In what we now usually consult with as “the great outdated days of air journey,” it was widespread for family and friends members to be ready on the gate once you stepped off the aircraft to present you a giant hug.
It was additionally regular for them to go together with you to the airport, hang around for a meal or a snack within the terminal after which wave goodbye as you headed down the jetway to your flight.
Now, in fact, all of the emotional enterprise should happen curbside or on the entry to the safety checkpoint lane … or does it?
In a development that warms our hearts, greater than a dozen U.S. airports now have applications that invite nonticketed visitors to use at no cost passes that grant permission to undergo airport safety and spend time within the terminal. They will store, dine, view artwork displays, take heed to dwell music, watch planes come and go and, sure, spend extra time with family members.
These applications are nice for family and friends. To not point out, the open-arms coverage additionally advantages postsecurity airport outlets and eating places.
How airport gate cross applications work
At airports providing gate cross applications (listed beneath), nonticketed visitors should both enroll on-line forward of time — normally between 24 hours and 7 days earlier than their deliberate go to — or, in some circumstances, at a kiosk within the terminal on the day they hope to go to.
The steps for making use of for a cross can fluctuate by airport, however all applications will ask you to supply your full identify and the date you need to go to. Some airports take it from there and have the Transportation Safety Administration run your info via the system. Others ask you to scan a passport or Actual ID. Relying on the airport, the appliance approval window can vary from instantly (at airports with on-site kiosks) to only after midnight on the day you requested a go to.
If a cross will get authorized, you will want to point out that digital code together with your ID and undergo safety screening together with ticketed passengers. TSA PreCheck and different expedited safety lane standing will not be honored, and, in some circumstances, passholders might be required to undergo a selected checkpoint. The variety of hours you’re allowed to remain within the terminal — and what you carry with you — may additionally be restricted, so remember to learn all of the directions.
US airports with gate cross applications (as of August 2025)
Cleveland Hopkins Worldwide Airport (CLE)
New as of Aug. 11, Cleveland Hopkins Worldwide Airport gives the Hopkins Hangout Cross.
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Functions are accepted on-line as early as seven days however no later than sooner or later earlier than your proposed go to date, and the airport’s restrict is 100 guests per day.
Kansas Metropolis Worldwide Airport (MCI) in Missouri
Kansas Metropolis Worldwide Airport, which opened its must-see new terminal in 2023, rolled out its Visitor Cross Program in July 2025.
Chances are you’ll apply on-line one to seven days previous to your proposed go to and on the identical day as your go to if spots can be found. Stays longer than six hours should not permitted.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Worldwide Airport (MSY)
The Indulge MSY Visitor Cross started because the MSY Visitor Cross program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans Worldwide Airport again in 2019, shortly after the airport moved into its new terminal.
Functions for gate passes are accepted on-line forward of a deliberate go to; for a day-of go to, functions are accepted at a kiosk on Stage 1 close to baggage declare between doorways 2 and three. Passholders have entry to the safe aspect of the airport between 3:30 a.m. and eight p.m.
Philadelphia Worldwide Airport (PHL)
The Wingmate Cross at Philadelphia Worldwide Airport limits visitor passes to 100 guests a day.
You’ll be able to apply as much as seven days upfront however should accomplish that not less than 24 hours earlier than a deliberate go to. Guests are allowed within the safe space between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m., with a six-hour restrict for every keep.
Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA)
At Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport, the SEA Customer Cross Program is proscribed to 300 visitors per day.
Apply on-line on the day of your go to or as much as seven days upfront. Cross customers should enter via TSA Checkpoint 4 and are allowed within the terminal between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The final entry time is 9 p.m.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Nonticketed visitors might apply for a same-day DTW Vacation spot Cross at kiosks on the departure ranges of each the McNamara and Evans terminals at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. They could use passes from 4 a.m. till 9 p.m.
Nashville Worldwide Airport (BNA)
Nashville Worldwide Airport has a number of dwell music phases and a liquor coverage that allows clients to take their bought drinks to the gates and different spots within the terminal.
The airport rolled out its BNA Passport in July 2024 and points 75 visitor passes every day to visitors who apply on-line.
Palm Springs Worldwide Airport (PSP) in California
Palm Springs Worldwide Airport gives a Keep & Play Customer Cross that you could apply for as much as seven days previous to your deliberate go to. As with different gate cross applications, if you cannot choose a selected date to your go to, it means all passes for that day have already been allotted.
San Antonio Worldwide Airport (SAT)
You’ll be able to apply on-line for a SAT Cross to go to San Antonio Worldwide Airport as much as seven days upfront. The airport additionally accepts functions for same-day visits if the each day quota for passes has not but been met.
Tulsa Worldwide Airport (TUL) in Oklahoma
The TUL Customer Cross Program at Tulsa Worldwide Airport accepts functions as much as seven days earlier than a deliberate go to. Each digital and printed passes are honored on the checkpoint at or after the authorized begin time and as much as 9 p.m.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in California
John Wayne Airport in Orange County welcomes nonticketed visitors with its OC AirPass. From 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., you possibly can apply for a same-day cross on the info cubicles in Terminal A, B or C on the decrease degree of the bag declare space.
Ontario Worldwide Airport (ONT) in California
Southern California’s Ontario Worldwide Airport accepts functions for its ONT+ Customer Cross Program on-line the day of your go to and as much as seven days upfront. Present your digital cross and ID on the authorized terminal (2 or 4).
Capital Regional Worldwide Airport (LAN) in Michigan
Capital Regional Worldwide Airport in Lansing welcomes 25 guests via its LAN Customer Cross on weekdays solely. Visits are restricted to 4 hours per day, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Functions should be made not less than 24 hours earlier than a go to, and same-day requests are accepted.
Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Washington
Cozy Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco — which has flights to Seattle and 9 different main cities — gives a PSC Cross for as much as 10 guests every day. These should apply on-line no later than 8:30 p.m. the day earlier than the requested go to date.
Gate cross applications on maintain
As of July, the MCO Customer Cross Program for Terminal C at Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO) is on maintain.
We anticipate that Pittsburgh Worldwide Airport (PIT), which was the primary airport to supply a gate cross program again in 2017, will revive its MyPITpass program as soon as the brand new landside terminal opens this fall.
