Roberta Aguirre
It is possible to get a guest pass to airport gates in some airports across the US. These passes allow non-ticketed visitors to go beyond security and enter the terminal without a ticket. Guest passes are typically intended for accompanying minors, special needs persons, or military family members. However, some airports offer guest passes that do not require a specific reason for entry, allowing guests to access and enjoy the airport's services and amenities. Guest pass programs are available at airports such as Detroit Metro Airport, John Wayne Airport, Orlando International Airport, and more. Each airport has its own application process and requirements, with some allowing same-day applications and others requiring advance registration. It's important to note that guest passes may have limitations, such as specific entry times and a limited number of passes available per day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport | Detroit Metro Airport, John Wayne Airport, New Orleans Airport, Orlando Airport, Philadelphia Airport, San Antonio International Airport, Seattle Airport, Tulsa International Airport, Palm Springs International Airport, Bishop International Airport, Ontario International Airport, Capital Region International Airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport |
| Pass name | DTW Destination Pass, OC AirPass, MSY Guest Pass, SAT Pass, SEA Visitor Pass, TUL Visitor Pass, PSP Stay & Play Pass, Wingmate Pass, FNT Visitor Pass, ONT+ Visitor Pass, LAN Visitor Pass |
| Who is it for? | Non-ticketed individuals, minors, special needs persons, military family members, elderly parents |
| How to obtain | Apply online, visit the ticket counter of the airline |
| Requirements | Full legal name, date of birth, government-issued photo ID, TSA-approved photo ID, email verification |
| Validity | Same day or up to seven days in advance, limited to six hours |
| Additional information | No hand-carried luggage allowed, no meeting incoming international travellers at the gate |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Guest passes are available at Detroit Metro, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Seattle airports
- Passes are free, but some airports require registration and ID
- Passes are usually valid from the approved start time until 9 pm
- Passes are subject to the same security screening regulations as travellers
- Guest passes are typically for accompanying minors, special needs persons, or military family members
Guest passes are available at Detroit Metro, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Seattle airports
Guest passes are available at several airports across the United States, including Detroit Metro, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Seattle airports. These passes allow non-ticketed individuals to access certain areas of the airport, such as gates and terminals, and to enjoy the various amenities available, such as restaurants and shops.
At Detroit Metro Airport, the DTW Destination Pass program enables non-ticketed visitors to access gate areas after security at both the North and McNamara terminals. Visitors can apply for the pass at kiosks in the McNamara or Evans terminals on the Departures Level, and the pass is valid from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Orlando International Airport offers the MCO Visitor Pass Program, which allows non-ticketed individuals to access Terminal C and explore its restaurants, retail options, and other amenities. To obtain a pass, individuals can apply online via the airport's official website.
Philadelphia Airport's Wingmate program permits non-ticketed guests to pass through security and access most terminals (excluding Terminal C). Guests can register online and will receive a digital Wingmate Pass upon approval. The pass also offers exclusive dining and shopping deals.
San Antonio International Airport introduced the SAT Pass in February 2025, allowing non-ticketed guests to spend time with travellers past security. Individuals can apply for the pass on the airport's website, and upon approval, they will receive an email confirmation. SAT Pass holders must enter through the TSA checkpoint general screening line and can stay until 9 p.m.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was the first airport on the West Coast to implement a post-security visitor program in 2018. The SEA Visitor Pass Program allows non-traveling visitors to greet friends and family and is available for personal use only. Individuals can apply online up to seven days in advance, and if approved, they will receive a QR code to scan upon entry at TSA Checkpoint 4.
Exploring London During a Layover: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Passes are free, but some airports require registration and ID
While guest passes for non-travellers are available at some airports, they are not free at all airports. For instance, the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program in California is free, but the SAT Pass Program at San Antonio International Airport does not mention free passes. Passes at the Detroit Metro Airport, John Wayne Airport, New Orleans Airport, Orlando Airport, Philadelphia Airport, and Seattle Airport also do not mention a cost, but they do require registration and ID.
Registration and ID requirements vary across airports. For instance, the SEA Visitor Pass Program at Seattle Airport requires advance online registration with your full legal name, date of birth, and a government-issued photo ID. Similarly, the TUL Visitor Pass Program at Tulsa International Airport requires the same information. The MSY Guest Pass Program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport requires visitors to fill out an online form with personal information (as it appears on their government-issued photo ID) at least 24 hours in advance. On the day of their visit, they must then visit a customer service desk for an ID review and pass pickup. The ONT+ Visitor Pass Program in California requires filling out an online application with your name, date of birth, and time and date of arrival at the preferred terminal.
The Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program at Orlando International Airport requires visitors to fill out an online application within seven days of their visit. Visitors will be notified via email if they have been approved for a pass. The OC AirPASS Program at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, does not require advance registration. Prospective pass holders can simply check in at the Information Booth in Terminal A, B, or C from 6 a.m.
