For the first time in nearly 25 years, more than 20 U.S. airports are officially letting non-fliers go past security into the gates, shops, and restaurants — no boarding pass required. ([Matador Network][1])

🔑 What They Are
Airport guest passes let people without airline tickets enter the post–TSA security areas of select airports. Once approved, guests go through the same security screening as travelers and can then access terminals to:

• meet arriving friends or family right at the gate
• say goodbye at departure gates
• enjoy duty-free shops, dining, art, and lounges
  This is a nostalgic throwback to the pre-9/11 era when anyone could walk into the terminal. ([Matador Network][1])

📈 Why They’re Growing
Airports are adopting these programs for two main reasons:

1. Travel nostalgia: They bring back the emotional goodbye/hello moments that modern security largely ended.
2. More spending: Extra visitors can boost revenue at airport restaurants, bars, and stores that struggled during pandemic downturns. ([Matador Network][1])

🛂 How To Get One
Each airport runs its own program, but most follow a similar process:

• Apply online on the airport’s site (best to apply up to a week in advance).
• TSA reviews and approves applications.
• If accepted, you get a digital pass tied to a specific date and terminal.
• Show your pass and valid ID at security and go through screening like a regular passenger. ([Matador Network][1])

📍 Where They Exist (Examples)
Some current programs include:

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Michigan: DTW Destination Pass
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Louisiana: MSY Guest Pass
• Nashville International Airport, Tennessee: BNA Passport
• Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, California: OAK Guest Pass Program
• Philadelphia International Airport, Pennsylvania: Wingmate Pass
• San Diego International Airport, California: SAN Pass
• Tampa International Airport, Florida: TPA All Access Pass

And many more across the U.S. at the Source Matador Network here available