Jazmin Li
While hanging out at an airport may sound like an odd choice, it is a growing trend known as terminal tourism. Some airports have adopted programs that support this concept, allowing non-ticketed people past security checkpoints to access restaurants, shops, and other amenities. However, not all airports are on board with this idea, and it is essential to check the rules and regulations of a particular airport before planning to hang out there. Some airports have implemented day-pass programs or visitor pass programs, allowing a limited number of non-travelers to access certain areas of the airport. It is worth noting that even with these programs, non-ticketed visitors may still need to go through standard security screenings and may have restricted access to certain areas or time slots.
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What You'll Learn
Some airports have day passes for non-travellers
There is a recent trend known as "terminal tourism", where people go to an airport to hang out. Many airports have adopted programs that support this concept, allowing non-ticketed people past security checkpoints so that they can dine, shop, or just hang out.
Pittsburgh International Airport was the first airport to open its doors to non-passengers in 2017, followed by Tampa. Other airports that have followed suit include:
- San Antonio International Airport: The SAT Pass Program allows non-ticketed people to spend time with friends and family, shop, and dine at the airport. Applications can be made up to seven days in advance, and upon arrival, you'll need to show ID and go through regular TSA screening procedures.
- Philadelphia International Airport: The PHL Wingmate Guest Pass allows visitors to come to the airport for its amenities or to see a loved one off. It includes dining and shopping deals, and visitors can apply up to seven days in advance or on the same day.
- Orlando International Airport: The ExperienceMCO Visitor Pass Program allows non-traveling guests to visit Terminal C, which has 23 eateries and many shops. Visitors can apply up to a week in advance and will receive an approval email after midnight on the day of their visit.
- Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan: The LAN Visitor Pass Program welcomes up to 25 non-ticketed visitors per day. After applying for a first-come, first-served pass, visitors can enter the post-security areas of the terminal for up to four hours.
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport: The DTW Destination Pass allows non-travelers to pass through security and go up to the gates. The program can be applied for and used on the same day between 5 am and 9 pm.
- Tulsa International Airport: Non-fliers can reserve a TUL Visitor Pass up to seven days in advance and exit and re-enter anytime during the approved day.
While some airports welcome non-travellers, it is important to note that not all airports support this concept, and some view non-travellers as an inconvenience or a security concern.
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You can hang out at some airports without a ticket
While hanging out at an airport without a ticket might sound like a strange idea, there is a growing trend of "terminal tourism", where people choose to spend time at airports. Many airports have adopted or are considering programs that support this concept, allowing non-ticketed people past security checkpoints to shop, dine, or simply hang out.
Some airports in the United States have implemented pass programs for non-ticketed visitors. For example, San Antonio International Airport offers a service that allows non-travelers to escort family and friends to their gates. Similarly, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) offers a Visitor Pass that can be applied for online, allowing access to the terminal without a ticket. The Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan, also welcomes up to 25 non-ticketed visitors per day through its LAN Visitor Pass Program. Additionally, Ontario, California airport has the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program, and an airport in California offers the PSP Stay and Play Pass.
However, it's important to note that not all airports welcome terminal tourism. Some, like Changi Airport in Singapore, have strict regulations against it. Under Singapore's Infrastructure Protection Act, transit areas are considered "protected places," and anyone without the intention of traveling is subject to fines or jail time.
As for Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO), while I couldn't find specific information about hanging out there without a ticket, it is a small airport with a straightforward layout. It has a range of amenities, including rental car services, taxis, ride-sharing services, and a bus stop outside baggage claim. There are also food services, a gift shop, and "The Founder's Lounge," a quiet lounge area at Gate 5.
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You can watch planes take off from smaller airports
While it is possible to hang out at some larger airports without a ticket, access is often restricted to the building's public areas. These areas are typically located before the security checkpoint and may include some restaurants, stores, and seating areas. However, for those specifically interested in watching planes take off and land, smaller airports may be a better option.
At smaller airports, it is sometimes possible to park outside the property fence or on adjacent roads to watch planes take off and land. These airports often have runways that can be viewed from outside the airport boundaries. Some smaller airports may even have restaurants or viewing areas that offer a clear view of the runway.
For example, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), there is a designated plane-spotting site called "The Hill," which overlooks the south side of the airport, offering a close view of departing flights. Another example is a small park located under the glide path at LAX, where people can sit on the grass and watch planes soar overhead.
Additionally, some airports have designated spotting locations or observation decks. For instance, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has designated plane-spotting locations, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) allows plane spotting from its parking garages. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) also has a designated plane-spotting area along the fence line.
While hanging out at airports to watch planes can be enjoyable, it's important to be mindful of security concerns and not trespass into restricted areas.
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Some airports have restaurants outside security
Hanging out at an airport without any intention of travelling is a recent trend known as "terminal tourism". While some people find it pointless and even annoying, many airports have adopted programs that support this concept, and some are at least considering them. This is because there is a growing trend of airports beginning to allow non-ticketed people past security checkpoints so that they may dine at restaurants, shop, or just hang out.
Pittsburgh International Airport was the first airport to open its doors to non-passengers in 2017, followed by Tampa. Other airports that allow non-travelers to enter the post-security terminal include San Antonio International Airport, Tulsa International Airport, Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan, and Ontario, California Airport. Washington National also has several shops and restaurants outside the secured area.
However, it is important to note that not all airports are open to the public. For example, the airports in the NYC metro area (LGA/JFK/EWR) are not very open to the public. While you can go into the building, you cannot access the stores, bars, or other interesting places without a ticket or employee pass.
To gain access to the post-security areas of the airport, you will typically need to apply for a special pass. Applications are usually completed ahead of your visit, up to seven days in advance. Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to show ID and go through regular Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures.
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You can escort friends or family to the gate
If you want to escort friends or family to their gate at Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO), there are a few things to keep in mind. The airport has a single terminal building with two levels and six gates in total, with four gates on the lower level and two on the upper level. The terminal is divided into Concourse A (gates A1-A4) and Concourse B (gates B1-B2). To escort someone to their gate, you will need to obtain an escort pass, which is similar to a boarding pass. Escort passes are typically issued to those accompanying minor children, elderly individuals, or passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
To obtain an escort pass at CHO airport, you will need to provide a government-issued photo ID and go through the standard security checkpoint. Escort passes may not always be available, so it is important to plan ahead, especially if your friend or family member requires wheelchair assistance. In such cases, contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance to arrange wheelchair service and mention if the passenger is a minor, elderly, or has a disability. Additionally, provide them with a pre-programmed cell phone containing emergency contacts, airline ticketing phone numbers, and your contact information.
When you arrive at the airport, accompany your friend or family member to the check-in counter. Ensure that the wheelchair attendant is present before you leave the terminal, and consider tipping them in advance. Stay with your companion until they depart, and do not leave the airport until their plane has taken off. If you are unable to obtain an escort pass, you can still meet them as close as possible to the departure gate and wait there.
It is important to note that escort passes are not issued for meeting passengers on incoming international flights due to customs and immigration regulations. Additionally, you will not be able to enter the Customs and Immigration hall if you are picking up a passenger arriving from another country. Escort passes are typically valid only for domestic flights within the US.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, CHO Airport is a public airport. It is located in Albemarle County, Virginia, about 8 miles north of Charlottesville.
CHO Airport has free Wi-Fi, dining options, a gift shop, and car rental services. It also has a quiet lounge area called "The Founder's Lounge".
There are several transportation options available at CHO Airport. You can use taxis, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, or airport shuttles. There is also a bus stop located outside of baggage claim, offering affordable fares to various parts of Charlottesville and the surrounding areas.
