Another Airport Allowing Unticketed Visitors Past Security

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Way back in the olden days (read: pre-9/11), we didn’t have go through TSA checkpoints. We’d just check in, go through a metal detector, and then go to the gate. Loved ones could always go to the gate with you, to send you off, or they could meet you there when your flight landed.

At any airport in the U.S., you can still go all the way to the gate, without a boarding pass, if you’re accompanying someone who needs special assistance before they get onto a plane. It’s a way to make sure that kids or people with mobility problems or other disabilities safely arrive at the departure gate.

However, before the pandemic, a handful of airports were playing around with programs that allowed non-passengers to pass the TSA checkpoint. Of course, they weren’t doing this out of altruism or so you could get a better view of takeoffs and landings. It was intended so people could potentially take advantage of the shopping and dining opportunities inside the secure area.

Anyway, some of the programs happened and fizzled out. For the ones that turned it into a permanent thing, a couple have discontinued them (I’m looking at you, Tampa and Pittsburgh), supposedly “temporarily” (is a program really “temporary” if it’s been discontinued for 2+ years?). However there are currently nine airports in the U.S. that still offer this service:

• Bishop International Airport (FNT): FNT Visitor Pass
• Capital Region International Airport (LAN): LAN Visitor Pass
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW): DTW Destination Pass
• John Wayne Airport (SNA): OC AirPASS
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): MSY Guest Pass
• Ontario International Airport (ONT): ONT+ Visitor Pass
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Visitor Pass
• Tri-Cities Airport (PSC): PSC Pass
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL): TUL Visitor Pass

Well, actually make it ten, because another airport has just began their own visitor pass program. It’s by far, the largest airport in the country to do so. The largest airport in Florida, actually. Yep, it’s Orlando International Airport (MCO).

They’re calling the program “Experience MCO Visitor Pass.” It’s a pilot program that started on September 1st and will give visitors opportunities for shopping, dining, seeing their cool (and fun!) amenities.

We're excited to announce the start of 'Experience MCO'! 🥳 Starting today, approved guests may enjoy amenities post-security in our Terminal C. From shopping, to dining, to spotting planes, there’s so much to C! ✈️ Learn more & apply at: https://t.co/NrCjJTDJdX. pic.twitter.com/o6FQm4MKF6

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 1, 2023

From MCO’s press release:

…the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program offers a new and engaging way to help the non-traveling public explore the unique architecture, interactive media and services in Terminal C.

The pilot program allows guests to visit the innovative new terminal’s post-security areas to enjoy the many food and retail concessions for leisure purposes. Terminal C has a wonderful blend of local and name-brand concessions, providing savory dining and shopping opportunities.

Here’s how to apply for the Visitor Pass:

1. The process begins with an online application, which can be found at Experience MCO (https://experiencemco.orlandoairports.net/) up to seven days in advance. If a particular date is unavailable on the online form, that indicates visitor slots are at capacity.

2. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) then reviews requests. Same-day applications will receive an approval status email within 15 minutes. Advance applications will receive a response after midnight on the day of the requested visit.

3. Approved guests will receive an Experience MCO Visitor Pass via e-mail, which they take to the TSA checkpoint for general screening. Entry is restricted to only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and all guests must exit Terminal C by 8 p.m.

Trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and MCO Reserve cannot be used with Experience MCO. Guests will still be required to go through the standard security screening process. Passes are limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis subject to TSA approval.

Other program specifics and a list of FAQs can be found at the following link: https://www.orlandoairports.net/getting-around-mco/#experiencemco

I must say that Terminal C, which is housed in a separate building (connected by monorail and shuttle) from Terminals A & B, IS very cool. Here’s our experience from when it first opened, just a few weeks shy of one year ago.

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary