New Programs Allow Non-Flyers Through Security, Wait at Gate

A rule that has been in place since the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 is slowly being relaxed across American airports. Consistent with the heightened airport security measures following the September 11th attacks, only ticketed passengers that cleared the security screening have had access to the secure airside area of the terminal. A new program being rolled out across American airports seeks to change that, allowing general members of the public to access the airside areas of American airport terminals to see off travelers.

A new program being rolled out across America allows non-travelers to meet and mingle with friends and family in the post-security airside part of the terminal. A once common occurrence, general members of the public are able to meet their friends and family right at the gate when enrolled in the new visitor pass program. 

The visitor pass program, currently being offered at select American airports, allows members of the non-traveling public to pass through the security checkpoint and access the once-restricted airside part of the terminal. 

The program seeks to enable non-traveling members of the public to spend additional time greeting and sending off friends and family who are flying, as well as to access the local shops and vendors located behind TSA security checkpoints. 

This Visitor pass program is currently being offered at seven United States airports, all of them following similar steps. Firstly, passengers must apply online as part of an application process. Here, passengers provide personal identification data, such as what appears on government-issued ID cards. 

Some airports require passengers to also provide the exact date and time that they will be arriving at the airport. This is part of security measures that only allow a limited number of non-ticketed people into the secure airside area of the terminal. 

The number of guests able to be airside at one time varies by airport. Most Airports require guests to reserve their slot ahead of time to prevent passengers from being turned away.

Once a person's application is approved, visitors arrive at the airport. They must pass through the security checkpoint just as a normal ticketed passenger would. One additional restriction here is that non-ticketed visitors may only use the general screening lane when clearing TSA security. Even if a visitor is already enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Clear, they must still use the general screening lane when they don't have a boarding pass.

Once a visitor passes through the security checkpoint, they are free to roam the secure airside part of the terminal just like any other passenger.

The Following US airports currently offer a Visitor Pass Program:

-Tulsa International Airport (TUL)

-Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

-Ontario International Airport (ONT)

-Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country International Airport (DTW)

-Bishop International Airport (FNT)

-John Wayne International Airport (SNA)

Each airport has its specific program, with its own rules and regulations varying between airports. Individuals that are interested should view that specific airport's website for the precise details on how, when, and where to apply.