The gate cross program guidelines and pointers fluctuate at every airport (Image: Getty Images)
Saying goodbye to loved ones at an airport drop-off sometimes means an emotional farewell on the curbside or a lingering backward look as you make your manner by means of the security line.
In the sooner period of air travel, prior to the sweeping overhaul of airport security measures following the Sept. 11, 2001 assaults, passengers’ relations and pals may accompany all of them the best way to their departure gates with no need a ticket or particular authorization.
For those that fondly recall the rom-com-model airport farewell, a growing quantity of airports nationwide are progressively rolling out programs allowing non-ticketed people to clear TSA checkpoints utilizing a gate cross.
As of June 2026, 21 U.S. airports have programs that permit non-ticketed visitors to cross by means of airport security and into the terminal with a particular gate cross at no value, in accordance to CNN.
These initiatives allow non-ticketed guests to get hold of a complimentary cross granting entry by means of airport security and into the terminal to store, dine, and luxuriate in all the pieces the airport has to offer, together with reside music or artwork exhibitions, all with out boarding a flight.
21 U.S. airports have programs that permit non-ticketed visitors to cross by means of airport security and into the terminal (Image: Getty Images)
The customer cross program moreover accommodates these wishing to escort loved ones and relations to their departure gates for a remaining farewell proper up till boarding. It additionally serves these offering further help to vacationers, resembling unaccompanied minors, serving to them navigate to their gates.
How did the gate cross program begin?
Pittsburgh International Airport grew to become the primary home airport to revive the cherished custom of permitting non-touring companions to accompany passengers to their gates following 9/11, by means of its myPITpass program, which debuted in 2017 with TSA help.
The myPITpass program was in the end discontinued in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and by no means resumed operations. Since Pittsburgh International pioneered the gate cross revival, 21 extra home airports have adopted its lead and established comparable initiatives.
Among them is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which launched the longest-operating gate cross program in 2018. Known because the SEA Visitor Pass Program, it permits 300 guests day by day by means of security to accompany vacationers who’re departing internationally, departing domestically, arriving domestically, or connecting from a home flight.
Non-ticketed visitors merely need to apply online both on the day of their airport go to or up to seven days prematurely, get hold of TSA approval, and current their SEA Visitor Pass — a QR code delivered through e-mail — on the security checkpoint.
How do gate cross programs work?
Visitors wishing to cross by means of airport security with out a ticket can submit an online software or use an airport terminal kiosk on the day of their go to, relying on which airport they’re attending.
The particular laws for every airport’s gate cross program differ; some airports set time restrictions on gate cross visits, whereas others allow limitless visits during the airport’s customary working hours. Most airports allow guests to request a gate cross up to a week beforehand. San Francisco International Airport’s SFO Gate Explorer program permits guests to submit an software up to 30 days forward of time.
All programs mandate guests to provide their full names as they seem on their Real ID or passport and the date they intend to go to the airport. Visitors should obtain software approval, both by means of the TSA or by submitting a scan of their passport or Real ID.
All non-ticketed guests nonetheless should bear TSA screening with a TSA-permitted photograph ID upon arriving on the airport, as outlined on every airport program’s web site.
Which airports offer gate cross programs?
- The following are the 21 U.S. airports that at present have a gate cross program:
- Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) in Ohio
- Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) in New Mexico
- Capital Region International or Lansing (LAN) in Michigan
- Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) in Ohio
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) in California
- Kansas City International (MCI) in Missouri
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans (MSY) in Louisiana
- Nashville International (BNA) in Tennessee
- Oakland San Francisco Bay (OAK) in California
- Ontario International (ONT) in California
- Orlando International (MCO) in Florida
- Palm Springs International (PSP) in California
- Philadelphia International (PHL) in Pennsylvania
- San Antonio International (SAT) in Texas
- San Diego International (SAN) in California
- San Francisco International (SFO) in California
- Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) in Washington
- Tampa International (TPA) in Florida
- Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Washington
- Tulsa International (TUL) in Oklahoma
