Owais Crawford
If you're planning to pick someone up from the airport, it's a good idea to know which terminal they're arriving at and the status of their flight. While it is possible to wait inside the airport, it's important to note that flights can be unpredictable, and you don't want to arrive too early or late. Most airports have restaurants and cafes outside the security check where you can wait, but you may be asked to leave if you wait for several hours. Generally, it is not possible to wait in the main terminal where people are getting off the plane, especially in the US, where security measures are stricter. However, some US airports offer programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal with a special pass. These programs often require advance application and have daily visitor limits. If you're not able to obtain a pass, you can park in short-term airport parking and meet your party outside their terminal or at the baggage claim area.
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What You'll Learn
Where to wait in the airport
If you're picking someone up from the airport, it's a good idea to plan ahead to avoid a long wait. Ask your traveller to call you once they've landed and again when they've picked up their baggage. If you're driving, you can then make your way to the airport, parking in the short-term parking lot.
Most airports have a designated waiting area near the exit side of the security screening area at each terminal/exit point. This is usually by the baggage retrieval carousels, so the person you're meeting can exit the area into the waiting area with their luggage.
If you want to wait inside the airport, you can do so in the area outside of the terminal for the relevant airline. Some airports, such as Salt Lake City International Airport, have specific waiting areas, such as The Senator Jake Garn Greeting Room, which is located on the second level of the Terminal adjacent to the baggage claim area.
If you'd prefer not to wait inside, you can arrange for your traveller to meet you at the curb outside the terminal. Alternatively, some airports offer ""cell phone lots" where you can sit in your car in the parking lot until your traveller is ready to be picked up.
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How long to wait
If you are planning to wait inside the airport for someone who is arriving, it is best to time your arrival at the airport to be about half an hour after their flight is scheduled to land. This is because it takes time for passengers to get off the plane, pick up any baggage, and make their way through the airport. If the flight is international, plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour after the scheduled landing time, as they may need to go through customs, which can be time-consuming.
If you are travelling from a distance to pick someone up from the airport, it is advisable to park in the airport's short-term parking lot and wait inside the airport terminal. This way, you can avoid arriving too early or late and can wait comfortably. Many airports have restaurants and cafes outside the security check where you can wait, but you may be asked to leave after a few hours to make room for customers.
If you are meeting someone at the airport, they can specify exactly where they would like to meet, which can help you get in and out quickly. For a quick curbside pick-up, they can call you after they have picked up their bags. Alternatively, you can meet them outside their terminal if you are not picking them up curbside.
If you decide to wait inside the airport, wait in the area outside the terminal of their airline. Going through airport security to meet them at their arrival gate may be prohibited and can be time-consuming.
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Picking someone up from a different terminal
Picking someone up from the airport can be a tedious task, but being prepared can make the process smoother. If you are picking someone up from a different terminal, it is important to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
Firstly, know which airline your traveller is flying with. Most airports have multiple terminals, and different airlines operate from each. Knowing the airline will help you determine the general area of the airport you need to be in. Check the airport's website to confirm which terminal the airline uses.
Secondly, find out the terminal your traveller will be arriving at. If you plan to park and wait inside the airport, wait in the area outside the specified terminal for their airline. Going through security to meet them at the arrival gate can be time-consuming and may even be prohibited. Airports usually have restaurants and cafes outside the security check where you can wait, but you may be asked to leave if you wait for several hours.
If you are picking up your traveller curbside, ensure they have collected their baggage and are waiting outside the terminal before you arrive. Curbside parking in front of terminals is usually prohibited, and you can only briefly stop to pick up travellers. Exchange phone numbers with your traveller so they can inform you when they are ready to be picked up.
Additionally, check the status of your traveller's flight before heading to the airport. It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes after their scheduled landing time, as it can take a while for travellers to get off the plane, collect their baggage, and make their way through the airport. If your traveller is arriving from an international trip, plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour after the scheduled landing time to account for customs clearance.
Lastly, if you are travelling a great distance to the airport, consider parking in the airport's short-term parking lot. This can be a low-cost option that allows you to wait comfortably inside the airport without worrying about arriving too early or late.
