Non-passenger airport access returns with new guest pass security programs

An airport custom from a bygone period is slowly returning to sure places throughout the US, following huge modifications in air journey safety procedures following the September 11 terror assaults.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) in California introduced this week that it’ll introduce visitor passes for ‘non-passengers’, for instance.

Guests can go to the post-security aspect of the passenger terminal to accompany associates or family members as they depart, the airport mentioned on its web site.

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Beneath the brand new course of, “non-passengers” should apply for safety clearance on-line as much as seven days earlier than the day they plan to go to the airport.

After individuals fill out the shape, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) approves the go to by sending the “non-passengers” an OAK visitor cross.

California’s Oakland Airport (not pictured) is now introducing visitor passes, which permit non-passengers to escort vacationers by means of safety checkpoints. (iStock)

“Non-passengers” should current the cross together with a TSA-approved picture ID, akin to a passport or Actual ID.

Earlier than 2001, U.S. airports allowed just about everybody—even these with out a boarding cross—to cross by means of safety and wait on the gate.

After the September 11 assaults, the TSA was created and federal rules started requiring airports to limit entry to safe areas.

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These guidelines require that solely passengers with a legitimate boarding cross are allowed to enter the post-security areas.

Just a few different airports have began providing passes for non-passengers, whereas others plan to roll them out sooner or later.

Earlier than 2001, U.S. airports let nearly anybody—even these with out a boarding cross—undergo safety and wait on the gate for associates or family members. (iStock)

Cleveland Hopkins Worldwide Airport has a “hangout cross,” whereas San Antonio Worldwide Airport (SAT) has a “SAT Move,” in keeping with the airports’ web sites.

Kansas Metropolis Worldwide Airport, in flip, has a ‘visitor cross’.

Different passes embody a “wingmate cross” at Philadelphia Worldwide Airport (PHL) and a “vacation spot cross” at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

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On the “r/journey” discussion board on Reddit, a person requested, “What was airport safety like earlier than 2001?”

Vacationers took to the feedback part to share nostalgic reminiscences of flying earlier than safety was tightened.

“One of many greatest variations is that individuals can include you with out a ticket so household can accompany you to the gate,” one individual wrote.

US airports are actually slowly reintroducing visitor passes for non-passengers after safety modifications have been carried out following the September 11 assaults. (AP)

One other person replied: “One in every of my fondest reminiscences is seeing my grandmother as I obtained off the aircraft with my brother when my mother and father despatched me to go to her.”

Another person mentioned: “Going to the airport to observe planes was a giant deal. Each time somebody needed to fly, or a pal or member of the family [was flying off]a complete group would accompany the traveler(s) to get there early and watch the planes take off and land.”

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One individual wrote: “You may go to the airport simply to hang around even if you happen to had no journey plans.”

The airport “reserves the best, at its sole discretion, to cancel this system.”

One more person reminisced about “having the ability to wave goodbye to individuals on the gate (or vice versa). Now it’s important to say goodbye after which stroll half a mile to your gate alone.”

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The author additionally recalled that “it was good to have the ability to greet somebody on the gate.”

The Oakland Airport famous on its web site concerning the new initiative: “The OAK Visitor Move will not be a everlasting program. In response to exigent circumstances or operational wants, the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport reserves the best, in its sole discretion, to cancel this system, cancel authorized OAK Visitor Passes, or change this system guidelines at any time with out discover.”