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Airport Gate Passes

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The Gate Pass: Expert Tips on Airport Security Without a Ticket

For frequent travelers and those assisting others at airports, obtaining a gate pass can be essential. Whether you're helping elderly parents, special needs children, or simply seeing off loved ones, knowing how to navigate this process can save time and stress. This guide covers what gate passes are and how they work, with tips based on my experiences and recent updates.

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Airline Gate Passes

Airline gate passes are typically reserved for accompanying minors, special needs persons, or military family members. To obtain one:

  • Visit the ticket counter of the airline your loved one is flying with.
  • Request an air carrier authorization form or security pass, explaining your situation.

Policies vary by airline, so it's best to check in advance. For instance, Delta Airlines efficiently issued a gate pass when I needed to accompany my niece.

VIDEO:

Ever wished you could explore the airport's shops and restaurants or give your loved ones a proper send-off at the gate without needing a plane ticket? Several airports across the country are now offering visitor pass programs that make this possible! I recently watched a fascinating video featuring Wall Street Journal reporter Jacob Passy, who delves into the details of these programs. From personal anecdotes to practical tips on how to sign up, this video covers it all. It even inspired me to consider using a visitor pass the next time a friend has a layover in my city. Check it out and see how you can make the most of your airport experience!

Getting Your Unaccompanied Minor to Their Gate

When my nephew traveled alone, I secured an unaccompanied minor pass, which involved a fee. Here's the process:

  • Review the airline's policies for unaccompanied minors before arriving at the airport.
  • At the ticket counter, explain your situation and request the necessary documentation.

It's crucial to understand each airline's specific policies. Major US airlines offering special-assistance gate passes include:

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

Frontier Airlines

JetBlue Airways

Southwest Airlines

United Airlines

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Airport Gate Passes

Gone are the days where we once were able to just clear security and walk to the gate to greet arriving passengers. Following the enhanced security measures put into place after 9/11, this was no longer possible until a few airports began to offer special access for security access for those passengers without tickets. Here's a sample of airports that have some airports with gate pass programs (listed alphabetically). 

Capital Region International Airport (LAN)

Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport issues up to 25 LAN Visitor Passes per day, good for four hours between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Apply online on a first-come, first-served basis.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

With Detroit Metro Airport offering the “DTW Destination Pass,” non-ticketed individuals can access gate areas after security. This includes both terminals (North and McNamara). Simply enter your info here a day prior to your visit, and wait for an email notification. Follow the instructions you receive (if you are approved) to get your gate pass.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

John Wayne Airport offers the OC AirPass program, which allows non-ticketed visitors to access the terminal beyond security. This pass enables guests to enjoy the airport’s shopping, dining, and other amenities, or to greet loved ones at their gates. You can apply online to obtain your pass.

New Orleans Airport (MSY)

The Big Easy’s New Orleans airport offers limited gate access, limiting visitors and times of the day, but both are fairly liberal. All you need to do to get their gate pass is register in advance here.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Southern California’s Ontario International Airport offers the digital ONT+ Visitor Pass. Choose your terminal and time slot online; a digital pass (printed copies not accepted) grants access throughout the selected terminal’s operating hours.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando Airport has introduced a new Visitor Pass Program, allowing non-ticketed individuals to access Terminal C. This program offers the general public the opportunity to explore the terminal's amenities, restaurants, and retail options. To get your gate pass, visit Orlando International Airport's official site and apply online.

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Palm Springs International Airport issues the PSP Stay & Play Pass. Same-day or advance applications are reviewed nightly; approved visitors can enjoy shops and open-air concourses after standard TSA screening.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Philadelphia Airport's Wingmate program allows non-ticketed guests to pass through security and meet their loved ones at the gate, explore the terminal, or enjoy the airport's amenities. To participate, register online and follow the provided instructions.

