A California airport is exploring a significant policy change that would permit non-ticketed visitors to pass through TSA screening and access secure areas to greet arriving passengers or bid farewell to departing loved ones at the gate.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s proposed adjustment would restore the emotional send-offs and gate-side reunions that were standard prior to the heightened security measures implemented after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Historically, post-9/11 regulations restricted access beyond airport security checkpoints to ticketed travelers only, though airlines occasionally issued gate passes under specific conditions.
Mark Thorpe, the aviation director for the City of Fresno, is exploring a program that would enable loved ones to share emotional hellos and goodbyes.
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Fresno Yosemite International Airport is exploring a significant policy shift that would allow non-ticketed visitors to greet arriving passengers or bid farewell to departing loved ones at the gate. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“Whether welcoming a family member home after a long absence, sharing a meal, or holding a business meeting, an airport can facilitate all these different experiences for people,” Thorpe told the Fresno Bee.
Thorpe noted that the adjustment could enhance the passenger experience and remind the community that an airport is a “unique place.” He explained that expanding access past TSA checkpoints would allow visitors to dine and shop alongside arriving and departing travelers, generating revenue for the airport while providing loved ones with additional time together before flights.
“It fosters a sense of love and connection with that airport. And perhaps, it means they will choose to fly out of here more,” he said.
The proposed change would restore the emotional send-offs and gate-side reunions that were common before Sept. 11, 2001. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
Introducing a high volume of non-ticketed guests could potentially strain TSA staffing, increase security checkpoint wait times, and overcrowd seating at terminal gates.
Any such program would also require TSA approval, security screening, and adherence to limits imposed by the airport.
Although Thorpe is enthusiastic about expanding airport access to non-ticketed visitors, he recognizes that security remains a top priority.
“Safety and security come before everything else. There are other exciting things at the airport… But our core responsibility is that safety and security element,” Thorpe said.
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Under post-9/11 policies, access beyond airport security checkpoints was generally restricted to ticketed travelers, although airlines could issue gate passes in certain circumstances. (REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer / Reuters Photos)
Should Fresno adopt the change, it would join six other California airports that have already implemented programs permitting approved non-ticketed visitors beyond security checkpoints.
Other Golden State airports with expanded access include Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Ontario International Airport, San Diego International Airport, Palm Springs International Airport, and John Wayne Airport, making California the state with the most airports offering such programs.
More than 20 airports nationwide allow non-ticketed visitors to receive a guest pass to move through airport security and into the terminal at no charge, with Pittsburgh International Airport being the first major U.S. airport to enact the policy in 2017.
