That old movie airport goodbye is edging back into real life.
As of this month, 21 US airports let nonticketed guests get a free pass to go through security and into the terminal. The passes let family and friends say goodbye at the gate, help travellers who need extra support, and in some airports, spend time shopping, dining, or visiting attractions such as live music or art exhibitions.
Gate passes have typically been used by airlines for non-ticketed people, giving extra assistance to travellers or escorting unaccompanied minors to and from gates. Most airports do not offer a public visitor pass program, but that is starting to change.
Pittsburgh International Airport was first with myPITpass in 2017. Christina Cassotis, the airport’s CEO, said the idea tapped into the airport’s past.
“There were stories upon stories of date nights at the airport, people who had grown up here because US Airways was such a big presence here,” she said. “It was a really exciting place to be.”
US Airways, which has since ceased operations, was founded in Pittsburgh. The myPITpass program ended in 2020 because of COVID-19, and did not restart because the airport was building a new terminal.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport now runs the longest-serving program, which started in 2018. It was introduced to bring in more “non-aeronautical revenue,” including parking, dining and shopping, but Rosa Johnson, manager of aviation customer communications for the airport, said it grew into a customer experience program.
Johnson said travellers with language barriers or disabilities can feel more secure when a friend or family member can guide them through the airport.
“Nine times out of 10, our SEA visitor pass is the solution to that problem, because they have someone that they know, trust and know their needs,” Johnson said.
She said the pass can also help people retrieve something left behind at the airport or get familiar with the facility before a flight.
Programs that let non-ticketed visitors through security appear to be limited to US airports. Some overseas airports, including Singapore Changi Airport and Athens International Airport, place security checkpoints at the gates, which allow visitors to eat, shop and help travellers before they pass through screening.
The rules vary by airport, but visitors generally have to apply online or at an airport kiosk on the day of the visit. Most airports allow applications up to a week in advance. San Francisco International Airport accepts them up to 30 days ahead.
All programs require visitors to give the full name shown on their Real ID or passport and the date they want to visit. Applicants must go through an approval process, either through the Transportation Security Administration or by uploading a scan of their passport or Real ID. They also need to bring that identification to the airport.
For same-day kiosk applications, approval is given on the spot. Most online applications send approval within 24 hours of the requested visit time.
Visitors still have to pass through TSA screening like ticketed passengers. They must show their approved pass and their Real ID or passport. They cannot use TSA PreCheck or other security bypass options. Some airports also require visitors to enter through and stay in specific terminals.
Time limits differ. Kansas City International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport limit visits to six hours. San Antonio International Airport and Tampa International Airport allow unlimited time during normal operating hours.
All programs are first-come, first-served and have capacity limits. Every airport except Albuquerque International Sunport lets minors apply for a visitor pass, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
Johnson said airports, including Seattle-Tacoma and Pittsburgh, have helped others set up their own programs.
“The airport community is so incredibly kind, and we connect to each other, literally,” Johnson said.
She said the program has practical benefits for airports, too.
“It’s a big business choice for an airport to offer and invest in this, but we use it all the time for so many needs,” Johnson said. “It actually helps alleviate the stress on our staffing and the airline staffing because folks can go in and kind of do a self-service.”
Johnson said many people still do not know the programs exist.
“People don’t have a habit of thinking about a program like this unless they absolutely have to and I think if people utilize a program like this, don’t be afraid to pick somebody up that you love from the airport, park there, meet them at their gate, make it a more leisurely time for human connection, because that’s what airports are all about.”
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