Exploring Airports: Touring The Terminals And Runways

In the past, airports allowed non-travellers to enter the airport and greet their friends and family at the gate. However, this practice became less common after 9/11. In recent years, some airports have started allowing non-travellers to enter the airport again, either to meet and see off their loved ones or to access the airport's amenities. Additionally, some airports offer free or affordable layover tours to give passengers a glimpse of the city.

Some US airports allow non-travellers to pass through security to greet loved ones

Since the introduction of increased security measures and the implementation of the TSA following the events of 9/11, non-ticketed passengers have generally not been allowed past security. However, in recent years, some US airports have introduced programs that allow non-travellers to pass through security to greet loved ones.

The History of Non-Travellers Passing Through Security

Before 9/11, it was common for non-ticketed passengers to be able to go to the gate to greet or see off their loved ones. However, in the years following the attacks, security measures were tightened, and non-ticketed passengers were no longer allowed past security checkpoints.

The Return of Non-Traveller Access

In 2017, Pittsburgh International Airport became the first US airport to welcome non-ticketed visitors past security, although this program has since been suspended. Despite this, other airports have followed suit, including Philadelphia International Airport and Orlando International Airport, which introduced similar programs in 2023.

The Application Process

To pass through security at these airports, non-travellers typically need to apply for a guest pass in advance, usually through an online application process. They may also need to provide a valid government-issued ID and go through the same security screening procedures as ticketed passengers.

The Benefits of Non-Traveller Access

The implementation of these programs allows friends and family to escort their loved ones to the gate or greet them upon arrival, providing an extended opportunity to say goodbye or hello. Additionally, it allows non-travellers to access the amenities, services, and attractions within the terminal, such as bars, restaurants, and retail stores.

Airports That Allow Non-Travellers to Pass Through Security

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California (SNA)
• Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan (FNT)
• Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan (LAN)
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL)

These airports provide a glimpse into the growing trend of allowing non-travellers to pass through security, offering both convenience and emotional connections for travellers and their loved ones.

Guest pass programs are available at some airports for non-ticketed visitors

To obtain a guest pass, non-ticketed visitors typically need to apply in advance through an online application process, providing personal information and specifying the date and time of their visit. Some airports offer same-day applications, while others require applications to be submitted up to seven days in advance. Visitors must present a valid government-issued ID, and in some cases, they may also need to provide a digital copy of their approval email. Minors are generally required to be accompanied by an adult with a guest pass.

It is important to note that guest pass holders are subject to the same security screening procedures as ticketed passengers and must comply with the same regulations regarding prohibited items. Additionally, expedited programs like TSA PreCheck may not be honoured for guest pass holders.

The availability of guest passes and the specific conditions may vary depending on the airport. For example, the SEA Visitor Pass at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport limits the number of guest passes to 300 per day, while the MSY Guest Pass at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport allows 50 visitors on weekdays and 100 on weekends.

Some airports that offer guest pass programs include:

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - PHL Wingmate Pass
• Orlando International Airport (MCO) - Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - SEA Visitor Pass
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) - MSY Guest Pass
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) - DTW Destination Pass
• John Wayne Airport (SNA) - OC AirPASS
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL) - TUL Visitor Pass Program

There are free layover tours at some airports

If you're on a long-haul trip, a layover can be tedious and exhausting. But it doesn't have to be that way. Some airports and airlines offer free layover tours, turning a dull wait into a mini-vacation. These tours are designed to give you a taster of the city and encourage you to return.

Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore Airlines offers three free transit tours for passengers with at least a 5.5-hour layover. The Heritage Tour takes you through the colonial and cultural districts, including Chinatown and Little India. The City Sights Tour showcases modern Singaporean architecture, such as the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands. The Changi Precinct Tour immerses you in the local lifestyle and includes a visit to the Changi village. Each tour lasts 2.5 hours.

Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea

With at least a 4-hour layover, you can join one of the free tours offered by the Korean Tourist Board. There are several options, including an Incheon City Tour, Seoul City Tour, and Temple Tour, all with English-speaking guides. The tours last between 1 and 5 hours.

Tokyo Narita Airport, Japan

Tokyo Narita Airport offers several free tour options, including volunteer-guided tours of Narita and Tako Town, and self-guided shopping tours. You'll need about a 6-hour layover for these tours, and you'll experience Japanese culture, history, and hospitality.

Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar

Qatar Airways offers a complimentary tour of Doha for passengers with a minimum 6-hour layover. The tour includes visits to the Pearl-Qatar artificial island, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif Arabian market, and the Museum of Islamic Art. A maximum of 22 passengers can join each tour.

Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish Airlines offers free Touristanbul services for passengers with a layover of 6-24 hours. You can choose from five extensive tours, covering significant historical sights such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. Lunch or breakfast is included, and the tours last 6 or 9 hours.

Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei Taoyuan Airport was one of the first to offer free layover tours. They offer two free half-day tours, limited to 18 passengers, with morning and afternoon departures. The morning tour includes the Shou Sin Fang Creativity Wagashi and Cultural Center, Sanxia, and Zushi Temple, while the afternoon tour covers the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple.

So, if you're facing a long layover, check if the airport or airline offers free tours. It's a great way to explore a new city without any additional cost!

There are security checks for visitors with guest passes

Airport Security Checks for Visitors with Guest Passes

Some airports have introduced guest pass programs to allow non-ticketed visitors to pass through security screening checkpoints. These programs were put on hold during the pandemic but have started to crop back up again, with more airports joining the trend.

How to Get a Guest Pass

To obtain a guest pass, non-fliers typically need to fill out an online application within a certain number of days before their visit. For example, the MCO Visitor Pass for Orlando International Airport requires visitors to fill out an online application within seven days of their visit. Visitors will then be notified via email if they have been approved for a pass.

Security Screening

Those with a visitor pass are subject to the same security screening regulations as air travelers. This means that visitors will not be allowed to bring any items prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) through security. Visitors must also show ID and typically apply in advance.

Examples of Airports with Guest Pass Programs

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - The PHL Wingmate Pass allows non-ticketed guests to access post-security areas from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• Orlando International Airport (MCO) - The Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program allows non-ticketed visitors to enter Terminal C.
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - The SEA Visitor Pass is available for up to 300 visitors per day.
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) - The MSY Guest Pass is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a limit of 50 visitors on weekdays and 100 on weekends.
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) - The DTW Destination Pass is available at both the McNamara and Evans terminals from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
• John Wayne Airport (SNA) - The OC AirPASS is available for non-ticketed visitors at Terminals A, B, or C from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Free Layover Tours at Airports

In addition to guest pass programs, some airports offer free or affordable layover tours for connecting passengers. These tours are designed to give passengers a taste of the local culture and attractions, encouraging them to return for a longer visit.

For example, Singapore Airlines offers three free layover tours for passengers on Singapore Airlines or eligible Air New Zealand and Scoot connections. Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea, also offers 10 incredible free tours showcasing different aspects of Korean culture.

So, if you're interested in exploring an airport or its surrounding area during a layover, be sure to check if the airport offers any guest pass programs or layover tours!

Some airports have resumed their visitor programs post-pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the aviation industry, with airports bearing the brunt of the crisis. As a result, many airports were forced to reduce operations or even close terminals to cut costs. However, as the world emerges from the pandemic, some airports have resumed their visitor programs and are slowly returning to normal operations.

For instance, Philadelphia International Airport launched its PHL Wingmate Pass in November 2023, allowing non-ticketed guests to access post-security areas. Similarly, Orlando International Airport introduced the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program, granting non-ticketed visitors entry to Terminal C. These programs require visitors to apply for passes in advance and undergo standard security screenings.

Other airports have also implemented similar initiatives to boost non-aeronautical revenues, which took a significant hit during the pandemic. While these programs allow friends and family to accompany departing passengers or greet arriving loved ones, they also encourage visitors to spend money at airport concessions.

The resumption of visitor programs is a welcome development for airports, which are still navigating the challenges of staff shortages and the financial fallout of the pandemic. Additionally, the return of such programs indicates that airports are finding innovative ways to adapt to the "new normal" and enhance the airport experience for all visitors, not just ticketed passengers.

As airports continue to recover from the pandemic, it is likely that more airports will follow suit and resume or introduce visitor programs. This trend underscores the importance of airports as community spaces and reinforces the role they play in facilitating connections and creating memorable experiences.

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