Access to airline gates is verboten in most airports without a boarding pass, but that won’t be a problem anymore at San Diego International Airport — at least for a select few.
Following the lead of a number of U.S. airports, San Diego has formally launched what it’s calling the SAN Pass that allows up to 60 pre-approved, non-ticketed individuals each day to pass through security — whether it’s to bid farewell to a friend or family member, greet someone on an arriving flight, or simply check out the Tony Hawk restaurant and dine outdoors at the airport’s new Terminal 1.
The pass program marks a return — albeit a limited one — to the long ago days when it was common to excitedly greet loved ones just as they stepped off the plane, as opposed to meeting them later curbside or at baggage claim.
The idea of allowing non-ticketed individuals to access airline gates started about six years ago and although still relatively uncommon, more than a dozen airports now have TSA-approved pass programs, including John Wayne in Orange County.
“If you’ve ever wanted to see off family or friends at their gate or enjoy the outstanding dining and retail options in Terminal 1 and 2 without flying, this program offers that opportunity,” said Kimberly Becker, CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “We’re excited to open the terminal experience to the broader San Diego community in a secure and convenient way.”
While San Diego airport officials had weighed launching the pass program over the years, it didn’t make sense until now, said airport spokesperson Nicole Hall.
“The Airport Authority has reviewed programs such as these a few times over the years, but with COVID-19 and various construction constraints, the timing has not been right for the San Diego airport,” Hall said. “While the opening of New Terminal 1 was not the reason, the completion of Phase 1A gives visitors more space to explore and more amenities to experience.”
To take advantage of the pass program, visitors can apply up to seven days in advance, although no more than 60 passes are available daily and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to TSA approval.
Applicants will be notified of their approval via an email after midnight on the morning of the planned visit. For those who choose to apply the same day as their hoped-for visit, an approval email should come within 15 minutes, if space is available, the airport says.
Once at the airport, approved pass holders will go to the general screening line (expedited screening like TSA PreCheck will not be available) and present their TSA-approved ID. Minors will require their own pass, but adult pass holders will be allowed to bring up to three minors with them.
To test the pass program in San Diego, airport officials initiated a trial run that began in July and ran through this month. To date, several hundred visitors have participated, Hall said.