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Airport traditions from years past are slowly returning to certain parts of the United States following major changes to air travel safety procedures after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) California, for example, announced this week that it would introduce guest passes for “non-passengers.”
The airport’s website states that visitors can proceed to the security screening side of the passenger terminal to accompany a departing friend or loved one.
New TSA policy charges passengers without acceptable identification at checkpoints
According to the new process, “non-passengers” must apply for security screening online at least seven days before the day they wish to visit the airport.
Once people fill out the form, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) authorizes the visit by sending the “non-passenger” an OAK guest pass.
Oakland Airport in California (not pictured) is now implementing guest passes, allowing non-passenger travelers to pass through security checkpoints. (St. Petersburg)
“Non-passengers” must present their pass along with their passport or TSA-approved photo ID. real ID.
Before 2001, U.S. airports generally allowed just about anyone to go through security and wait at the gate, even if they didn’t have a boarding pass.
After the September 11 attacks, the TSA was created 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 post-security area.
Several other airports have started offering “non-passenger” passes, and others plan to roll them out in the future.
Before 2001, U.S. airports generally allowed virtually anyone, even those without a boarding pass, to pass through security and wait for a friend or loved one at the gate. (St. Petersburg)
According to each airport’s website, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has a “Hangout Pass” and San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has a “SAT Pass.”
Kansas City International Airport has a “guest pass.”
Other passes include the following “wingmate passes”: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Destination Pass at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
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On Reddit’s r/travel forum, one user asked, “What was airport security like before 2001?”
Travelers took to the comments section to share fond memories from previous plane rides. Security has been enhanced.
“One of the biggest differences is that people who don’t have tickets can come with us so their families can accompany them to the gate,” one person wrote.
US airports are now gradually reintroducing guest passes for non-passengers after security changes were implemented after the September 11 attacks. (AP)
Another user replied, “One of my fondest memories is when my parents sent me to see my grandmother and I met her when I got off the plane with my brother.”
Another said: “Going to the airport to see the plane was a big deal. Whenever I had to get on a plane, it was a big deal to go to my friends and see the plane.” family member [was flying off]an entire group accompanies the traveler just to arrive early and watch the planes take off and land. ”
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One person wrote, “Even if you don’t have any travel plans, you can still go to the airport just to hang out.”
The airport “reserves the right to cancel the program at its sole discretion.”
Yet another user recalled, “Now I can do it.” see people off at the gate (or vice versa). After saying goodbye, walk the half mile to the gate by yourself. ”
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The author also reflected, “I’m glad I was able to greet them at the gate.”
“The OAK Guest Pass is not a permanent program. Depending on exigent circumstances or operational needs, Oakland Airport reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel the program, cancel any approved OAK Guest Pass, or change program rules at any time without prior notice,” Oakland Airport said on its website.
