21 US Airports That Let You Walk to a Gate Without a Ticket

Summary Twenty-one U.S. airports now offer free visitor passes that allow ticketless guests to escort travelers through security to their gates. Programs require online applications or kiosk registration with Real ID verification and have varying deadlines and capacity restrictions. Airports say the passes help travelers needing extra assistance and create opportunities for human connection beyond what security restrictions normally allow.

The AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor.

Have you ever wanted to experience a love at first sight moment in an airport, like Sam and Annie in “Sleepless in Seattle”? For anyone young enough to have only traveled after September 11, 2001, walking your loved one to their door is something you only see in old movies or reruns of “Friends.”

Gate passes are used by airlines to allow people without tickets to pass through airport security, usually to allow additional assistance to travelers, or to escort unaccompanied minors to and from gates. Most airports do not have a program to allow this, but it is slowly changing.

A recent trend at some domestic airports is bringing this cinematic moment back to reality. As of this month, 21 U.S. airports are allowing ticketless customers to obtain a pass that will allow them to pass through airport security and enter the terminal for free.

These airports invite customers to shop, dine, and check out what they have to offer, including live music or art exhibits. For family and friends of travelers, these visitor pass programs allow you to say goodbye until they board and provide assistance to those who need extra help navigating the airport.

Pittsburgh International Airport led the way with myPITpass in 2017.

“There were stories and stories of date nights at the airport, of people who grew up here because US Airways had a big presence here,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of the airport. “It was a really exciting place.”

US Airways, which has since ceased operations, was a former American carrier founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The myPITpass program ended in 2020 due to Covid-19 and did not subsequently restart because the airport was under construction on a new terminal.

However, it inspired and even helped other U.S. airports follow suit.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport now has the longest-running program, launched in 2018 with the goal of generating more “non-aeronautical revenue,” such as parking, restaurants and stores. But Rosa Johnson, aviation customer communications manager at the airport, says the program has taken on a life of its own, morphing into more of a customer experience initiative.

Travelers who need additional assistance, such as those with language barriers or disabilities, may feel safer having a family member or friend guide them through the airport, she explained. “Nine times out of 10, our SEA Visitor Pass is the solution to that problem because they have someone they know, trust and know their needs,” Johnson said.

The pass also makes it easy to pick up something you left at the airport or if you want to familiarize yourself with the facilities before flying.

Allowing ticketless passengers to pass through security appears to be limited to U.S. airports, although some airports, such as Singapore Changi Airport and Athens International Airport, place their security checkpoints at gates, allowing visitors to eat, shop and provide traveler assistance.

Customers without a ticket who wish to visit the airport must apply online or at a kiosk located in the airport terminal on the day of their visit. Most airports allow you to apply up to a week in advance, but some, including San Francisco International Airport, allow applications up to 30 days in advance.

All programs require you to provide your full name that appears on your Real ID or passport and the day you wish to visit. All passengers must go through an approval process, either through the Transportation Security Administration or by uploading a scan of their passport or Real ID, which they must also have with them to go through security.

For airports that allow same-day applications at an airport kiosk, you will be approved on the spot. Most online applications send approval within 24 hours of the requested visit time.

All guests must go through TSA, like ticketed passengers, and provide their approved pass and real ID or passport. Customers are not allowed to use TSA Precheck or any other security bypass, and at some airports you must enter and stay in specific terminals.

Each airport varies on the times you are allowed to enter, how long you are allowed to stay, and what you are allowed to take with you.

Some airports, such as Kansas City International and Philadelphia International, limit visitors to six-hour visits. Others allow unlimited time during normal operating hours, including San Antonio International and Tampa International.

All programs are first-come and have specific capacity limits, so apply as early as possible and read the guidelines for the airport you are visiting.

All airports except Albuquerque International Sunport allow minors to apply for a visitor pass, but require an adult to accompany them.

Expand the program

The Visitor Pass program continues to expand across the United States, with 21 airports now offering this opportunity. Assistance from airports such as Seattle-Tacoma and Pittsburgh has helped other airports get their versions off the ground.

“The airport community is incredibly kind and we are literally connected to each other,” Johnson said.

Sharing advice and experiences with partners is a way for the entire industry to grow together. As Seattle-Tacoma’s visitor pass program has become more than a way to make money for the airport, Johnson said she’s shared what she’s learned with other airports.

“It’s a big business choice for an airport to offer and invest in this, but we use it all the time for many needs,” Johnson said. “It actually helps alleviate stress on our staff and the airline staff because people can come in and kind of do a self-service.”

Every airport has different infrastructure, so if yours isn’t on the list, there are factors that may make it more difficult for a visitor pass system to work. This may depend on who owns and operates the airport, the number of checkpoints and the amenities it offers.

For a program that can benefit so many people, it’s relatively unknown to the public, something Johnson wants to change.

“People don’t usually think about a program like this unless they absolutely have to and I think if people use a program like this, don’t be afraid to pick up someone you love at the airport, park there, meet them at their gate, make it a quieter time for human connections, because that’s what airports exist for.”

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