In what we now often refer to as “the good old days of air travel,” it was common for friends and family members to be waiting at the gate when you stepped off the plane to give you a big hug.
It was also normal for them to go with you to the airport, hang out for a meal or a snack in the terminal and then wave goodbye as you headed down the jetway for your flight.
Now, of course, all the emotional business must take place curbside or at the entry to the security checkpoint lane … or does it?
In a trend that warms our hearts, more than a dozen U.S. airports now have programs that invite nonticketed guests to apply for free passes that grant permission to go through airport security and spend time in the terminal. They can shop, dine, view art exhibits, listen to live music, watch planes come and go and, yes, spend more time with loved ones.
These programs are great for friends and family. Not to mention, the open-arms policy also benefits postsecurity airport shops and restaurants.
How airport gate pass programs work
At airports offering gate pass programs (listed below), nonticketed guests must either sign up online ahead of time — usually between 24 hours and seven days before their planned visit — or, in some cases, at a kiosk in the terminal on the day they hope to visit.
The steps for applying for a pass can vary by airport, but all programs will ask you to provide your full name and the date you’d like to visit. Some airports take it from there and have the Transportation Security Administration run your information through the system. Others ask you to scan a passport or Real ID. Depending on the airport, the application approval window can range from right away (at airports with on-site kiosks) to just after midnight on the day you requested a visit.
If a pass gets approved, you’ll need to show that digital code with your ID and go through security screening along with ticketed passengers. TSA PreCheck and other expedited security lane status won’t be honored, and, in some cases, passholders will be required to go through a specific checkpoint. The number of hours you are allowed to stay in the terminal — and what you carry with you — may also be limited, so be sure to read all the instructions.
US airports with gate pass programs (as of August 2025)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
New as of Aug. 11, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offers the Hopkins Hangout Pass.
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Applications are accepted online as early as seven days but no later than one day before your proposed visit date, and the airport’s limit is 100 visitors per day.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Missouri
Kansas City International Airport, which opened its must-see new terminal in 2023, rolled out its Guest Pass Program in July 2025.
You may apply online one to seven days prior to your proposed visit and on the same day as your visit if spots are available. Stays longer than six hours are not permitted.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
The Indulge MSY Guest Pass began as the MSY Guest Pass program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport back in 2019, shortly after the airport moved into its new terminal.
Applications for gate passes are accepted online ahead of a planned visit; for a day-of visit, applications are accepted at a kiosk on Level 1 near baggage claim between doors 2 and 3. Passholders have access to the secure side of the airport between 3:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
The Wingmate Pass at Philadelphia International Airport limits guest passes to 100 visitors a day.
You can apply up to seven days in advance but must do so at least 24 hours before a planned visit. Visitors are allowed in the secure area between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m., with a six-hour limit for each stay.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the SEA Visitor Pass Program is limited to 300 guests per day.
Apply online on the day of your visit or up to seven days in advance. Pass users must enter through TSA Checkpoint 4 and are allowed in the terminal between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The last entry time is 9 p.m.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Nonticketed guests may apply for a same-day DTW Destination Pass at kiosks on the departure levels of both the McNamara and Evans terminals at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. They may use passes from 4 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Nashville International Airport has multiple live music stages and a liquor policy that permits customers to take their purchased drinks to the gates and other spots in the terminal.
The airport rolled out its BNA Passport in July 2024 and issues 75 guest passes each day to guests who apply online.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) in California
Palm Springs International Airport offers a Stay & Play Visitor Pass that you can apply for up to seven days prior to your planned visit. As with other gate pass programs, if you can’t select a specific date for your visit, it means all passes for that day have already been allotted.
San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
You can apply online for a SAT Pass to visit San Antonio International Airport up to seven days in advance. The airport also accepts applications for same-day visits if the daily quota for passes has not yet been met.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) in Oklahoma
The TUL Visitor Pass Program at Tulsa International Airport accepts 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 California
John Wayne Airport in Orange County welcomes nonticketed guests with its OC AirPass. From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can apply for a same-day pass at the information booths in Terminal A, B or C on the lower level of 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 the day of your visit and up to seven days in advance. Show your digital pass and ID at the approved terminal (2 or 4).
Capital Regional International Airport (LAN) in Michigan
Capital Regional International Airport in Lansing welcomes 25 visitors through its LAN Visitor Pass on weekdays only. Visits are limited to four hours per day, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Applications must be made at least 24 hours before a visit, and same-day requests are accepted.
Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Washington
Cozy Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco — which has flights to Seattle and nine other major cities — offers a PSC Pass for up to 10 visitors each day. Those interested must apply online no later than 8:30 p.m. the day before the requested visit date.
Gate pass programs on hold
As of July, the MCO Visitor Pass Program for Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is on hold.
We expect that Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), which was the first airport to offer a gate pass program back in 2017, will revive its MyPITpass program once the new landside terminal opens this fall.