Summary of Airport Visitor Programs
Greeting travelers at the gate or spending quality time with loved ones before a flight feels like a bygone era; nevertheless, certain airports are striving to revive this tradition. Over recent years, airports throughout the United States have launched initiatives allowing non-travelers to navigate through security and enjoy post-security airport amenities without needing a plane ticket. This movement facilitates the opportunity for friends and family to accompany those about to fly or greet them immediately upon arrival.
However, there are important stipulations: non-traveling visitors must present valid identification, usually need to apply in advance, and are subjected to the same Transportation Security Administration screening procedures as ticketed passengers. Notably, expedited options such as TSA PreCheck may not apply for these programs.
Despite these conditions, the interest in such programs has surged. It first gained traction in 2017 when Pittsburgh International Airport became the pioneer among U.S. airports to allow non-ticketed guests post-security, although that specific program has since been suspended.
Nonetheless, several airports are taking the initiative as recently as this week. Philadelphia International Airport has launched a program that permits non-travelers to obtain a guest pass starting Nov. 1. Additionally, Orlando International Airport debuted a visitor pass for its newly opened Terminal C last month.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
The PHL Wingmate Pass is set to launch on Nov. 1, 2023, granting non-ticketed guests access to the post-security sections of the airport. This complimentary program will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Applicants must submit their request online between one to seven days prior to their visit and, upon approval, will receive a digital Wingmate Pass via email.
Those who apply in advance will receive a notification of their application status on the day of the visit after midnight, while same-day applicants will be informed within 15 minutes.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando’s Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program grants entry to non-ticketed individuals in the airport’s new Terminal C. Visitors must complete an online form up to seven days before their intended visit. Approved individuals will receive an email detailing their approval status after midnight on the day of their arrival. Please note, digital presentation of the pass is required, and printed passes will be declined. Visitors must exit the terminal by 8 p.m.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
The SEA Visitor Pass has been available since 2018, though it accommodates only 300 visitors daily. Guests may apply online for entrance on the day of their visit or up to seven days before, receiving a QR code via email to present at the TSA checkpoint. It is recommended that visitors depart by 10 p.m.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
The MSY Guest Pass program operates daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. but limits visitors to 50 on weekdays and 100 on weekends. Attendees may participate only once a month. Applicants must complete an online application at least 24 hours prior. For families, children aged 12 and under do not require a guest pass when accompanied by an adult with one.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
The DTW Destination Pass is available at both McNamara and Evans terminals. Visitors can apply at a kiosk in the Departures Level by scanning a government-issued photo ID, allowing for same-day access. The program operates daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Notably, guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Located in Orange County, California, this airport offers the OC AirPASS for non-ticketed guests until 11 p.m. Applicants undergo verification via an online security system completed in minutes and must check in at the information booth in Terminal A, B, or C from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a valid ID.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Non-travelers can apply online for the TUL Visitor Pass Program up to seven days prior to their visit. However, applicants must specify a time slot for their pass. Children must complete their registration for a visitor’s pass independently. During program hours, guests may exit and re-enter the terminal as desired.
