photo: cdrin | Shutterstock
Thankfully, there is now a small (but growing) number of airports in the United States that are adopting programs offering airside access to non-ticketed guests, allowing you to welcome or drop off friends, family, or young children for their trip (or perhaps enjoy some planespotting).
Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
In 2018, Seattle-Tacoma International was the first airport on the West Coast of the United States to introduce a visitor pass program, allowing guests to explore the secure areas of the airport. You can apply for the SEA Visitor Pass online, either in advance or on the day of your visit. Do note that it’s limited to 300 visitors per day, so it might be worth applying early if you’re aiming for a busy travel day.
Photo: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
The process is quite simple – head over to SEA’s website, and fill out a short form with your name, date of birth, and gender, along with your date of visit, ensuring all details match your ID. The request is sent over for TSA approval, with same-day requests receiving an email within 15 minutes (assuming slots are not filled) and advance requests will be processed after midnight on the day of the visit. From experience, the process only takes a few minutes from form to approval and slots aren’t too hard to come by, except on hectic travel days.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Down in Louisiana, you can have a fun day out planespotting and enjoying the dining and retail offerings at this New Orleans International’s billion-dollar terminal. Register no less than 24 hours in advance for the MSY Guest Pass Program to be among 50 (weekdays) or 100 (weekends) visitors allowed post-security.
Pass holders can bring along a child (12 years old and under) without the need for an additional Pass. Guests are limited to one visit a month, so plan well and make the most of your day at the airport before returning for future trips.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
The DTW Destination Pass is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport’s non-ticketed guest program. The airport encourages visitors to register for this pass to enjoy its array of airside restaurants and shops, to surprise arriving travelers at their gates, or even to spend extra time with loved ones who are flying off.
Guests can register for the program online before heading to the “DTW Destination Pass” entrance at the McNamara Terminal Baggage Claim. The pass is available for use only between 08:00 and 20:00, so you won’t be able to greet passengers with flights outside this timeframe. That being said, the 12-hour window gives users ample time to explore the delights of Michigan’s busiest airport.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
The ONT+ Visitor Pass Program has been available at Ontario International Airport, California, for the last couple of years. Guests can apply for the pass on the day of their visit, or up to seven days in advance. Those who apply on the same day will receive notification of their approval status within 15 minutes. Availability differs at the airport’s two passenger terminals (T2 and T4), and entry is restricted after 21:00.
Photo: Ontario International Airport
Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
A recent addition to the growing list of US airports with airside access pass schemes is Tulsa International, Oklahoma, with the introduction of the TUL Visitor Pass.
Photo: Lost_in_the_Midwest | Shutterstock
As Simple Flying explored in a separate article covering the announcement in more detail, the passes are free of charge, and users can apply for them up to a week before their visit. As is the case with other programs, capacity is limited, so advanced booking is advised. That being said, the process is rather easy, as applicants only have to disclose their full name, date of birth, and gender.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Last year, Orlando International Airport announced a new scheme allowing visitors to enter Terminal C. MCO Visitor Pass was launched on September 1st, 2023, and will allow loved ones and enthusiasts to enjoy the mainly international terminal, which hosts carriers such as Azul, Emirates, British Airways, and JetBlue.
The process to sign up is almost identical to Seattle and other airports listed above, with TSA approval needed for any visit – however, you can only enter the terminal between 10:00 and 16:00, and all visitors must leave by 20:00, with only 60 passes available a day. So if you’re planning on heading to MCO, request your pass in advance, with bookings opening up seven days before entry.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
In October 2023, Philadelphia International Airport rolled out its airside access to non-passengers program, which it calls the Wingmate Guest Pass. The airport said the initiative is geared towards family and friends seeing off loved ones at the gate, and for non-passengers looking to use PHL’s extensive airside amenities (i.e. shops, restaurants and cafes).
Getting to the “other side”
These passes get you through to the secure side of airports, so you are subject to the same security regulations as flying passengers and will need to undergo security screening. Don’t bring liquids, aerosols, gels, or any other items prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Photo:TSA
You also can’t use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR memberships, so be prepared to use the general queue. Fortunately, some airports have a designated checkpoint for visitors which can speed things up, which is especially handy for families.