For the first time in over twenty years, airports around the country are allowing guests to walk their loved ones directly to their gates – including two California airports.
Following September 11, 2001, non-flyers walking up to the gate have been banned across the U.S. for security reasons. What was once commonplace became a nostalgic practice only still seen in pre-2001 rom-coms, as non-flyers weren’t permitted to pass security in arrivals or departures.
Over two decades later, a few U.S. airports are opening up their doors to the public– but not without thorough precautions.
Earlier this week, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) became the second California airport to allow visitors to walk up to the gate, joining only Ontario Airport in the Inland Empire.
To be clear, guests won’t be able to just walk up to the gate willy-nilly. Both OAK and ONT have specific guest pass regulations to get past the TSA checkpoint without a boarding pass.
Here are the steps to walk to your loved ones to their gates:
- File an online application: Apply for a pass (usually via the airport’s website) up to seven days in advance. Some airports allow same-day “instant” approval within 15 minutes.
- TSA Vetting: The TSA will run a background check. You’ll need to provide your full legal name, DOB, and gender exactly as they appear on your Real ID or Passport. Once approved by the process, you’ll receive a digital pass.
- Show your Visitor Pass: You’ll only be allowed to enter security by showing your completed digital pass and your photo ID.
- Security Check: You’ll still have to wait in the security line and follow all the airport travel rules, including no liquids over 3 ounces.
Each airport may have varying rules, so read applicable guidelines carefully.
More rules:
- No luggage is allowed. Only one personal item.
- You can only enter at your approved start time.
- There’s a limited number of passes every day, and they are first-come, first-served.
- Guest pass users cannot pass through CLEAR® or TSA Pre✓® security check lines.
Apply for the ONT Visitor Pass Program here and the OAK Guest Pass Program here.