Three US Airports Where You Can Go Through Security Without a Ticket

Jackie Reddy October 24, 2019

Non-ticketed visitors can now enter and pass through security checkpoints at three of the country’s airports. The programs at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) are permanent while Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) began its own trial earlier in the week.

Non-ticketed visitors are now able to enter and pass through security checkpoints at three of the nation’s airports, USA Today reports. Programs at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) all allow non-ticketed guests the chance to shop, eat or visit loved ones beyond security.

While the programs at the latter two airports are permanent, access at the former airport is being offered as part of a pilot program, the DTW Destination Pass. According to the facility’s website, the pass, “…is available for use from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at both the McNamara and North terminals.”

More information on the application and visiting process is available to view here.

In a statement quoted by the outlet, Chad Newton, CEO of Wayne County Airport Authority, the body which operates the facility, said, “The new regulations allow us to expand our gate pass program that already exists for our Westin hotel guests. Now we can welcome more community members into our home to create memorable moments – from watching planes to greeting family and friends.”

After the trial finishes, as airport spokesperson Lisa Gass explains, “Wayne County Airport Authority will be evaluating the use of the program, along with the airport’s cost to provide this service. We will also be reviewing the completed participant surveys.”

According to the outlet, the DTW Destination Pass will run through early 2020.

Detroit’s program may only be in the trial phase, but Pittsburgh International Airport introduced its myPITpass way back in 2017 while Tampa opened its program, TPA ALL Access, earlier this year. More information on both programs can be found here and here, respectively.

Finally, as the outlet reports, any and all such programs must have the prior approval of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).