SFO Becomes Latest US Airport to Allow Non-Flyers Past TSA-Full List
San Francisco International Airport has joined a growing list of U.S. airports allowing non-ticketed visitors to pass through TSAsecurity, as part of a wider push by airports to open terminals to families, aviation enthusiasts and travelers meeting loved ones.
The airport quietly launched its Gate Explorer Pass on April 28, letting approved visitors go airside without a boarding pass-the latest expansion of a concept that has spread steadily across major hubs since first appearing in the U.S. in the late 2010s.
For decades, access beyond airport security was largely restricted to ticketed passengers, a policy that became standard after September 11, 2001.
These visitor pass programs, which still require TSA screening and identity checks, reflect a shift by airports toward making terminals destinations in their own right-places to dine, shop, attend events or simply spend time with travelers before departures.
While availability remains limited and tightly controlled, the expansion means millions of Americans can now escort relatives to the gate, watch planes up close or spend time airside without flying.
How the Programs Work
While branded differently at each airport, the passes typically allow a same-day visit beyond security after TSA vetting, using either an online registration system or an in-person kiosk.
Important caveats apply:
- All programs require government-issued ID
- Capacity is limited and often first-come, first-served
- No airport allows visitors to use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR lanes
- Visits are time-limited at many locations
- Approval is not guaranteed
Some airports allow applications weeks in advance, while others only offer same-day, walk-in access. A handful restrict baggage, minors or entry hours.
Full List of U.S. Airports Offering Visitor Passes
As of late April, the following airports have active programs allowing approved, non-ticketed visitors past security:
- San Francisco International (SFO) - Gate Explorer Pass
- Oakland International (OAK) - OAK Guest Pass
- Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) - SEA Visitor Pass
- Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) - DTW Destination Pass
- Philadelphia International (PHL) - Wingmate Guest Pass
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) - Indulge MSY Guest Pass
- Orlando International (MCO) - Experience MCO Visitor Pass
- Kansas City International (MCI) - MCI Guest Pass
- San Antonio International (SAT) - SAT Pass
- Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) - Hopkins Hangout Pass
- Tampa International (TPA) - TPA All Access
- San Diego International (SAN) - SAN Pass
- Nashville International (BNA) - BNA PASSport
- John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) - OC AirPASS
- Ontario International (ONT) - ONT+ Visitor Pass
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) - FlySide Pass
Several smaller and regional airports also operate visitor programs, though availability may be more limited:
- Palm Springs International (PSP) - Stay & Play Visitor Pass
- Tulsa International (TUL) - TUL Visitor Pass Program
- Capital Region International, Lansing (LAN) - LAN Visitor Pass
- Tri-Cities Airport, Pasco (PSC) - PSC Pass
A Growing but Uneven Trend
The first major U.S. airport visitor pass programs debuted in the late 2010s, but expansion has accelerated since 2023 as airports look for new ways to boost foot traffic and revenue.
Not every airport has embraced the idea. Pittsburgh International, which pioneered the concept nationally, shuttered its program during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not yet revived it. All airports reserve the right to suspend their pass program at any time.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 6:59 AM.