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The airport tradition of yesteryear is slowly making a comeback in some parts of the US, following major changes in air travel security procedures after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) in California announced this week that it will introduce visitor passes for “non-passengers,” for example.
Guests can proceed to the rear security side of the passenger terminal to escort friends or loved ones off the plane, the airport noted on its website.
NEW TSA POLICY CHARGES PASSENGERS WITH NO ID ACCEPTABLE AT TERMINALS.
“Non-passengers” must apply online for security clearance up to seven days before the day they want to visit the airport, according to the new system.
After completing the form, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will authorize the visit by sending the “non-passenger” OAK visitor pass.
Oakland Airport in California (not pictured) is now introducing guest passes, allowing non-passengers to accompany past travelers. (Stock)
“Non-passengers” must present a pass and TSA-approved photo ID, such as a passport or Real ID.
Before 2001, US airports generally allowed anyone – even those without a boarding pass – to go through security and wait at the gate.
After the September 11 attacks, the TSA was established, and federal regulations began requiring airports to restrict access to secure areas.
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These rules mandate that only passengers with a valid boarding pass can enter the security areas.
A few other airports have already started offering “non-passenger” passes, while others plan to roll them out in the future.
Before 2001, US airports generally allowed anyone – even those without a boarding pass – to go through security and wait at the gate for friends or loved ones. (Stock)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has a “hangout pass,” while San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has a “SAT Pass,” according to the airports’ websites.
Kansas City International Airport, on the other hand, has a “visitor pass.”
Other passes include a “wingmate pass” at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and a “passport” at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
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In the “r/travel” forum on Reddit, one user asked, “What was airport security like before 2001?”
Travelers took to the comments section to share amazing memories of flying before security was tightened.
“One thing that is very different is that people without tickets can come with you, so the family can accompany you when you get to the gate,” wrote another.
US airports are now gradually reintroducing visitor passes to non-passengers after security changes were made following the September 11 attacks. (AP)
Another user replied, “One of my best memories is seeing my grandmother as I got off the plane with my brother when my parents sent me to see her.”
Another person said, “Going to the airport to watch the planes was a big deal. Anytime someone has to fly, or a friend or a family member. [was flying off]the whole group accompanied the travelers just to get there early and watch the planes take off and land.”
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One person wrote, “You can go to the airport just to hang out, even if you don’t have any travel plans.”
The airport “reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel the program.”
However one user recalled “being able to see people not at the gate (or vice versa). Now you have to say ok, then walk half a mile to your gate by yourself.”
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The author also recalled that “being able to greet someone at the gate was nice.”
Oakland Airport noted on its site about the new program, “The OAK Guest Pass is not a permanent program. In response to existing conditions or operational requirements, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel the program, authorize cancellation of the OAK Guest Pass or change the program rules at any time without prior notice.”
