In what we often call it now “a great time for air travel,” friends and family are usually waiting at the gate when you get off the plane and give you a big hug.
They go to the airport with you, hang out at the terminal or snack, and wave goodbye as you head down the jet to the flight, which is also normal.
Now, of course, all emotional business has to take place on the roadside or entering the safety checkpoint lane…or do that?
In a trend that makes us feel excited, there are now more than a dozen U.S. airports that invite guests to non-gatekeepers to apply for free passes to grant grants allow access to airport security and spend some time in the terminal. They can shop, eat, watch art exhibitions, listen to live music, watch planes come and go, and yes, spend more time with loved ones.
These programs are perfect for friends and family. Not to mention, the open weapons policy also benefits airport shops and restaurants after security.
How the Airport Gate Pass Program works
At airports that offer door pass programs (listed below), non-smart guests must register online in advance (usually between 24 hours and 7 days before the planned visit), or in some cases, at a kiosk at the end of the day they wish to visit.
The steps for applying for a pass may vary from airport to airport, but all procedures require you to provide the full name and date you want to visit. Some airports take it from there and let the Transport Security Administration run your information through the system. Others ask you to scan your passport or real ID card. Depending on the airport, the application approval window can range from immediately (the airport with on-site kiosks) to after midnight on the day you requested to visit.
If the pass is approved, you will need to display that number code with your ID and perform a secure screening with the ticket seller. TSA Precheck and other expedited safe lane status will not be respected and in some cases, pass holders will be required to pass through specific checkpoints. The number of hours you are allowed to stay in the terminal (and how long you carry it with you) may also be limited, so be sure to read all instructions.
US Airports with Gate Programs (as of August 2025)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
As of August 11, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has provided a Hopkins Party Pass.
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Applications are accepted online within 7 days at the earliest, but no later than the day before the date of your proposed visit, and the airport limit is 100 visitors per day.
Kansas City International Airport, Missouri (MCI)
Kansas City International Airport opened its must-see new terminal in 2023 and launched its Visitor Pass program in July 2025.
You can apply online one to seven days before and on the same day as the proposed visit, if available. The stay time is no more than six hours.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
The MSY Guest Pass started shortly after the airport moved into the new terminal, the 2019 guest pass program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport began.
Applications for door passes are accepted online before planning access; for one day of visit, applications for kiosks are accepted on Level 1 baggage claims between 2 and 3 doors. Mail holders can access the safe side of the airport between 3:30 am and 8 pm
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Wingmate Pass at Philadelphia International Airport limits guests to 100 visitors per day.
You can apply up to 7 days in advance, but must be at least 24 hours before planning your visit. Visitors are allowed in safe areas between 4 pm and 10 pm, with a limit of 6 hours per stay.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Ocean)
At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Sea Visitor Pass program limits 300 guests per day.
Apply online on the day of your visit or up to 7 days in advance. Pass users must enter via TSA checkpoint 4 and allow input in the terminal between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The last entry time is 9 pm
Wayne County Airport, Metropolitan Detroit (DTW)
Non-smart guests can apply for the same-day DTW destination pass for the kiosk at the McNamara and Evans terminals at the Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport. They can use the pass from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Nashville International Airport has multiple live music phases and a alcohol policy that allows customers to bring purchased drinks to gates and other attractions in the terminal.
The airport launched its BNA passport in July 2024, issuing 75 guest passes per day to guests applying online.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) in California
Palm Springs International Airport offers accommodation and visitor passes, which you can apply for up to 7 days before planning to visit. Like other Gate Pass programs, if you cannot select a specific date for access, it means that all passes for the day have been assigned.
San Antonio International Airport (Saturday)
You can apply for a SAT pass online to visit San Antonio International Airport up to 7 days in advance. If the daily quota for the pass has not been met, the airport also accepts applications for the same-day visit.
Tulsa International Airport, Oklahoma (TUL)
TUL Visitor Pass Program at Tulsa International Airport accepts maximum applications before planning to visit. Digital and printed passes are respected at or after the checkpoints at the checkpoints and after 9pm
John Wayne Airport in California (SNA)
John Wayne Airport in Orange County welcomes non-visitors with its OC Airpass. From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can apply for the same-day pass at the information booth at the lower level terminal A, B or C in the bag claim area.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California
Southern California’s Ontario International Airport accepts applications for its ONT+ Visitor Pass program online on the day of your visit and up to seven days before. Show your digital pass and ID on the approved terminal (2 or 4).
Michigan’s Capital Regional International Airport (LAN)
Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport welcomes 25 visitors through its LAN Visitor Pass on weekdays only. Access is limited to four hours a day, from 8 pm to 5 pm
Applications must be made at least 24 hours before visiting and requests for the day are accepted.
Tri-city Airport in Washington (PSC)
Pasco’s comfortable Tri-city Airport (with flights along Seattle and 9 other major cities) offers PSC passes for up to 10 visitors a day. Those interested must apply online at 8:30 pm the day before the requested visit date.
Door pass program shelved
As of July, the C-terminal C visitor pass program at Orlando International Airport (MCO) was put on hold.
We expect Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the first airport to offer a boarding pass program in 2017, once the new Landside Terminal will open this fall.
