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To proceed, you must first scan your boarding pass before passing through security. But what if you don’t have one? What if you only want to go to the airport terminal without traveling anywhere?
In this post, we explain why you can’t walk past security without a boarding card (for the most part) and tell you when certain travelers may. People may even shop at duty-free stores and dine in fine restaurants in some airports without having a valid air ticket for last minute flights.
Currently, most airports across the world only accept ticketed travelers. Under normal conditions, most airports in North America and Europe allow non-passengers through security. Guards are stationed at airport gates in countries where terrorism is a concern, such as India, Nepal, and most of Africa. Passengers with domestic and international holiday packages must present a copy of their flight itinerary to get entry.
The basic norm is that you can enter the terminal building without having to purchase any tickets for last minute flights. However, entering the restricted area (i.e. the region where you must go through security) would usually need the use of a boarding permit. Before admitting you inside the screening hall, airport security agents will typically verify your passport and boarding card. Automatic gates that scan your boarding ticket and passport are being used in several airports. Without a valid ticket, no one may enter.
Without a valid airline ticket, you may generally enter the airport’s main terminal and find the check-in/luggage drop-off offices. This means you might follow someone into the airport, assist them in checking in their baggage, then depart just before they go through security. Some individuals prefer to purchase their plane tickets for domestic and international holiday packages on the spot, which explains why airports allow normal passengers to enter.
Things have altered, however, during the COVID-19 epidemic. Most airports now refuse entry to anyone who does not have a valid flight ticket in order to limit the number of persons inside. Typically, there is an extra check at the terminal’s main door. You may buy a ticket on the spot by using your phone.
At airports equipped with CAT units, a TSA officer can scan a passenger’s picture ID. The CAT device will then connect the tourist’s identification to their flight data, including confirming that the person has a ticket for that day. This means you won’t have to present your boarding pass when going through security.
Yes. A non-traveler may be awarded a gate pass under specific conditions. The pass will allow the traveler to proceed through security to the airside section of the terminal. A gate pass, on the other hand, will not allow the bearer to board an aircraft.
The laws and regulations that regulate who may be awarded a gate pass differ by jurisdiction.
You very certainly can. You’d need to stop at the ticket counter and obtain a gate pass. This would allow you to proceed to the gate area after passing through security. You will need your identification as well as the flight tickets to India and details of the person you are meeting or dropping off. Remember that the airline is not required to provide you with a gate pass. You will receive one if you are dropping off or picking up an unaccompanied child, but it is the only time they are sure to say yes. If you pick up or drop off an elderly passenger, you may be told no if the individual requires wheelchair help.
By the way, if you are issued a gate pass, you will go through the screening process exactly like you would if you were flying with the best deals on flight tickets. So don’t try to sneak your drink through security, and especially don’t bring anything like a pocket knife. Those goods should be left at home or in your vehicle. Some exceptional cases in which you’ll be allowed to pass through the checkpoints:
You can apply for a free airport Gate Pass if you are a family member of a US Military Service member and wish to accompany or greet him at the airport gate. The TSA normally enables Military Service family members to receive Gate Passes, although the procedures for obtaining them vary by airline and location.
To obtain a gate pass, contact the airline with whom your Military family member will be traveling and inquire about the application process. It’s usually done at the check-in counters. To obtain a valid gate pass, applicants just simply go there and provide identification.
If you are accompanying someone who requires special assistance, such as kids, the elderly, or those with special needs, you can apply for a gate pass. This is normally done several days before travel by contacting or emailing the airline. On their website, they usually include gate pass application forms. The escort pass is normally free.
Prior to COVID, a few airports were testing systems that allowed non-passengers to bypass the TSA checkpoint. Of course, they weren’t doing this out of altruism or to give you a better perspective of takeoffs and landings. It was so customers could make use of the shopping and dining options inside the safe area (I could picture something like that at One Flew South or Cask & Larder). But what about Sbarro or the Life Is Good store? Perhaps not so much).
In any case, the majority of the programs took place and then died. Due to COVID, a handful of the ones that made it a permanent thing (I’m looking at you, Tampa, and Pittsburgh) have canceled it, at least “temporarily.” However, a few airports continue to provide this service:
Before 2001, non-passengers could travel with last minute flights to whatever airport they choose since obtaining a gate pass from the airlines was simple. However, due to the terror attacks and safety concerns after 2001, it became extremely difficult to pass through airport security without a legitimate airline ticket. You can now only enter if you are accompanying a kid, the elderly, those with special needs, a military duty family member, or if you are attending one of the few airports that grant visitor cards.
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