22 Airports Now Allow Unticketed People Through TSA Security

by SharonKurheg

Back in the day — when air travel was a lot simpler — TSA checkpoints didn’t even exist. You’d check in, hand off your luggage, walk through a metal detector, and head straight to your gate. Friends and family could come along to see you off, or be waiting right there when you landed.

These days, that kind of access is mostly gone — mostly. You can still go all the way to the gate without a boarding pass at U.S. airports if you’re accompanying someone who needs extra help. Whether it’s a child traveling solo or someone with mobility or cognitive challenges, special programs let you escort them through security and stay until they board.

Then, airports realized there was an opportunity beyond that

In the years leading up to the pandemic, a few airports began experimenting with “visitor pass” programs that allowed non-travelers through TSA checkpoints — even if they weren’t assisting anyone.

Their motivation wasn’t purely nostalgic, of course. The goal was to give people access to the post-security restaurants and shops — in other words, to boost airport revenue.

Still, for aviation fans and loved ones wanting a proper send-off or arrival, it was a welcome change.

As of September 2025, there were 20 airports that had some form of a visitor pass program:

Add Two More Airports

Happily, we recently discovered two new airports that have begun their own versions of visitor pass programs. Except one isn’t new. It’s an old program —one of the originals—that’s FINALLY being revived.

Tampa International Airport: TPA All Access Program

TPA’s program is one of the granddaddies of visitor pass programs, having started in 2019. It then shut down in early 2020, because of the pandemic, and never saw the light of day again.

Until now. They’re reviving the program on November 3rd.

From TPA:

You asked for it, now it’s happening: TPA All Access is back!

The popular Airside access program, which allows guests who aren’t traveling on a flight to visit any of TPA’s four Airside terminals, officially makes its return to Tampa International Airport beginning November 3.

Visitors will be able to register in advance for passes through TSA security screening checkpoints to reach any of the Airport’s dining and shopping options.

That means if you want to eat in Airside C at the only Goody Goody location in Tampa Bay or shop for luxury bags at Tumi in Airside F, even when you’re not flying, you can!

Important information to know:

  • TPA All Access passes are available for pick up every day between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Advance online registration is required.
  • Limited to six people per airside for each two-hour entry block specified during registration.
  • Guests limited to one airside per visit.
  • Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

How to apply:

To get a TPA All Access pass, follow these three easy steps:

1. Register online in advance for an available two-hour window to enter the Airside of your choice at their reservation site.
2. Pick up your pass with a photo ID at the Information Desk on Level 3 in the Main Terminal between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the day you’re visiting.
3. Go through the TSA security screening checkpoint for the Airside you selected with your pass and ID like you’re catching a flight and you’re good to go!

Shreveport Regional Airport: SHVip Visitor Pass

This program began without a lot of fanfare. Heads up: their website currently highlights the Bossier Chamber After Hours event on Sept. 25th, but the fine print at the bottom of the page states that the SHVip Visitor Pass is indeed a permanent program.

More program and security information:

  • SHVip Visitor Pass participants are subject to the same security regulations as passengers boarding an aircraft and must comply with TSA’s screening procedures, which includes not bringing items prohibited by TSA and complying with the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule.
  • At this time, expedited screening and trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck and CLEAR programs, cannot be used with the SHVip Visitor Pass.
  • SHVip Visitor Pass availability is limited, granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with all access subject to TSA approval.
  • The SHVip Visitor Pass is a permanent program. In response to exigent circumstances or operational needs, the Shreveport Airport Authority reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel the program, cancel approved SHVip Visitor Passes, or modify program rules at any time without prior notice.

Final Count: 22 Airports

And with these two, we’re up to 22 airports that allow non-flyers onto the airside of their respective properties. Whether it’s to drop off or meet a loved one, to go planespotting, or take part in shopping and dining (can never have enough Hudson News locations, right?), they’re all a welcome addition.

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary

2 comments

Marc October 29, 2025 - 12:31 pm

What a terrible development. I don’t need more people in the terminal while I try to rush to my flight. {rest of author’s comments redacted for nothing following our rules for published comments}

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SharonKurheg October 29, 2025 - 12:40 pm

You greatly overestimate how popular these programs are. When Orlando had it, they were getting an average of 16 visitors per day. And Orlando is MUCH larger than Tampa or Shreveport…combined.

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