Some airlines may also issue gate passes for accompanying minors, special needs persons, or military family members. For instance, Delta Airlines has issued a gate pass for accompanying a niece. However, another airline refused to issue a pass for escorting an elderly, non-English-speaking mother to the gate unless she needed assistance with walking. In this case, the traveller bought a refundable ticket with a similar departure time, used it to walk with their mother to the gate, and then cancelled it later.
Airport Lounges: Can You Take Alcohol Away?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Passes are usually valid from the approved start time until 9 pm
Several airports in the United States offer visitor pass programs that allow non-ticketed individuals to access the airport gates. These passes are typically obtained by applying online in advance, and they are usually valid from the approved start time until 9 pm. This means that visitors can remain airside until 9 pm, enjoying the airport's amenities, shopping, or dining options, as well as seeing friends and family off on their travels.
For example, the SAT Pass Program at San Antonio International Airport allows non-ticketed individuals to spend time with their friends and family, shop, or dine at the airport. The program is free to use, and applications can be made on the day of or up to seven days in advance. Once approved, the pass is valid from the specified start time until 9 pm.
Similarly, the SEA Visitor Pass Program at Seattle Airport offers 300 passes each day, valid from 5 am to 9 pm (with a recommended departure by 10 pm). The MSY Guest Pass Program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport also offers a similar program, with 50 passes available during the week and 100 each on Saturdays and Sundays.
The PHL Wingmate Pass program at Philadelphia Airport is another example of a visitor pass program with a validity period until 9 pm. This program allows non-ticketed guests to pass through security and meet their loved ones, explore the terminal, or enjoy the airport's amenities.
These visitor pass programs offer a convenient way for non-ticketed individuals to access the airport gates and enjoy the facilities or spend time with their travelling companions. The passes are typically valid until 9 pm, providing a flexible timeframe for visitors to make the most of their time at the airport.
Passport Cards: Airport-friendly or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Passes are subject to the same security screening regulations as travellers
While guest pass programs allow non-ticketed visitors to enter airport gates, these passes are subject to the same security screening regulations as travellers. This means that pass holders will have to comply with the same rules as travellers when passing through security. For example, passes may only be valid on the day of issue, and holders may only be allowed to bring in a personal item, such as a handbag or a laptop bag, but no carry-on luggage.
In addition, some airports require that visitors apply for their passes in advance, and that they have a valid, government-issued ID with them. An online security system verifies applications, and approval and a printed pass usually come within a few minutes. Some airports also require that the pass be accessible digitally, and will not accept printed versions.
Furthermore, guest passes are often only valid for a certain time period, and pass holders must leave the airport by a certain time. For example, the SEA Visitor Pass Program allows visitors to enter between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., but recommends that they leave by 10 p.m. Similarly, the MCO Visitor Pass Program allows visitors to enter Terminal C between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but they must leave by 8 p.m.
It is important to note that guest pass programs may have different requirements and restrictions depending on the airport, so it is always a good idea to check the specific regulations of the airport you plan to visit.
Transferring Terminals: Manila Airport's 2-Hour Challenge
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Guest passes are typically for accompanying minors, special needs persons, or military family members
Guest passes are often intended for those accompanying minors, assisting special needs persons, or accompanying military family members. While policies vary by airline, many airlines will issue a gate pass for these reasons. For instance, Delta Airlines provides a gate pass for those who need to accompany a minor or a person with special needs.
Some airports also provide visitor pass programs that allow non-ticketed individuals to access certain terminals. These passes are often intended for those who want to explore the airport's shops and restaurants or greet loved ones at their gates. For example, Detroit Metro Airport offers the DTW Destination Pass, which allows non-ticketed individuals to access gate areas after security. Similarly, John Wayne Airport offers the OC AirPass program, which allows non-ticketed visitors to access the terminal beyond security and enjoy the airport's amenities.
Other airports with visitor pass programs include Orlando International Airport, Philadelphia Airport, San Antonio International Airport, Seattle Airport, Tulsa International Airport, and Palm Springs International Airport. These programs typically require online registration and ID verification, and passes may be limited to a certain number of visitors per day.
It is important to note that visitor pass programs are separate from the gate passes typically used for accompanying minors or special needs persons. Visitor passes do not require a specific reason for entry and are meant to allow guests to access the terminal's amenities.
Uber Pickup: Adelaide Airport Accessibility
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Guest pass programs are available at a handful of US airports, including Detroit Metro Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Seattle Airport. To obtain a pass, you will typically need to apply online in advance, providing your full legal name, date of birth, and a government-issued photo ID. Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to show your pass and ID and go through standard security screening procedures.
Guest passes allow non-ticketed individuals to accompany loved ones to their gate, greet them upon arrival, or spend more time with them before they depart. This is especially useful for those assisting elderly or special needs travellers. Guest passes also enable individuals to access airport amenities, such as shopping and dining options.
Yes, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind. Guest passes are typically only valid on the day of issue, and pass holders are generally not allowed to bring any hand-carried luggage with them. Additionally, guest passes may be limited to specific terminals or security time slots, and some programs have a maximum number of passes available each day.
