gate pass

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.

PHL Airport will soon offer a gate pass program

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In November, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will join the list of airports that offer post-security access to non-ticketed airport visitors.

With the Wingmate Pass, anyone will be able to accompany a friend or family member to their gate, welcome an arriving passenger as they leave the plane, or visit the airport’s restaurants, bars, shops, art exhibits, pop-up installations, and activities.

The airport also plans to offer dining and shopping deals just for Wingmate guests.  

Wingmate Pass wanna-bees will need to apply for a pass online, at the PHL.org website. Requests can be entered on the day of your planned visit or up to 7 days in advance. And, if the Transportation Security Administration approves your application, you’ll get a digital Wingmate Pass via email to show at the D/E or A-East security checkpoint, along with your government ID.

What other airports offer day passes?

We’re happy to report that PHL’s Wingmate Pass program joins a growing list of other airport gate pass programs.

That list includes:

Visitor Pass program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA),

Experience MCO Visitor Pass program for the new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO),

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

The DTW Destination Pass at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW),

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

the OC Air Pass at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, CA,

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

and the PSC Pass at Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA.

Are we missing any? Let us know.

Trend? Another airport invites non-travelers past security

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They do it at Pittsburgh International Airport. Now Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has a program to allow non-travelers past the security checkpoint to say goodbye to loved ones at the gate, have a meal or shop.

The new SEA Visitor Pass is a pilot program will run through December 14. But it if works out, non-ticketed airport visitors will be allowed to enter the post-security side of the terminal year-round.

Here’s how the program works:

  •  Entrance to the post-security side of the terminal is allowed from Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m and will be limited to 50 visitors each day.
  • Applications will be taken Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Non-ticketed visitors will need to  apply online before 1:30 p.m. the day before they want to enter.
  • TSA will review your application and notify you by midnight the day before if you are approved for entry.
  • Approved visitors will go through the standard security checkpoints, so all security requirements for any traveler will be in place for visitors as well.
  • Meeting travelers at their gate will be restricted to domestic arrivals.

“It’s been 17 years since anyone without a ticket has been able to enjoy areas of the airport beyond security,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins, “Yet some of the airport’s best features are there. Great restaurants, local musicians performing in the concourses, and some of the best views of the planes coming and going against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier and the Olympics.”

SEA is my home base airport and I can confirm that there are plenty of great reasons to want to hang out at this airport even if you’re not flying.  In addition to the art collection that includes work by Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Nevelson and others, SEA has a robust live music program and some great shops and restaurants. There’s also the newly-launched series of holiday celebrations planned throughout the year, including events to honor Native Heritage Month (November) and of course the upcoming December Season of Light.