Airports

TSA expands Touchless ID + Free Wi-Fi on American Airlines + Places to go

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More airports will offer TSA’s PreCheck Touchless ID 

Having TSA PreCheck cuts down on the time it takes to pass through the airport checkpoint.

But if your airport and airline participate in TSA’s PreCheck Touchless ID program, your trip through the security checkpoint could be a bit faster.

The program allows opt-in PreCheck travelers to use a shortcut lane where their identity is verified by a photo.

To opt-in, you’ll need to add your passport information to your you frequent flier accounts with participating airlines, which currently include Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest and United.

A PreCheck Touchless ID indicator should appear on your boarding pass and, if you are traveling through an airport that offers the shortcut, you can access a dedicted lane for the service.

Until now, there were just 15 airports offering the service. But TSA just announced that is expanding the program to 65 airports by the end of Spring.

See the map up above for the airports where PreCheck Touchless ID is currently offered and the airports that should have the option soon.

American Airlines is the newest carrier to offer free Wi-Fi

Slowly, but surely, free Wi-Fi is coming to your airplane.

JetBlue offers it for everyone.

Delta Air Lines provides it for Sky Miles members on most flights.

Hawaiian Airlines currently offers it free on all its A330 and A321neo aircraft.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards members can get it free on equipped aircraft.

Atmos members with Alaska Airlines should have it on most aircraft by 2027.

And United Airlines offers free Wi-Fi to Mileage Plus members on aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi.

Several other airlines offers Wi-Fi for purchase. And, depending on their plans, T-Mobile customers can get free Wi-Fi on some airlines as well.

Now American Airlines is getting board with free Wi-Fi.

The carrier announced on Tuesday that it plans to provide free Wi-Fi provided to all AAdvantage members.

The roll out begins with American’s narrowbody and dual-class regional fleets and the plan is to have free Wi-FI on all aircraft by early spring.

Places to go and the “Hotel Hopping” trend

We know we can’t go everywhere. But we want to. Here are some ‘wants’ on our list:

Rochester, NY: MAG and the Eastman Museum


Yes, it’s likely to be really snowly and cold in Rochester, NY in January and February.

But we’d go there to visit the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG), where the exhibition Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum, featuring work by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent and Paul Signac (above) is on view through March 1, 2026.

We’d also be sure to visit the historic mansion at Rochester’s Eastman Museum.

The shrine to photography beckons in winter with its annual Dutch Connection installation featuring a display of thousands of tulips, hyanciths, daffodils, amaryllis, tropical orchids and other flowers.

The museum says that George Eastman ordered tens of thousands of bulbs from Holland every year between 1905 and 1932. Most were for the garden, but many were ‘tricked’ to blooming indoors during the winter.

The annual flower disiplay is a nod to those original orders. And as a nice touch, the museum offers free Bulb Kits for kids with with museum admission. Kits include a pot, soil, and a forced bulb to take home, plant, and watch grow and flower.

Are you a ‘hotel hopper’?

And we’re encouraged to learn that we’re not the only ones who lean into “hotel hopping” when visiting a city.

We’ll sometimes book a hotel near the airport, another in town near a few attractions we want to be sure to visit and then a third in a neighborhood we want to explore.

Hotels.com has declared this a trend, noting that more than 50% of travelers book mulitple hotels in a single destination so that they can explore different neighborhoods and maximize deals and discounts.

Have you done this?

20 airports you can visit without a plane ticket

Airports,

Airport guest pass programs allow non-ticketed guests to go through the security checkpoint and access the secure side of a terminal to dine, shop, see the art and spend more time with family and friends.

Currently, about 20 airports offer this service. And each airport has its own set of rules for how many guests are welcome per day and the hours guests may enter the terminals.

But everyone who applies for a pass must provide and present a TSA-approved identification, go through a background check and complete the standard security screening. In many cases, minors are not allowed.

Here is the current list of airports offering guest pass programs

Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) in Ohio offers the CAK Guest Pass Program. Guests are welcome into the terminal Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. And as a nice bonus, concessions offers a 10% discount to anyone who shows their pass.

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) gate pass program is called the FlySide Pass. Guests may enter the terminal 7 days a week from 4 am until 10 pm.

Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, MI has the LAN Visitor Pass, with a limit of 25 visitors per day.

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. Guests may use the pass from 4 am until 9 pm 7 days a week in both the McNamara and Evans terminals.

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. The aiport limits the number of passed to 75 per day.

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.

At Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the SEA Visitor Pass Program is available to up to 300 guests per day.

OC AirPass at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Area Airport (OAK) now 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. Once limited to Terminal C, the program now permits guests to apply for a pass to any of the terminals.

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.

Flight restrictions lifted at all airports + more travel tidbits

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Flights back to ‘normal,’ but flight concerns hover

On Sunday, November 16, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that starting at 6 a.m. on Monday it will end all the restrictions it had put in place on commercial flights at 40 major U.S. airports.

Restrictions the FAA has on space launches and on general aviation flights at 12 airports will also be lifted.

