Roberta Aguirre
Airport passes are a convenient way to access airport lounges and other premium airport experiences. These passes are often sought after by travellers seeking comfort and luxury during long layovers or while waiting for their flight. Airport passes typically offer access to exclusive lounges with amenities such as complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites, as well as charging points and free Wi-Fi. Some airports also provide guest passes for non-travellers, allowing them to meet and greet loved ones at the gates, shop, and dine within the airport premises. This article will explore the different types of airport passes available and the benefits they offer to travellers and visitors alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the pass | Experience MCO Visitor Pass |
| Airport | Orlando International Airport (MCO) |
| Who can obtain the pass | Non-fliers/unticketed guests |
| How to obtain the pass | By filling out an online application within seven days of the visit |
| Requirements to pass through security | Email verification and TSA-approved photo ID |
| Items allowed through security | Only one personal item (a purse, small bag, or briefcase) |
| Other benefits | Access to bars, restaurants, and retail stores in Terminal C |
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What You'll Learn
The Priority Pass
As a Priority Pass member, you can enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites while sitting comfortably and stretching out your legs. Most lounges also offer charging points and free Wi-Fi, allowing you to be productive while waiting for your flight. The Priority Pass network includes independent facilities, such as The Club ATL in Atlanta, as well as lounges affiliated with airlines, like the Lufthansa Business Lounge in Detroit and the Air France Lounge in Boston.
To enhance your airport experience, Priority Pass offers a dedicated mobile app that helps members find and access lounges, navigate airports, manage their accounts, and discover exclusive airport guides. The app also provides members with the convenience of pre-booking their space in select lounges for a small fee.
With its global reach, the Priority Pass ensures that you can enjoy premium airport experiences regardless of your airline or flight class, making your travel journey more enjoyable and relaxing.
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Visitor passes at US airports
Several airports in the US have introduced visitor pass programs, allowing non-ticketed visitors to access the terminal beyond security. These programs were paused during the pandemic but have started to crop up again at several airports across the country.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport in Florida launched the Experience MCO Visitor Pass program, which allows unticketed guests to obtain a visitor pass that they can use to head through TSA security checkpoints. Visitors can either spend more time with friends and family before they depart or greet them when they land. The pass is also meant to make the airport's new Terminal C more widely available to the non-traveling public. To get a pass, non-fliers need 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 and will be allowed to enter Terminal C on their designated pass day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and must leave by 8 p.m.
Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, Washington
At the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), up to 10 people each day can reserve a PSC Pass. Same-day or advance applications are reviewed nightly, and approved visitors can enjoy shops and open-air concourses after standard TSA screening.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Non-fliers can reserve a TUL Visitor Pass for Tulsa International Airport up to seven days in advance. Entry is permitted on the day of use starting at the approved entry time and until 9 p.m., and approved visitors can exit and re-enter anytime during the day.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Located 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, Ontario International Airport launched the ONT+ Visitor Pass program in October 2023. To get an ONT+ Visitor Pass, non-travelers need to fill out an online application within seven days of their visit and will be notified via email if they have been approved for a pass. The pass is available daily for visiting Terminal 2 and 4.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Palm Springs International Airport in California offers the PSP Stay and Play Pass on a first-come, first-served basis, seven days a week. Once approved, visitors can head to the TSA checkpoint at their designated entry time.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
The SEA Visitor Pass Program started in 2018. There are 300 passes available each day, and visitors must enter at Checkpoint 3 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. (The airport recommends leaving by 10 p.m.) Visitors can re-enter and exit the airport as often as they like, but they have to go back through security each time.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport offers the DTW Destination Pass program. To enroll, use the kiosks found on the Departures Level in the McNamara and Evans terminals; your pass can then be used that same day from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.
John Wayne Airport (OC AirPass)
John Wayne Airport offers the OC AirPass program, which allows non-ticketed visitors to access the terminal beyond security. This pass enables guests to enjoy the airport's shopping, dining, and other amenities, or to greet loved ones at their gates. You can apply online to obtain your pass.
New Orleans Airport
The Big Easy's New Orleans airport offers limited gate access, limiting visitors and times of the day. To get a gate pass, you need to register in advance.
San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
San Antonio International Airport launched the SAT Pass in February 2025. Non-ticketed guests can apply up to seven days in advance (or the same day if space allows) and, once approved, may remain airside until 9 p.m. to dine, shop, or see friends and family off.
Philadelphia Airport (PHL Wingmate)
Philadelphia Airport's Wingmate program allows non-ticketed guests to pass through security and meet their loved ones at the gate, explore the terminal, or enjoy the airport's amenities. To participate, register online and follow the provided instructions.
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The MCO Visitor Pass
To obtain an MCO Visitor Pass, non-fliers must fill out an online application within seven days of their visit. Visitors will receive an email notification if their application has been approved. They will then be allowed to enter Terminal C on their designated pass day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and must leave by 8 p.m. To pass through TSA security checkpoints, approved visitors must present their email verification along with a TSA-approved photo ID. Visitors with this pass are subject to the same security screening regulations as air travellers and will not be allowed to bring any items prohibited by the TSA through security.
Similar to the MCO Visitor Pass, the Wingmate Pass at PHL Airport also allows non-fliers to access the airport's terminals (excluding Terminal C). This pass can be used to redeem exclusive dining and shopping deals at the airport.
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The Wingmate Pass
Once approved, visitors can arrive at any security checkpoint with their Wingmate Pass and a form of identification, such as a Real ID or passport. It is important to note that entry is not available through Terminal C at PHL, and at MCO, visitors can only enter Terminal C. Wingmate Pass users are subject to the same security regulations as ticketed passengers and are limited to bringing one personal item through security.
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$19.99
Lounge access
There are various ways to gain access to airport lounges, with some options being more cost-effective than others. One way is to purchase a membership, such as the Priority Pass, which offers access to over 1700 lounges worldwide, regardless of the airline or class of travel. With this pass, travellers can enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites, as well as charging points and free Wi-Fi.
Another option is to purchase single-entry or day passes from specific airlines. For example, United Airlines offers a one-time pass to its United Club, while Alaska Airlines sells single-entry passes to its Alaska Lounge. American Airlines provides a 24-hour day pass that allows access to multiple Admirals Clubs within that period. These passes can be a good option for occasional travellers who want the flexibility to access lounges without committing to an annual membership.
Certain credit cards also provide lounge access as a benefit. Premium co-branded airline cards typically grant access to their respective airlines' lounges, while bank cards may offer entry to their own lounges or those in the Priority Pass network. For example, the Airspace Lounge, Escape Lounge, and Plaza Premium Lounge are accessible with specific card memberships. Additionally, military personnel may be granted complimentary access to certain lounges, such as the USO airport lounges and United Club locations.
Finally, flying first or business class on international or select transcontinental flights is often a reliable way to gain lounge access. Even when using airline miles to purchase the ticket, passengers are typically granted entry to the carrier's lounge or one of its partners' lounges. This option combines the convenience of lounge access with the comfort and perks of premium air travel.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport pass is a pass that allows non-fliers to enter the airport and greet passengers at their gate.
The airport pass in Orlando International Airport (MCO) is called the MCO Visitor Pass.
The airport pass in Philadelphia is called the Wingmate Pass.
An airport pass allows you to meet and mingle with friends and family at the terminal gates and greet them when they take off or land.
To get an airport pass, you need to fill out an online application within seven days of your visit. You will be notified via email if you have been approved for a pass.
