Stuck at the Airport is a big fan of the free airport gate pass programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to go to the secure side of the airport to walk friends and family to the gate, greet someone getting off the plane, or just hang out at the airport to shop, eat or watch planes come and go.
The list of airports offering gate passes to anyone who applies and passes the TSA ID muster is listed at the end of this post.
The programs differ a bit by airport, but all prohibit pass holders from using the TSA PreCheck lanes, presumably to keep those lanes moving smoothly for ticketed passengers.
However, back in September, TSA introduced its own gate pass program – called Gateside by TSA Precheck.
This program is similar to existing gate pass programs, but differs in that it allows non-ticketed individuals with TSA PreCheck/Known Traveler Numbers (KTNs) to apply for a pass to enter the airport through the TSA PreCheck lanes.
The program rolled out with 13 participating airports – including a few – ie Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) – that already offer their own Gate Pass program.
Back then TSA said that the plan was for the Gateside by TSAPreCheck program to roll out at perhaps 300 more airports.
Over the past few weeks, more than dozen airports announced their participation in the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program and a few began welcoming pass holders at their PreCheck lanes.
But now TSA has put the brakes on the rollout of the program.
“TSA is evaluating participation levels and assessing operational impacts,” the agency told us in an email.
For now here are the 13 airports where TSA PreCheck members can apply for a pass to go through PreCheck lane when not flying.
Below that list is our list of airports where any non-ticketed visitor can apply for a gate passes and, if approved, go through the regular (non-PreCheck) lane to enter the airport.
It’s confusing, to say the least, but the bottom line is that there are a growing list of airports where non-ticketed visitors can gain access to the terminals.
Airports participating in the Gateside by TSA PreCheck
If you have a PreCheck membership, you can apply for a gate pass and go through the PreCheck lane to visit the airport at these airports:
- Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) in Kansas
- Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in Indiana
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Nevada
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California
- Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Arkansas
- Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Nebraska
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah
Here is the list of airports that offer Gate Pass programs for anyone
Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) in Ohio offers the CAK Guest Pass Program.
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) gate pass program is called the FlySide Pass.
Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, MI has the LAN Visitor Pass.
Cleveland Hopkins Interational Airport (CLE) offers the Hopkins Hangout Pass. Pass holders can get discounts a several airports dining venues.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is home to the DTW Destinaton Pass.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) offers the MCI Guest Pass Program
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) has the MSY Guest Pass program.
Nashville International Airport (BNA) welcomes guests with its BNA Passport.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) program is called the the Wingmate Pass. Up to 100 passes are avialable each day and discounts may be available at shops and restaurants in the terminals.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers the SFO Gate Explorer pass.
At Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), it’s the SEA Visitor Pass Program
The OC AirPass is available at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA.
Oakland San Francisco Bay Area Airport (OAK) has the OAK Guest Pass Program.
The ONT+ Visitor Pass Program at California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) provides access to a specific passenger terminal starting at a specific time and cannot be used to access another passenger terminal.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has rebooted and expanded its Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has a Stay and Play Visitor Pass.
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has a SAT Pass for guests.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers the SAN Pass for Terminals 1 and 2.
Tampa International Airport and its TPA All Access pass is back on the list.
Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA offers the PSC Pass.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) has the TUL Visitor Pass Program.
Celebrate Halloween at San Jose Mineta Int’l Airport
Airports around the country are getting ready for Halloween and San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) has already shared its plan for this fun holiday.
In additon to a costumed therapy animal parade through the terminals on October 29 from noon to 2 pm, airport restaurants and retail shops will be welcoming trick-or-treaters on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31.
Orlando International Airport has new trading cards to share
Orlando International Airport (MCO) held a trading card event last week to show off its new trading cards for MCO and for Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).
If you missed it, don’t worry. You can pick up one of the new cards at any MCO airport information desk.
Thinking of starting an airport trading card collection or working on expanding one already underway? As with MCO, you’re first stop should be the airport information desk.
