There was a time when air travel was much simpler. TSA checkpoints didn’t exist, and the routine was easy: check in, drop off your bags, walk through a metal detector, and head straight to your gate. Friends and family could come with you for a final goodbye at the gate—or meet you there when your flight arrived.
Today, you can still access the gate area without a boarding pass at U.S. airports, but only under certain circumstances. If you’re accompanying someone who needs special assistance—kids flying alone, travelers with mobility challenges, or anyone with a disability—you can get a pass that allows you to escort them through security and stay with them until they board.
Airports started expanding the idea
In the few years leading up to the pandemic, some airports began experimenting with allowing non-travelers through TSA checkpoints even without an assistance need. The motivation wasn’t sentimentality or a love of plane spotting—it was business. By letting more people airside, airports hoped to boost spending at shops and restaurants beyond security. And honestly, who were we to turn down the chance to enjoy the extra access?
Of course, when the pandemic hit, those programs were paused.
Then: 23 airports
But once travel rebounded, the so-called “visitor passes” started returning. As of November 2025, there were 23 airports around the country offering programs like these:
- Akron-Canton Airport (CAK): CAK Guest Pass
- Bishop International Airport (FNT): FNT Visitor Pass
- Capital Region International Airport (LAN): LAN Visitor Pass
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE): The Hopkins Hangout
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): Experience CAE Guest Pass
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW): DTW Destination Pass
- Eastern Iowa Airport (CID): CID Visitor Pass
- John Wayne Airport (SNA): OC AirPASS
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI): MCI Guest Pass
- 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
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): PSP Stay & Play Pass
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): PHL Wingmate Guest Pass
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT): SAT Pass
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Visitor Pass
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV): SHVip Visitor Pass
- Tampa International Airport (TPA): Tampa All Access Program
- Tri-Cities Airport (PSC): PSC Pass
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL): TUL Visitor Pass
Now: 25 airports
So there had been 23, but we just got word that two more airports have recently decided to begin their own version of an airport visitor pass.
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)
Located in Kalispell, Montana, Glacier Park International Airport (GPIA) has just started its GPIA Visitor Pass program. From their website:
The GPIA Visitor Pass makes it possible for non-travelers to experience Glacier Park International Airport (GPIA) beyond the security checkpoint. With a pass in hand, you can meet up with friends and family at the gate, spend extra time together before departure, or simply explore the restaurants and shops available post-security.
Like every other program out there, you have to fill out an online application (either in the days before your visit, or on the day of) for TSA to review and approve. They’ll send you an email with your approval status.
Once approved, your GPIA Visitor Pass will be attached to your approval email. When arriving at the TSA checkpoint, have your pass ready, along with your TSA-approved photo ID. Let the TSA officer know you are entering with a GPIA Visitor Pass.
Visitor Pass holders may only enter through the TSA screening checkpoint for the approved terminal. Entry is valid starting at the approved time until 9:00 p.m.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
SAN introduced their SAN Pass program just before Thanksgiving. From their website:
The SAN Pass allows non-ticketed individuals to go through security screening and visit and experience Terminal 1 & 2. Whether you’re seeing off a loved one, greeting an arriving traveler, or simply enjoying the shops and restaurants, the SAN Pass makes it possible.
Here’s how they say to apply:
Step 1: Apply Online
You can apply the same day or up to seven days in advance. If you’re unable to select a specific date, it means capacity has been reached for that day.
To apply, you’ll need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and gender (as they appear on your TSA-approved photo ID)
Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email that your request has been received.
Step 2: TSA Review and Approval
TSA will review your request:
- Advance applicants will receive their approval email after midnight on the morning of their visit.
- If you’re applying the same day as your visit, you can expect an approval email within about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Use Your SAN Pass
- If approved, your SAN Pass will be sent to you by email as a PDF attachment.
- Open the SAN Pass attachment on your mobile device and be prepared to present both it and your TSA-approved photo ID to the TSA officer.
More rules and guidelines can be found on this page of SAN’s website.
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