Way back when, during the halcyon days before 9/11, it was easy to get to the airside of an airport. We’d just check in, go through a metal detector, and then go to the gate. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Loved ones used to be able to accompany you to the gate for that last goodbye, or they could meet you there when your flight landed.
Of course, you can still technically go all the way to the gate, even without a boarding pass, if you’re accompanying someone who needs special assistance before they get onto a plane. You have to have all of your paperwork in order, but it’s a smart way to make sure that kids or people with mobility problems or other disabilities arrive at the departure gate safely.
Visitor Pass Programs Across the U.S.
However, in the couple of years before Covid, a handful of airports were experimenting with programs that allowed non-passengers to pass the TSA checkpoint, even if they weren’t with someone who needed the assistance. Of course, they weren’t doing this out of the goodness of their hearts or so you could be in a good place for plane spotting. It was intended so people could potentially take advantage of the airside shopping and dining opportunities.
Anyway, some of those 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” discontinued if it’s been 5 years?).
Current Airports Offering Visitor Passes
There are currently several airports in the U.S. – 17 of them! – that offer this service:
- Akron-Canton Airport (CAK): CAK Guest Pass
- 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
- Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT): Visitor’s Pass
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): MSY Guest Pass
- Missoula Montana Airport (MSO): MSO Pass
- Nashville International Airport (BNA): BNA Passport
- Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA): XNA Guest Pass
- Ontario International Airport (ONT): ONT+ Visitor Pass
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): Experience MCO Visitor Pass (theirs is interesting in that you can only go to Terminal C. It’s not an option for Terminals A&B)
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): PSP Stay & Play Pass
- Philadelphia International PHL: PHL Wingmate Guest Pass
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Visitor Pass
- Tri-Cities Airport (PSC): PSC Pass
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL): TUL Visitor Pass
What to Expect When Using a Visitor Pass
You can click on each one but they’re generally all the same – you have to sign up X number of days ahead of time so you can be vetted. The program is limited to X number of guests per day. You have to show up with appropriate government-issued ID (read: the same ID you’d use if you were planning on flying that day. Driver’s license. Passport. etc. A credit card with your name on it wouldn’t count). And you have to go on the regular TSA line; you can’t use PreCheck or CLEAR.
My husband and I live in Central Florida. So when the MCO Visitor’s Pass came about, I took the opportunity to try it out when he was flying home from the UK and landing at Terminal C. Here’s how it went.
With 17 airports on board with their various versions of visitor’s passes, I’m sure that more will happen (there were only 10 a year and change ago). Although the opportunity for shopping and dining might be on some people’s minds, the ability to see incoming/outgoing planes from a different perspective, and especially to meet friends and family “at the gate,” just like in the good ol’ days, is definitely a treat.
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