Airports that let non-passengers through security

For the first time in decades, five Californian airports are letting non-passengers pass through TSA security to access the terminal’s secure area. It’s a partial throwback to pre-9/11 days, when visitors could walk with passengers all the way to the gate. Pittsburgh International Airport led the way with this idea, though it was paused during the pandemic and hasn’t come back there yet. Still, its success paved the way for other airports to try similar programs.

Airports use these programs to make the passenger experience better and boost non-aeronautical revenue by drawing more visitors and encouraging longer stays. But they also bring challenges, like longer security lines and more staffing needs. That’s why many airports limit capacity and sometimes restrict access to keep crowds under control and maintain flexibility. Usually, non-passengers need a special guest or visitor pass to enter secure areas. Getting this pass often means applying in advance and waiting for TSA approval, and even then, visitors must go through the same checks and screenings as regular passengers.

The five airports are:

John Wayne Orange County Airport in Santa Ana serving the Greater Los Angeles Area, and in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport opened its terminal to non-passengers. For this, a passenger needs to obtain an OC AirPASS, which, according to the airport, provides them with the possibility "to shop, dine, watch planes, and greet friends and relatives when they arrive at the gate or accompany them before their flight."

To obtain an OC AirPASS, a visitor needs to present a valid government ID at one of the information booths in the terminal. Here, personal information is processed by an online security system within minutes, before a pass can be issued. From here, visitors will continue to TSA similar to regular passengers. This security check follows all the same screening rules and procedures as everyone else, and each visitor is only allowed to take one personal item.

Ontario International Airport serving Ontario in Greater California. In October 2022, the airport launched the ONT+ Visitor Pass Program for non-passengers to access the secure area of the terminal. As of the 30th of December 2025, almost 100,000 passengers have used the program. To obtain a pass, visitors need to apply online, which can be done on the day itself or up to seven days in advance.

During this process, visitors need to select a time slot that has a pre-defined capacity. After entering the information as provided on a state-issued ID or driving license, an email will follow on the day of your scheduled visit or within 15 minutes when applying for the same day, with TSA approval. With this email comes the visitor pass, which needs to be presented at the security checkpoint with a photo ID. Non-passengers must comply with all rules and regulations as regular passengers when passing through TSA.

Palm Springs International Airport serving Palm Springs, California and the Coachella Valley. In February 2024, the airport launched its visitor pass program called Stay & Play for non-passengers.

Similar to Ontario, access to the secure area can be gained by filling out an online form up to 7 days in advance using the same information as on an approved photo ID. After this, TSA approval will follow on the day of the visit or within 15 minutes for the same-day request. The Stay & Play Pass is then emailed to the visitor, and they can proceed to security following the same rules and procedures as regular passengers.

San Diego International Airport is the main airport serving San Diego in Southern California. It is one of the larger airports offering a pass program for non-passengers to access the secure area of the terminal. The program was introduced as recently as the 19th of November. At the time of the announcement, the airport's CEO, Kimberly Becker, said the following:

“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. We’re excited to open the terminal experience to the broader San Diego community in a secure and convenient way.”

Applying for the pass works similarly to other airports on this list. Visitors apply online up to 7 days before the flight and receive approval from TSA before receiving the SAN Pass and proceeding through security in the same way as regular passengers. The airport is open to SAN Pass visitors between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and only a limited number of passes are available each day.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport serves the San Francisco Bay Area and is the latest airport to introduce a pass program for non-passengers. The program was announced on the 15th of December 2025 — to use the OAK Guest Pass program, non-passengers will need to fill out an online form up to 7 days in advance, a similar process to that of the other airports on this list.

This is then followed by TSA approval and proceeding to a security checkpoint similar to regular passengers, where, instead of a boarding pass, a non-passenger shows their guest pass. Also, here, passengers will need to comply with all regular screening and security regulations.