21 US airports with free programs that let you – Travel News
The gate move program guidelines and pointers fluctuate at every airport (Image: Getty Images)
Saying goodbye to family members at an airport drop-off usually means an emotional farewell on the curbside or a lingering backward look as you make your approach via the security line.
In the sooner period of air journey, previous to the sweeping overhaul of airport security measures following the Sept. 11, 2001 assaults, passengers’ members of the family and buddies might 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-style airport farewell, a growing quantity of airports nationwide are steadily rolling out programs allowing non-ticketed people to clear TSA checkpoints utilizing a gate move.
As of June 2026, 21 U.S. airports have programs that enable non-ticketed friends to move via airport security and into the terminal with a particular gate move at no value, in line with CNN.
These initiatives allow non-ticketed guests to acquire a complimentary move granting entry via airport security and into the terminal to buy, dine, and luxuriate in every thing the airport has to offer, together with stay music or artwork exhibitions, all with out boarding a flight.
21 U.S. airports have programs that enable non-ticketed friends to move via airport security and into the terminal (Image: Getty Images)
The customer move program moreover accommodates these wishing to escort family members and members of the family to their departure gates for a closing farewell proper up till boarding. It additionally serves these offering further help to vacationers, comparable to unaccompanied minors, serving to them navigate to their gates.
How did the gate move program begin?
Pittsburgh International Airport grew to become the primary home airport to revive the cherished custom of permitting non-traveling companions to accompany passengers to their gates following 9/11, via its myPITpass program, which debuted in 2017 with TSA help.
The myPITpass program was finally discontinued in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and by no means resumed operations. Since Pittsburgh International pioneered the gate move revival, 21 extra home airports have adopted its lead and established comparable initiatives.
Among them is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which launched the longest-running gate move program in 2018. Known because the SEA Visitor Pass Program, it permits 300 guests day by day via security to accompany vacationers who’re departing internationally, departing domestically, arriving domestically, or connecting from a home flight.
Non-ticketed friends merely need to use online both on the day of their airport go to or up to seven days upfront, get hold of TSA approval, and current their SEA Visitor Pass — a QR code delivered by way of electronic mail — on the security checkpoint.
How do gate move programs work?
Visitors wishing to move via airport security with out a ticket can submit an online utility or use an airport terminal kiosk on the day of their go to, relying on which airport they’re attending.
The particular rules for every airport’s gate move program differ; some airports set time restrictions on gate move visits, whereas others allow limitless visits during the airport’s customary working hours. Most airports allow guests to request a gate move up to a week beforehand. San Francisco International Airport’s SFO Gate Explorer program permits guests to submit an utility up to 30 days forward of time.
All programs mandate guests to produce 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 utility approval, both via the TSA or by submitting a scan of their passport or Real ID.
All non-ticketed guests nonetheless should endure TSA screening with a TSA-approved picture ID upon arriving on the airport, as outlined on every airport program’s web site.
Which airports offer gate move programs?
- The following are the 21 U.S. airports that at the moment have a gate move 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
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