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. 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.
Seattle Tacoma International Airport
In 2018, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was the first on the West Coast to introduce a visitor pass, 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 100 visitors per day, so it might be worth applying early.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Have a fun day out planespotting and enjoying the dining and retail offerings at this airport’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. Guest 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!
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Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
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 restaurants and shops, to surprise arriving travelers at their gates, or 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.
Ontario International Airport
The newly introduced (October 2022) ONT+ Visitor Pass Program is available at Ontario International Airport, California. 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.
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, and gels, or any other items prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This also means you may need to face long queues with the recent spike in air travel demand. Nonetheless, it’s worth the wait, especially if it means extra time spent with your loved ones (such as a child traveling alone).
For friends and families of military personnel, it's worth noting that Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Michigan has a Military Welcome Center, open to military members, veterans, and their families 24 hours a day. The lounging area is equipped with amenities, like charging stations and interactive maps, to keep guests entertained while they wait to welcome their loved ones home from a deployment.
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Sources: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Ontario International Airport