Sachin Walls
Airport security has changed significantly over the years, with non-flyers previously able to go right up to the gate. However, after 9/11, only ticketed passengers were allowed to pass through security. While some airports still require a ticket to enter secure areas, a growing number of U.S. airports have introduced programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to pass through security and access certain terminals. These programs often require advance online applications, and approved visitors are subject to standard security screening procedures. Some airports also offer passes for specific groups, such as those accompanying children, older adults, or people with disabilities. These passes provide an opportunity for non-flyers to shop, dine, and greet loved ones at the airport.
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What You'll Learn
In some airports, non-ticketed visitors can go through security
In the past, non-flyers could go through security and accompany their friends or family to the gate. However, after 9/11, only ticketed passengers were allowed to go through security.
Nowadays, some airports have introduced programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to pass through security. These programs were put on hold during the pandemic but have started to crop up again.
For example, Orlando International Airport in Florida launched the Experience MCO Visitor Pass program, which allows non-ticketed visitors to obtain a pass to go through TSA security. The pass is meant to make the airport's bars, restaurants, and retail stores in Terminal C more widely available to the public. To obtain the pass, non-fliers need to fill out an online application within seven days of their visit and will be notified via email if approved. Visitors are limited to six hours after going through security and cannot bring any hand-carried luggage with them.
Similarly, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport developed the MSY Guest Pass in 2019, allowing non-flying visitors to access the dining and retail venues in the terminal. The pass is available seven days a week from 11 am to 8 pm, and applications can be made online within seven days of the visit.
Other airports with similar programs include Ontario International Airport in California, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and Tulsa International Airport. These programs typically require an online application in advance, and visitors must go through the standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures.
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You can get a pass as an accompanying colleague
In the past, non-flyers could go through airport security and accompany their family or friends to the gate. However, after 9/11, only ticketed passengers were allowed to go through security. Today, some airports have started to allow non-ticketed visitors to pass through security as part of specific programs. For example, the MCO Visitor Pass at Orlando International Airport in Florida allows non-ticketed visitors to access Terminal C and its amenities. Similarly, the MSY Guest Pass at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport enables non-flying visitors to access the terminal's dining and retail offerings.
If you are accompanying a colleague, family member, or friend to the airport, you may be able to obtain a pass to go through security with them. This is especially applicable if the person you are accompanying requires assistance due to age, disability, or managing excessive luggage. While not all airlines will approve this, it is worth inquiring about to ensure you can provide the necessary support to your travelling companion.
To obtain a pass as an accompanying colleague, you may need to apply in advance, typically up to seven days ahead of your visit. Some airports, like Detroit Metropolitan Airport, offer the option to apply for a pass in person on the day of your visit. When applying, you will likely need to provide identification and go through standard security screening procedures. It is important to note that visitor passes are often limited, and you may not be able to obtain one if the daily quota has been met.
Additionally, it is crucial to follow the regulations and restrictions associated with the pass. For example, at Orlando International Airport, visitors are not permitted to bring any hand-carried luggage through security. Furthermore, visitor passes may have designated time slots and limited durations for access, such as the six-hour limit after passing through security at Orlando International Airport.
While the option to obtain a pass as an accompanying colleague exists, it is not guaranteed, and each airport and airline may have its own policies and procedures. It is always advisable to check with the specific airport and airline beforehand to understand their requirements and increase your chances of successfully accompanying your colleague through security.
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You can purchase a refundable first-class ticket to get a boarding pass
In most airports, you will need a ticket to get through security. However, there are some airports that allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal. For example, the PHL Wingmate Pass is a free program that allows non-ticketed visitors to travel with their loved ones to the gate or greet them upon arrival. Similarly, the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program allows non-ticketed visitors to explore Terminal C at Orlando International Airport.
If you want to go through airport security without a ticket, one way to do this is by purchasing a fully refundable first-class ticket and getting a boarding pass. This method may allow you to go through security without checking in for the flight. It is important to book a flight that is later in the day, giving you enough time to cancel the flight (at least an hour before) and get a refund.
Another option is to accompany someone who is travelling as a colleague. If you are travelling with a child, an older person, a person with a disability, or have too much luggage, you may be able to accompany them through security. However, this method does not always work, and not every airline will approve it.
It is worth noting that some airports offer tours, which can be a way to see the inside of an airport without needing to go through security. Additionally, some airports have lobby areas at the entrance for ticketing, baggage claim, kiosks, check-in lines, and chairs, which do not require a ticket to access.
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Pre-9/11, non-flyers could go right up to the gate
Airport security has changed significantly over the years, with 9/11 being a pivotal moment for transformation. Before 9/11, non-flyers, or non-passengers, could go right up to the gate. This meant that people could accompany their family members or friends to the gate and even go through security to greet them.
Back then, airport security was relatively relaxed. People could arrive at the airport just minutes before their flight, keeping their shoes and coats on as they walked through a simple metal detector. No one needed a boarding pass or ID to go to the gate, and there were no long lines at security checkpoints.
However, after 9/11, only ticketed passengers were allowed to go through security. Airports implemented stricter security measures, such as requiring the removal of shoes, belts, and outerwear, and the separate screening of carry-on liquids and electronic devices.
Nowadays, some airports have introduced programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to access certain areas beyond security. For example, the PHL Wingmate Pass in Philadelphia and the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program in Orlando allow non-ticketed visitors to accompany travellers to their gates or greet them upon arrival. These programs typically require advance applications, valid identification, and compliance with standard security screening procedures.
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Some airports offer tours
While airport security has become stricter over the years, and non-flyers are typically not allowed beyond the security checkpoint, some airports do offer programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal. These programs often require an application to be submitted in advance and may have restrictions on the number of visitors per day. For example, the PHL Wingmate Pass program at Philadelphia International Airport allows up to 100 non-ticketed visitors per day to accompany loved ones to their gate or greet them upon arrival. Similarly, the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program at Orlando International Airport allows non-ticketed visitors to explore Terminal C without any hand-carried luggage. Detroit Metropolitan Airport also offers the DTW Destination Pass program, which can be applied for in person on the day of the visit.
In addition to these programs, some airports offer free or discounted layover tours for transit passengers with long layovers. These tours are often a collaboration between the airport and the local tourism board, providing travellers with an opportunity to explore the nearby city and experience the local culture and attractions. For example, Singapore Changi Airport offers complimentary guided bus tours for transit passengers with layovers between 5.5 and 24 hours, showcasing landmarks such as Merlion Park, Chinatown, and Gardens by the Bay. Similarly, Taipei Taoyuan Airport offers free layover tours, including a city tour and a rural spa tour. Incheon International Airport in Seoul also provides free sightseeing tours of the metropolitan area, including cultural and shopping experiences. Tokyo Narita Airport offers free excursions into the city with local guides, usually volunteers trying to gain experience. Other airports that offer layover tours include Riga International Airport, Istanbul Airport, and Qatar Airport. These tours typically require advance registration and may have specific flight schedule requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. Some airports in the US allow non-ticketed visitors to pass through security. However, you will need to apply for a pass in advance and there may be a limited number of passes available.
To obtain a pass, you will typically need to fill out an online application within seven days of your visit. Some airports, such as Detroit Metropolitan Airport, allow you to apply for a pass in person.
With a pass, you can shop, dine, watch planes, view art exhibits, and greet friends and relatives at the gate. However, you will be subject to the same security screening regulations as air travelers and will not be allowed to bring any prohibited items through security.
Yes, one way is to accompany someone who is flying, especially if they are a child, an older person, or a person with a disability. Another way is to purchase a fully refundable first-class ticket for later in the day, which you can cancel and get a refund for before the flight.
