free airport – A growing list of U.S. airports is letting friends and family enter terminals without a flight ticket—by applying for free gate passes that clear TSA screening. Programs vary on quotas, timing windows and how long visitors may stay, but the trend is clearly re
When you stepped off a plane in years past, it was normal for loved ones to wait at the gate and then stick around for a meal or a snack in the terminal before waving goodbye. Today, most of the “emotional business” has been pushed curbside or to the entrance of the security line.
But that pattern is starting to shift. Around 20 U.S. airports now offer free programs that allow nonticketed guests to apply for gate passes, get approved, and pass through airport security to spend time inside—shopping, dining, watching planes, and even catching live music or art exhibits.
The biggest change for visitors isn’t just access. It’s the process: you still have to clear TSA screening. And depending on the airport, you may also have to enter through a specific checkpoint, follow a strict length-of-stay limit, and meet timing rules designed to manage daily capacity.
How the gate-pass programs work
Across airports with these programs. nonticketed guests typically apply online ahead of time—often between 24 hours and seven days before the planned visit—or. in some cases. at a kiosk in the terminal the day of the visit.. Applications generally ask for a full name and the date of the visit.. Some airports then run the information through TSA systems, while others require scanning a passport or Real ID.
Approval timing varies, too. Airports with on-site kiosks may provide decisions quickly, while approvals at other airports can land just after midnight on the day visitors requested.
If you’re approved. you’ll receive a digital code to show with your ID and go through security screening alongside ticketed passengers.. TSA PreCheck and other expedited lanes won’t be honored, and in some cases passholders must use a designated checkpoint.. Airports also set limits on how many hours guests can stay—and what they can bring.
Airports letting ticketless visitors into terminals
At Tampa International Airport (TPA). the TPA All Access Pass restarted in November 2025 after a long pause following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.. Because TPA has separate security checkpoints for each of its four airside concourses (A. C. E and F). applicants choosing a day pass must select which airside to visit.. Entry slots come with two-hour windows, but once through security, guests may stay as long as they like.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) expanded its visitor access when it rolled out a change in November.. Previously, visitors could only apply for a SAN Pass to enter Terminal 2; now the program covers both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.. Since each terminal has a separate security checkpoint, the application requires selecting the terminal you want to visit.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) launched its ABQ FlySide Pass during the Thanksgiving 2025 travel period.. Passes are available seven days a week from 4 a.m.. until 10 p.m., and applications can be made up to seven days in advance.. ABQ’s Aviation Acting Director Manny Manriquez said, “Our airport isn’t just about departures and arrivals.. It’s about the experience. ” adding that the FlySide Pass invites the community “to the Sunport. whether you’re joining family for a flight. enjoying a date night or simply watching planes take off and land on our airfield.”
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) offers the Hopkins Hangout Pass, with daily limits of 100 visitors. Applications are accepted online as early as seven days before a visit but no later than one day prior to the planned date.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) rolled out its Guest Pass Program in July 2025, after opening a new terminal in 2023. Visitors can apply online one to seven days before their visit or on the same day if spots are available. Once inside, stays longer than six hours aren’t permitted.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has the Indulge MSY Guest Pass.. The program began as the MSY Guest Pass in 2019, shortly after the airport moved into its new terminal.. Applications for gate passes are accepted online before a planned visit. and for day-of requests. applications are accepted at a kiosk on Level 1 near baggage claim between doors 2 and 3.. Passholders can access the secure side between 3:30 a.m.. and 8 p.m.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) limits its Wingmate Pass to 100 visitors per day.. Applications can be submitted up to seven days in advance, but must be at least 24 hours before the planned visit.. Guests are allowed in the secure area between 4 a.m.. and 10 p.m., and each visit has a six-hour limit.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) caps the SEA Visitor Pass Program at 300 guests per day.. Passes can be applied for online on the day of the visit or up to seven days in advance.. Guests must enter through TSA Checkpoint 4 and can stay in the terminal between 5 a.m.. and 10 p.m., with the last entry time at 9 p.m.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) allows same-day visits through kiosks on the departure levels of both the McNamara and Evans terminals. The DTW Destination Pass can be used from 4 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) has a broader terminal experience angle built into its BNA Passport rollout in July 2024.. The airport’s multiple live music stages and liquor policy allow customers to take purchased drinks to the gates and other spots in the terminal.. The airport issues 75 guest passes each day to guests who apply online.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) offers a Stay & Play Visitor Pass, with applications accepted up to seven days prior. Like other programs, if you can’t select a specific date, it means all passes for that day have already been allotted.
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) accepts online applications for a SAT Pass up to seven days in advance, and it also accepts same-day requests if the daily quota hasn’t been met.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) takes applications up to seven days before a planned visit. Both digital and printed passes are honored at the checkpoint at or after the approved start time and up to 9 p.m.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County uses the OC AirPass. From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., nonticketed guests can apply for a same-day pass at information booths in Terminals A, B and C on the lower level of the bag claim area.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) accepts applications for its ONT+ Visitor Pass Program online on the day of the visit and up to seven days in advance, with guests showing a digital pass and ID at the approved terminal (2 or 4).
Capital Regional International Airport (LAN) in Lansing allows 25 visitors through its LAN Visitor Pass on weekdays only, with four-hour daily limits between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Applications must be submitted at least 24 hours before a visit, though same-day requests are accepted.
Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, which serves Seattle and nine other major cities, offers a PSC Pass for up to 10 visitors each day. Interested guests must apply online no later than 8:30 p.m. the day before the requested visit date.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) added a new option in late April 2026 with its SFO Gate Explorer visitor pass program.. Because all boarding areas at SFO are connected postsecurity. visitors can move to the gates. dine and shop. relax in one of three yoga rooms. and “surprise” friends or family when they arrive from the U.S.. Canada or Ireland.. The program also includes plane viewing from an outdoor terrace and exhibitions and public art offered by the accredited SFO Museum throughout the terminals.
Visitors can apply online up to 30 days in advance, with same-day applications permitted. If approved, they receive an email with a digital pass that can be used in digital or paper form to enter SFO at a standard screening lane—not TSA PreCheck—at any security checkpoint.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) brought back an expanded Experience MCO Visitor Pass program in December 2025 after a pause.. Applications can be made up to seven days in advance.. If approved. visitors receive a digital pass that can be used with their ID at a standard screening lane between 10 a.m.. and 4 p.m.. Paper copies aren’t accepted, guests must exit the terminals by 8 p.m., and re-entry after exiting isn’t allowed.
Where the trend may pause for others
Not every airport is moving in the same direction. With Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) opening its new landside terminal, the airport is expected to revive the MyPITpass program it debuted in 2017 and put on hold during the pandemic.
airport gate pass TSA screening nonticketed visitors visitor pass programs TPA All Access Pass SAN Pass ABQ FlySide Pass Hopkins Hangout Pass Guest Pass Program travel tips