Historically, during the halcyon days before 9/11, it was easy to get to the airside of an airport. You’d just check in, go through the metal detector, and go to the gate. Done. Super simple. 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
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.
Of course, when the pandemic hit, those programs were paused. For YEARS. But as time went on and COVID became less of a threat, more and more airports have restarted or launched their own programs.
The programs to date
- 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
- Glacier Park International Airport (FCA): GPIA 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
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): Experience MCO Visitors 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
- San Diego International Airport (SAN): SAN 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
Two late-2025 additions we missed
It’s a new year, and although we’d like to say “new year, new airports,” as it turns out there are 2 airports that began their respective visitor pass programs in late 2025… and we just missed them. Whomp whomp, our bad. But here they are:
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Launched during Thanksgiving week of 2025, ABQ calls its visitor pass the FlySide Pass.
“You can shop, dine, explore or accompany your loved ones through the secure side of the terminal,” said the airport.
The pass is available 7 days per week, from 4am to 10pm (times are subject to change, based on TSA availability), and is only open to individuals aged 18 and over.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Apply online
- Review the FlySide Pass Frequently Asked Questions below before applying.
- Complete your application online the same day, up to seven days prior to visiting.
- FlySide Passes are free.
Step 2: Receive your digital FlySide Pass
- Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation—if approved—no more than 24 hours before your scheduled visit date.
- Your government-issued REAL ID or passport will be required at the security checkpoint.
- The digital FlySide Pass on your device is nice to have, but not required.
Step 3: Go through security screening
- At your scheduled time, arrive at the security checkpoint inside the terminal, as if you are a regular traveler.
- Show your TSA-approved photo ID at the checkpoint.
- Go through the screening process. (Note: You may NOT use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, even if you have them.)
- Enjoy your day in the terminal! (Note: You must re-present your FlySide Pass and go through TSA screening again if you leave the concourse and wish to re-enter.)
You can request your pass up to 7 days in advance by applying online.
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK)
The OAK Guest Pass program launched on December 15, 2025.
The OAK Guest Pass Program allows the non-traveling public to visit OAK and enjoy the amenities on the post-security side of the passenger terminal. Obtaining an OAK Guest Pass allows our visitors to spend more time with their friends and family or shop and dine at the Airport.
The program allows access 7 days per week (they don’t mention times) and, unlike ABQ, allows minors under age 18, but only if they’re escorted by an approved OAK Guest Pass adult participant.
How it’s done:
Step 1: Apply online
You can apply the day of your visit or up to seven days in advance. If you can’t select a date or start time on the online form, that means the visitor slots have reached capacity for that day or time. Provide your date of birth, gender, and full legal name exactly as it appears on your TSA-approved photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license). You’ll receive a confirmation email verifying that your request has been received.
Step 2: Get TSA approval
Your request will be reviewed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- If you’re applying in advance: You’ll receive an email with your approval status after midnight on the day of your visit.
- If you’re applying for same-day entry: You’ll receive an email with your approval status within approximately 15 minutes.
Step 3: Show your OAK Guest Pass
If approved for entry, you’ll receive your OAK Guest Pass attached to your approval notification email. When entering the TSA Checkpoint, make sure to open the OAK Guest Pass attachment to provide to the TSA, along with your TSA-approved photo ID. Make sure to advise the TSA Officer that you have an OAK Guest Pass when presenting your photo ID.
A FAQ and link to the application can be found on this page of OAK’s website.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
2 comments
Great idea …. add more people to the TSA lines … and as non-flyers they will be confused, have pocketknives in their pants, ….
Welp, I can tell you that MCO gets less than 20 ppl/day.
And as someone who has used the service, it’s been lovely to be able to greet my spouse as he landed.