Home » AFRICA » Pittsburgh Joins Seattle, Philadelphia, Orlando, San Antonio, Oakland, Kansas, And More In New U.S. Airports’ Bold Move To Reopen Secure Areas For Non-Ticketed Guests, Revolutionizing Travel Experience
Published on
December 21, 2025
U.S. airports are embracing a historic change by reopening security lines to non-flyers, with Pittsburgh joining the ranks of other major airports making this shift. This groundbreaking move allows loved ones to accompany travelers to the gate once again, reminiscent of the heartwarming moments seen in Love Actually. Airports like Seattle, Philadelphia, Orlando, and Oakland are leading the way in this initiative, offering non-ticketed guests the chance to enjoy airport amenities and spend time with family and friends before departure. As travel continues its recovery post-pandemic, this decision aims to revitalize the airport experience, increase foot traffic, and provide a more personal, welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Pittsburgh and several other U.S. airports are making a historic shift by reopening security lines to non-flyers, allowing friends and family to once again accompany travelers to the gate. This change, which brings back the magic reminiscent of the iconic movie Love Actually, aims to enhance the travel experience by providing more accessibility for non-ticketed guests. With airport traffic recovering post-pandemic, this initiative offers a heartwarming opportunity to reunite loved ones and enjoy airport amenities, revitalizing the airport atmosphere and boosting foot traffic to terminals.
In a significant shift aimed at enhancing the airport experience, several U.S. airports are now offering non-ticketed guests the ability to enter secure areas, a practice that was halted following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This move marks a return to a more personal and welcoming airport atmosphere, where visitors can accompany loved ones to the gate or simply enjoy the facilities without the need for a boarding pass. Here’s a closer look at the airports rolling out this new policy, which allows non-ticketed guests to bypass the TSA security checkpoint under specific conditions.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) in California has become the latest airport to join this initiative, launching its “OAK pass” program in an effort to boost foot traffic and bring a much-needed revival to the airport. The OAK pass, which began in late 2025, allows guests to enter the secure areas by passing through TSA checkpoints with a digital pass and a valid ID, such as a Real ID or passport. The digital pass is available through an online application, which must be completed up to seven days before the visit.
This move is particularly significant as it is the first time in over two decades that non-ticketed guests can access the post-security areas of an airport. Since the implementation of stricter security measures following the 9/11 attacks, only those with a valid ticket were permitted to pass through the security checkpoint. However, in light of declining airport traffic and a desire to reinvigorate the industry post-pandemic, many airports are now embracing the idea of allowing non-ticketed guests to enjoy more freedom.
For Oakland, the program comes as a response to a substantial drop in visitor numbers. The airport saw a 31% decrease in foot traffic from January to September 2025 compared to the same period in 2019. In an effort to reverse this trend, the airport is leveraging the guest pass system to attract more people to its facilities. Oakland officials hope that this initiative will encourage more people to visit the airport, whether to shop, dine, or spend time with traveling family members.
The move comes as part of a broader trend across U.S. airports to reintroduce this long-lost convenience. Oakland is following in the footsteps of several other major airports that have already implemented similar programs in recent years. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was the first to offer a guest pass in 2018, which proved successful in attracting non-ticketed visitors. This success led to other airports, including Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Philadelphia International Airport, following suit.
In 2023, Philadelphia launched its “Wingmate Pass” program, which allowed non-ticketed guests to join travelers at their gates. The program proved popular, and Philadelphia has since expanded the initiative to accommodate more visitors. According to airport officials, the pass has allowed family members to accompany loved ones to the gate, especially during significant moments like farewells or reunions, something that had not been possible in the post-9/11 era.
Several other airports have embraced similar programs in 2025, including San Antonio International Airport, which introduced its “SAT Pass” in February. The SAT Pass permits up to 50 non-ticketed guests to enter the secure areas of the airport at a time, providing a more personal travel experience for families and friends. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport also launched its “Hangout Pass” in August 2025, while Kansas City International Airport began offering its own guest pass program in June.
While these programs are being hailed as a step toward improving the traveler experience, it is important to note that they are not permanent. Airports, including Oakland, have made it clear that the program is subject to change or cancellation depending on operational needs or security concerns. The OAK pass, for instance, is a temporary measure that could be altered or canceled if deemed necessary by airport authorities.
The program is also seen as a way to enhance airport revenues by bringing in more foot traffic, particularly for retail and dining establishments within the terminals. In a post-pandemic environment, many airports are looking for ways to maximize their facilities’ potential by encouraging people to visit, even if they are not flying. Allowing non-ticketed guests into secure areas helps generate additional spending, which can support the overall recovery of the aviation and tourism industries.
As more airports adopt similar systems, it is clear that this policy change is resonating with both travelers and airport businesses. The ability for loved ones to meet at the gate or simply spend time together at the airport has brought a renewed sense of accessibility to air travel.
Airports offering guest passes include:
Seattle-Tacoma International AirportPittsburgh International AirportPhiladelphia International AirportOrlando International AirportLouis Armstrong New Orleans International AirportSan Antonio International AirportDetroit Metropolitan AirportCleveland Hopkins International AirportKansas City International AirportOakland International Airport
This evolving trend represents a significant shift in how airports view their role in the travel experience, focusing on not just the travelers but also their families and friends. As the airport landscape continues to adapt, the return of non-ticketed guests may well become a permanent feature, further enhancing the travel experience in the U.S.
