The scene once common at American airports – families lingering for one more hug at the gate, friends waving until a jet bridge door closed – is returning to Oakland, at least for travelers willing to plan ahead.
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport began offering what it calls an OAK Guest Pass on Monday, allowing members of the public without airline tickets to enter the post-security side of its terminals.
The airport said the program is intended to let visitors meet arriving passengers at the gates, accompany departing travelers deeper into the terminal, and spend time shopping and dining beyond the checkpoint.
The change recalls the airport arrival and departure scenes made famous by the 2003 holiday film “Love Actually,” which opened with unscripted reunions at an arrivals gate – moments that largely disappeared from U.S. airports after security rules tightened in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.
“We want OAK to become a meaningful experience for all of our visitors, not just a curbside drive-by experience,” Kristi McKenney, Port of Oakland’s executive director, said in a statement. “The OAK Guest Pass allows families to spend more precious time with their loved ones as they see them off on their next adventure or welcome them home from one.”
Under the new rules, visitors apply online either the same day or up to seven days in advance and must submit identifying information that matches a TSA-approved photo ID.
The airport says the Transportation Security Administration reviews applications.
Those applying in advance receive an approval email after midnight on the day of the visit, while same-day applicants can receive a decision in about 15 minutes.
The pass is digital only and must be shown at the checkpoint along with identification. Guests are screened under the same security procedures as ticketed passengers, and access is limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis, the airport says.
Oakland also warns the program is not permanent and may be canceled or changed in response to security or operational needs.
Oakland’s move follows similar visitor-pass offerings at a growing number of U.S. airports, including San Francisco International Airport, which plans to launch its own guest pass program, and airports in San Diego and Palm Springs.
The programs reflect a broader push by airports to recast terminals as destinations – and to drive business to revamped shops and restaurants – even as security rules remain largely unchanged.
At OAK, the timing also coincides with a major refresh of retail and dining options.
The airport has rolled out several Oakland and East Bay-themed shops, with more openings planned by the end of 2025.
This article originally published at Oakland airport now lets non-ticketed visitors go past security for goodbyes at the gate.