Greeting vacationers on the gate or hanging out with a beloved one proper up till it was time to board looks like a factor of the previous, however some airports are working to convey the observe again. 

Over the previous a number of years, airports throughout the USA have launched applications to permit non-travelers to go by screening and spend time within the airport post-security — and not using a aircraft ticket — to accompany family and friends who’re ready for a flight, or be on the gate proper as they get off the aircraft.

After all, it comes with caveats: airport guests should present ID, sometimes apply prematurely, and undergo the identical Transportation Safety Administration screening procedures as different ticketed passengers. Expedited applications like TSA PreCheck have a tendency to not be honored.

Regardless of all that, the idea has risen in reputation. It began in 2017 when Pittsburgh Worldwide Airport turned the primary U.S. airport to welcome non-ticketed guests post-security, nevertheless, that program has since been suspended.

Nonetheless, others have picked up the torch as lately as this week when Philadelphia’s airport turned the most recent to supply this sort of program by permitting non-travelers to use for a visitor go to entry its terminals beginning Nov. 1. Earlier than that, Orlando Worldwide Airport launched the same customer go final month for its latest area, Terminal C.

These are main U.S. airports that permit non-travelers to enter the post-security terminal, and what to know earlier than you go.

Philadelphia Worldwide Airport (PHL)

The PHL Wingmate Cross will launch Nov. 1, 2023, permitting non-ticketed friends to entry the post-security areas. This system is free and shall be obtainable every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Guests should apply on-line one to seven days earlier than they need to go to and, if authorised, will obtain a digital Wingmate Cross by way of electronic mail.

Those who apply prematurely will obtain an electronic mail with their software standing after 12 a.m. on the day they need to go to, whereas those that apply for same-day entrance will obtain an electronic mail inside quarter-hour with that standing.

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Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO)

Orlando’s Expertise MCO Customer Cross Program permits non-ticketed guests to enter the airport’s latest terminal, Terminal C. To use, guests should fill out a web-based type as much as seven days prematurely. Accredited candidates will obtain an electronic mail with their approval standing after midnight on the day of their deliberate go to.

Guests should current the go digitally and printed passes received’t be accepted. Cross holders should exit the terminal by 8 p.m.

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Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA)

The SEA Customer Cross has been round since 2018, however is restricted to 300 guests a day. Airport friends can both apply on-line the day of their go to or as much as seven days prematurely, and can obtain an electronic mail with a QR code to scan upon entry on the TSA checkpoint.

The airport recommends guests go away by 10 p.m.

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Louis Armstrong New Orleans Worldwide Airport (MSY)

The MSY Visitor Cross is open every day from 11 a.m. to eight p.m., however there’s a restrict of fifty guests on Monday by Friday and 100 guests on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests are restricted to 1 go to per thirty days. Program contributors should apply on-line a minimum of 24 hours prematurely.

Guests 12 and beneath don’t want a visitor go if they’re accompanied by an grownup with a visitor go.

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Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

Detroit’s DTW Vacation spot Cross is on the market at each the McNamara and Evans terminals. Guests can apply at one of many kiosks on the Departures Stage by scanning a U.S. government-issued photograph ID after which use the go on the identical day. This system is open every day from 5 a.m. till 9 p.m.

Guests beneath 18 should be accompanied by an grownup.

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John Wayne Airport (SNA)

This Orange County, California airport’s OC AirPASS is on the market for non-ticketed guests every day till 11 p.m. Candidates shall be verified by a web-based safety system, which is often accomplished inside minutes. Candidates should examine in on the data sales space in Terminal A, B, or C from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a legitimate government-issued ID.

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Tulsa Worldwide Airport (TUL)

Non-travelers can apply on-line for the TUL Customer Cross Program as much as seven days prematurely of wanting to go to. Candidates should choose a selected time hooked up to their go. Minors should full their very own registration and software for a customer’s go.

Guests could exit and re-enter the terminal at any time throughout program working hours on their registered day.

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