Flights restrictions that were set to ultimately reach 10% were put in place during the longest government shutdown in history amid concerns about staffing levels of the nation’s air traffic controllers and air traffic safety nationwide.

But once the government shutdown ended, the FAA mandated a 3% reduction over the weekend, down from the 6% reduction that was previously in place.

“Staffing levels have continued to snap back into place since the end of the government shutdown,” the FAA said in a release, noting that “the current data aligns with staffing conditions before the shutdown.”

Record Thanksgiving travelers. Will they fly or drive?

AAA predicts that 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period, which this year stretches from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1. 

The estimate is up 1.6 million travelers over last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record. 

But recent flight reductions and delays may cause some Thanksgiving travelers to reconsider how they travel this year.

According to AAA, 6 million U.S. travelers are expected to take domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday period, a 2% increase compared to 2024 And AAA projects at least 73 million people will travel but car.

But those numbers may shift a bit because some people who had planned to fly have already decided to drive or take a bus or train in response to all the recent flight cancellations.  

  

Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal opens Tuesday

Although they held a ribbon cutting a few weeks ago, the new $1.7 billion main terminal buidling at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) will officially open to the public on Tuesday, November 18.

The Stuck at The Airport team will fly in on that day to be part of the festivities.

We’ll get a first look at all the fresh amenities that are part of the new building, including 12 upgraded security lanes, a new state-of-the-art baggage handling system, outdoor decks, new concessions and lots of locally-made artwork.

A fresh new airport terminal building is always exciting.

But we’re glad to see that some of the ‘old time’ favorite features are making the move to the new terminal.

That includes the PIT’s popular statue of Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris completing the Immaculate Reception.

Airports, Burger King supporting federal airport workers on duty without pay

Airports,

Airport Burger King branches offering free combo meal to TSA & FAA employees

From November 11 through November 30, more than 30 participating Burger King locations in U.S. airports are offering TSA and FAA employees a free double cheeseburger combo meal (with small fries and a drink). To redeem the offer, show a valid employee ID or a pay stub (from when paychecks were being issued…).

Participating airport branches are located at LAX, SFO, ATL, Austin (AUS), MIA, Orlando (MCO), Nashville (BNA), O’Hare (ORD, CHS (Charleston), FLL (Fort Lauderdale-Hollwood), Honolulu (HNL), Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV), Las Vegas (LAS), Albany (ALB), Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Charlotte Douglas (CLT), Portland International Jetport (PWM), Kahului Airport (OGG), Norfolkd Int’l (ORF), John Glenn Columbus (CMH), Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Int’l (BHM).

Airport groups continue offering support for federal workers

Visit these airports without a ticket to fly

Airports,

Shall we just blame the delay on the flamingo?

Back in 2019, Tampa International Airport (TPA) was one of the earliest airports to establish a program that allows non-flyers past security so they can shop, dine, meet arriving passengers or go with a traveler to the gate.

And like other airports with gate pass programs, TPA put that program on hold during the pandemic.

Many other airports have already brought back their gate pass programs or rolled out new programs.

TPA has been a holdout. But their gate pass program returned on November 3, 2025.

And in late November, a new airport joined the list: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) introduced a FlySide Pass.

Airport gate pass programs (as of 12/25)

Cleveland Hopkins Interational Airport (CLE) offer the Hopkins Hangout Pass

The Wingmate Pass at Philadelphia International Airport.

Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA): SEA Visitor Pass Program.

The MSY Guest Pass Program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

DTW Destinaton Pass at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)

BNA Passport at Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, MI: the LAN Visitor Pass.

OC AirPass at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA,

ONT+ Visitor Pass Program at California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) recently rolled out its MCI Guest Pass Program

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has a Stay and Play Visitor Pass

San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers the SAN Pass for Terminals 1 and 2.

Tampa International Airport and its TPA All Access pass back on the list.

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers the FlySide Pass.

Travel tidbits: Friday roundup

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It’s been a busy week at Stuck at the Airport headquarters with some exciting projects in the works and we’ve been setting aside these travel tidbits to share with you for this Friday round-up.

Airport and airline news

(The Dreams We Carry,” by Kipp Kobayashi, in Concourse G at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission)

“The Dreams We Carry” at Minneapolis -St. Paul Int’l Airport

Artist Kipp Kobayashi’s “The Dreams We Carry” sculpture is now installed in the two-story Concourse G Rotunda in Terminal 1 — near gates G18-22 — at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

The 45-foot-wide collection of hanging sculptures interacts with the light and hints at the unique stories represented by the more than 300 suspended objects — from everyday companions like favorite pets, cameras and blue jeans to treasured pieces such as rocking chairs, pianos, guitars, houseplants and a beloved teddy bear.

The choice of objects portrayed represents the items Minnesotans and travelers told the artist they most cherished and would bring on an imaginary one-way trip to a destination of their choice.

Airports helping federal employees working without pay

As the government shutdown drags on, federal workers at U.S. airports must continue to work without pay.

A growing list of airports, airlines and community organizations are doing what they can to help these workers make it through.

The latest: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is gathering non-perishable food, toiletries and baby items in a donation drive that runs through October 24th. And West Virginia Yaeger International Airport (CRW) is holding a donation drive on November 4th.