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US airports where non-travellers can go beyond security
While most airports do not allow non-travellers to go beyond security, there are a handful of US airports that do. This was a common practice pre-9/11, but since then, security measures have increased, and only a few select airports allow non-ticketed passengers through. Here are some US airports where non-travellers can go beyond security:
San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio International Airport recently launched the SAT Pass Program, which allows non-ticketed individuals to "spend more time with their friends and family or shop and dine at the airport." Applications for the pass can be made up to seven days in advance, and upon arrival at the airport, you'll need to show ID and go through regular TSA screening procedures.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
The DTW Destination Pass program allows non-travellers to pass through security at both the McNamara and Evans terminals. The pass can be applied for and used on the same day between 5 am and 9 pm.
Orlando International Airport
The Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program allows non-travelling guests to visit Terminal C, which features 23 eateries and numerous shops. Visitors can apply for the program up to a week in advance, and the pass must be saved digitally, as printed passes are not allowed. It's important to note that this pass cannot be used to meet arriving international passengers at the gate.
Philadelphia International Airport
The PHL Wingmate Guest Pass is a post-security airport visitor program that allows non-travellers to access the airport's amenities or say goodbye to loved ones. The program started in late 2023 and is limited to 100 visitors per day.
Tulsa International Airport
Tulsa International Airport offers a Visitor Pass that allows non-ticketed visitors to enter the terminal. Applications can be made online for the same day or up to seven days in advance. No hand-carried luggage is allowed, and entry is only granted at the approved start time and terminal.
Capital Region International Airport
The LAN Visitor Pass Program welcomes up to 25 non-ticketed visitors per day to Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan. Visitors can enter the post-security areas of the terminal for up to four hours between 8 am and 5 pm (or until the TSA checkpoint closes).
It's important to note that each airport has specific rules and requirements for non-travellers wishing to go beyond security. Some airports may require applications in advance, while others may have limitations on the number of visitors per day. Additionally, non-travellers will still need to go through regular TSA security screening procedures, and expedited screening programs may not be used.
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International arrivals
If you are planning to pick someone up from the airport after an international arrival, it is a good idea to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and timely pickup. It is recommended to arrive at the airport around 30 minutes to an hour after the scheduled landing time of the flight. This is because it can take a while for passengers to disembark, collect their luggage, and navigate through the airport. International flights may require passengers to go through customs and luggage retrieval, which can extend the time taken to exit the terminal.
It is essential to know which terminal your traveller is arriving at and to be aware of their flight status. You can also ask them to call you once they have collected their baggage. If you plan to park your car and wait inside the airport, you can wait in the area outside their airline's terminal. Going through security to meet them at the arrival gate may be time-consuming and could be prohibited. Many airports have restaurants and cafes outside the security area where you can wait, but keep in mind that waiting for extended periods may not be allowed.
If you are picking someone up curbside, parking your car in the short-term lot can be a good option, as it allows you to wait comfortably inside the airport if you arrive early or if the flight is delayed. If you are not picking them up curbside, it is advisable to meet them outside their terminal. Airports typically have a loop structure, so finding your way back to the arrivals area is usually straightforward if needed.
To ensure a timely pickup, it is beneficial to stay informed about the status of your traveller's flight. Keep in mind that for international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before the scheduled departure time. This allows for check-in, baggage check, and potential delays. However, some travellers prefer to arrive earlier, especially when dealing with unreliable transportation or when the airport is large or busy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wait inside the airport for someone. If you are in the US, you can no longer wait in the main terminal where people are getting off the plane. However, there is usually an opening area where you can wait for your party. If you are driving, park in the short-term parking lot and then go to the terminal. If you are travelling from a distance, parking in the short-term lot can allow you to relax and wait in the airport for your party to arrive.
You can wait in the area outside of their terminal for their airline. Many airports have restaurants and cafes outside of the security check that you can use to wait. The baggage claim area is also a convenient place to meet.
You can wait inside the airport for a few hours. However, if you wait for several hours, airport staff may ask you to leave to make room for customers and travellers.
It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes after your traveller's flight is scheduled to land. It takes time to get off the plane, pick up any baggage, and make your way through the airport. If you are picking someone up from an international flight, plan on arriving 45 minutes to an hour after their flight is scheduled to land.
