Non-Passengers Can Enjoy This Beloved Airport Tradition For The First Time In Decades

Prior to 9/11, airports were envisioned differently. While security checkpoints still operated at every airport, the general public was allowed (and even encouraged) to pass through to grab a bite to eat with friends and family before they set off on a long journey, or shop 'til they dropped at airport malls. As an example, before Pittsburgh's sleek new airport terminal was rebuilt earlier this year, it was known as the "airmall." During its heyday in the 1990s, the airport was a destination not only for connecting passengers who could dodge sales tax, but also for locals who could visit specialty stores. In Utah, family and friends would gather at the gate to welcome home LDS missionaries at Salt Lake City International Airport. Crowds still gather, though now before security.

However, it looks like the traditions of longer layovers, visiting friends and family who are connecting, or even making a full and meaningful staycation experience right at home are coming back full swing. At a growing number of airports across the United States, including Orlando, Seattle, San Diego, New Orleans, Nashville, Cleveland, Detroit, and now Oakland, passengers can register with the airport authorities in advance to pass through the TSA checkpoint, even if they do not have a ticket to fly. You'll be able to pass through security between specific hours to enjoy a bite to eat and experience a taste of 90s nostalgia as long as you meet the simple requirements, no travel shampoos needed.

Whether you're off to check out the Sub Pop store at SeaTac, watch live music in Nashville, or hang out in Cleveland, you'll have to follow the same general procedures to pass through TSA. Hop on the airport's website and make a free guest pass reservation online in advance or do it from a kiosk at the airport in the case of Detroit (it was named as one of America's best airports, after all). When making your reservation, be sure to provide your full name, gender, and date of birth for each member of your group — just like purchasing a plane ticket — as well as an email address to receive a digital code to pass through the TSA checkpoint. At TSA, you'll have to show the agent your digital pass, along with your Real ID and follow all item restrictions as if you were flying. Note that a pass does not mean access to the departure side of the terminal.

Though TSA rules are standardized, each local airport has specific rules for guest pass holders, from which security checkpoint to use to how many times you can pass through security. Be sure to read them carefully. Booking ahead is highly recommended as only 75 to a few hundred passes are allocated to the general public every day at different airports. Once they're gone, they're gone. If you're running late to meet someone, note that guest pass holders are only allowed to go through the slower-moving standard TSA line, even if you have TSA Precheck or Clear. But security should be a breeze if you only have your phone, keys, and wallet, and at least you won't have to go through one of the most annoying parts of security at most airports anymore.