Alaska Air celebrates new nonstop from Seattle to Seoul

We’re sad they didn’t invite us to the party, but we’re glad to see Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Alaska Airlines kicking off the airline’s new nonstop flight from Seattle to Seoul with a fun, celebrity-studded party.

No airline ticket needed to visit Salt Lake City Int’l Airport 11/4

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is inviting the public to come hang out at the airport on November 8, 2025.

No airline ticket is required. But guests will need to register for one of the 200 available slots ahead of time.

Registration opens October 23 at 9 am.

In addition to taking in the airport’s impressive art installations and doing some shopping and snacking, airport visitors will be able to learn about artist Gordon Huether’s new art installation, “Flight.”

Charleston International Airport Goes Pink

Three “CHS Goes Pink” stations are now installed at pre-security, on the way to baggage claim, at Charleston International Airport (CHS) to surpport the fight against breast cancer.

Airport guests can take selfies at the pink balloon display, leave a note on the Memory Wall and purchase merchandise with the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

United and Jetblue have a new partnership

More tomorrow….

Government shutdown travel ticker + Airports balk at running DHS ‘blame’ video.

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Las VegasAirport

Government shutdown taking a toll on travel

Last week, the U.S. Travel Assocation ran the numbers and said that the government shutdown will cost the travel economy $1 billion a week.

As we head into the second week of shutdown, the organization has a ticker tape running to tally the ongoing losses. It’s not pretty.

Airports opt out of Department of Homeland Security ‘blame’ video

Air traffic controllers, TSA officers and Custom and Border Protection employees are required to show up for work at the nation’s airports, even though they’re not being paid during the government shutdown.

The current administration, via the Department of Homeland Security, has produced a propaganda video to be shown at airport security checkpoints featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claiming that “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”

But airports are pushing back.

So far, we’ve learned that Portland International Airport (PDX), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Spokane International Airport (GEG), Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG), Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and Westchester County Airport (HPN), north of New York City, won’t be airing the video.

“We believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging,” a PDX spokesperson told local news outlets, adding that, Oregon law states no public employee can promote or oppose any political committee, party, or affiliation. We believe consenting to playing this video on Port assets would violate Oregon law.”

Officials at the Port of Seattle, which operates SEA, said they won’t air the video due to its “political nature.”

We suspect there will be more airports that opt out of airing the video and and will add to the list.

More airports offering food, other support for federal workers during shutdown

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We shared information a few days ago about how Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and others are joining with community groups to offer food and other support to TSA officers, air traffic controllers and other federal workers who aren’t getting paychecks during the government shutdown but are still expected to show up for work at airports.

Now more airports are joining the list.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is working with United Way Suncoast and Feeding Tampa Bay to gather resources for the airport’s approximately 1,100 federal employees from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Support includes a food pantry and assistance with childcare, utilities and transportation.

The assistance (called Operation Bald Eagle II) is set to begin next week to align with when those federal employees will start missing money out of their paycheck, the airport told us. Two weeks later, they would miss their first full paycheck should the government shutdown continue.

And Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) announced today that it is partnering with local social service groups, the Children’s Cabinet and the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, to assist federal workers working without pay, including TSA, Customs and Border Protection and Federal Aviation Administration staff.

An assigned rep from the Children’s Cabinet will help provide affected federal employees (those with children or not) with resources such as food, diapers and household items. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is making its pantry program and other food resources available to affected federal workers.

We’ll update this list as more information becomes available.

Remote terminals? It could happen.

Airports

Sea-Tac security line

What if you could go through airport security before you got to the airport?

For most travelers, one of the most stressful parts of air travel is getting to the airport and waiting in line to get through the security checkpoint.

But what if you could park your car off-site, check your bags through their final destination, go through security screening and then get on a bus that takes you directly into the secure side of the airport?

That’s what the folks at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) have in mind.

For a pilot program set to begin in the Summer 2026, Logan Airport plans to test a new service for passengers using the Logan Express bus from Framingham, which is 23 miles and at least a half-hour ride from Logan.

Passengers will be able to check their bags at the remote bus stop AND go through security screening at the remote bus stop as well.

Then, once they’re at the airport, they’ll get dropped off on the post-security side of the terminal and head to their gate.

Will it work?

There’s no reason why not.

Many cities and airlines already offer secure remote check-in for bags at parking lots, at in-city locations such as convention centers and on cruise ships.

And American Airlines offers Landline service, which offers motorcoach service between a handful of regional airports and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Philadelphia (PHL). For those trips, passengers check their bags and clear security at the remote airport and then travel to ORD or PHL.

We’re looking forward to seeing how Boston Logan International Airport’s remote terminal works.

Travel tidbits from airports near you

Airports

Just catching up on some airport-related events and amenities posted on X the past few days.

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) a cat took an unusual ride, and a new vending machine has Pokémon and sports cards.

Calgary International Airport (YYC) set up a make-your-own welcome sign station. (Our Airport Amenity of the Week!)

And Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) has a new art exhibit that looks charming.