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

San Antonio International Airport launched the SAT Pass in February 2025. Non-ticketed guests can apply up to seven days in advance (or the same day if space allows) and, once approved, may remain air-side until 9 p.m. to dine, shop, or see friends and family off.

Seattle Airport (SEA)

Offering a visitor pass to non-ticketed persons, Seattle Airport’s Visitor Pass works similarly to other airports on this list. You first have to apply online, then you’ll receive an email with further instructions. See more here.

Tulsa International Airport (TUL)

The Tulsa International Airport Visitor Pass lets non-travelers accompany loved ones or explore the concourses. Apply online for same-day or up-to-seven-days-ahead entry via the TUL Visitor Pass Program.

Interview Highlights: Gate Pass Insights from airport personnel

We asked a few airport help staff about their gate pass programs, and found a few more insights to share:

  • Registration and ID Requirements: Advance online registration with your full legal name, date of birth, and a government-issued photo ID is required at every airport. Slots are capped — for example, Seattle allows 300 passes per day while Philadelphia limits Wingmate to 100 — so applying up to seven days ahead is recommended.
  • Security Checks: All applications are vetted against TSA watch lists (e.g., the No Fly List). If approved, visitors receive a QR or digital pass by email (after midnight for advance requests or within minutes for same-day) to show with ID at the checkpoint.
  • Limited Access: Gate-pass guests must use the regular TSA security lanes; expedited programs such as TSA PreCheck or CLEAR are not available. Each airport sets specific entry windows, with common curfews (e.g., Seattle 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; San Antonio until 9 p.m.).
  • Airport Benefits: Staff report higher airside spending and stronger community ties. Seattle’s initial pilot drew more than 1,100 extra visitors, Philadelphia’s Wingmate has welcomed over 10,000 since 2023, and Tulsa families appreciate extra time together at restaurants like Chili’s.
People walking inside a airport

These programs also serve as promotional tools for new terminals and local amenities, like the unique offerings at Orlando International Airport's new terminal.

FAQ: Gate Pass Tips

A gate pass is a security authorization that lets someone without an airline ticket enter the sterile (post-security) gate area—most often so they can accompany an unaccompanied minor, assist a traveler with special needs, or meet military or other loved ones on arrival.
Go to the departing traveler’s airline ticket counter, present a valid government-issued photo ID, and ask for an escort-or-security (gate) pass; the agent will complete an airline authorization form and print the pass once your reason is approved.
Airlines generally issue escort passes free of charge, but some—such as Delta—bundle the cost into their Unaccompanied Minor service fee (currently $150 each way for up to four children). Always confirm the carrier’s policy in advance.
Major carriers providing escort passes for eligible situations include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and United; policies and any age or fee limits vary by airline.
No. Gate-pass programs are limited to select airports. Current examples include Capital Region (LAN), Detroit (DTW), John Wayne (SNA), New Orleans (MSY), Ontario (ONT), Orlando (MCO), Palm Springs (PSP), Philadelphia (PHL), San Antonio (SAT), Seattle (SEA), and Tulsa (TUL); each airport caps daily passes and sets its own hours.
Submit the DTW Destination Pass form online one day before your visit; if approved, the airport emails step-by-step instructions to pick up your pass and proceed through security.
Complete the SEA Visitor Pass application (available up to seven days—or the same day—before your visit); the program is limited to 300 passes daily, and an email with a digital pass and checkpoint details arrives once you’re cleared.
Yes. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International restricts both the number of visitors and the hours during which its pass is valid; advance online registration is mandatory.
Apply online for the Experience MCO Visitor Pass (Terminal C only); printed passes aren’t accepted, daily slots are limited, entry is permitted 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and visitors must exit by 8 p.m.—so early registration is strongly advised.
Yes. TSA vets each applicant against the Secure Flight/No Fly List and requires standard ID verification at the checkpoint; gate-pass guests use the regular screening lanes because TSA PreCheck or CLEAR privileges never apply to escort passes.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport