FINALLY. This Game Changing Airport Trend Is Catching On — Including in Orlando

Ever wish you could go past airport security without a plane ticket?

Well, good news — more and more airports are starting to let you do exactly that. Several major airports across the U.S. now offer visitor pass programs that allow non-ticketed guests to hang out at the gate, surprise a loved one, or just grab dinner at Shake Shack while watching planes take off. And yes, Orlando International Airport (MCO) was in on it too… until recently. Here’s what’s going on with this airport trend — and how you can take advantage of it (or keep your eyes peeled for its return if you’re in Central Florida).

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

So What Are These Visitor Pass Programs Anyway?

Basically, these passes let you do what used to be totally off-limits unless you had a boarding pass. You can enter the secure side of an airport — past TSA — without flying anywhere. That means you can actually walk someone to their gate, meet them when they land, or spend a few hours exploring the terminal like you’re on a mini vacation.

These aren’t just limited to one airport, either. This is officially a thing.

The Big Players

This trend is spreading fast — and these airports are already on board:

San Antonio International Airport (SAT): The SAT Pass lets you visit the terminal from your approved start time until 9 PM. Apply online the same day or up to a week in advance. But spots are limited, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): The PHL Wingmate Pass allows up to 100 non-ticketed guests each day to go through security and hang out airside for six hours. You’ll choose your terminal and TSA time slot when applying online up to seven days in advance.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): SEA was ahead of the curve — its Visitor Pass program started in 2018. It allows 300 people per day through Checkpoint 3 from 5 AM to 9 PM. You can re-enter multiple times, but each time you’ll need to go through TSA again.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW): DTW’s Destination Pass is one of the few you apply for in person. Use the kiosks in either terminal to register, then use the pass the same day between 5 AM and 9 PM.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL): Apply online for a Tulsa Visitor Pass either the same day or up to seven days ahead. You’ll be assigned a terminal and a start time, and you’re not allowed to bring hand-carried luggage.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): The MSY Guest Pass is available every day of the week, with 50 weekday spots and 100 on weekends. You’ll need to apply at least 24 hours in advance and check in at the Customer Service Desk before heading to security.
Capital Region International Airport (LAN): The LAN Visitor Pass is super limited — only 25 passes a day, first come, first served. You can explore the secure area for up to four hours between 8 AM and 5 PM, or until TSA closes.
John Wayne Airport (SNA): At SNA in Orange County, you’ll head to the Information Booth in Terminal A, B, or C to get an OC AirPASS. It’s printed and must be carried with you at all times — even after clearing security.
Ontario International Airport (ONT): The ONT+ Visitor Pass gets you into a specific terminal at a specific time, and printed passes aren’t accepted — digital only. You’ll need to show photo ID and keep your phone charged to display your pass.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): After TSA approves your PSP Stay and Play Pass, you’ll get it via email the morning of your visit. Same-day requests are allowed. When going through security, let the officer know you’re using a pass — and starting in May 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID to qualify.
San Diego International Airport (SAN): The SAN Gate Pass is part of a pilot program that lets non-ticketed guests access Terminal 2. Apply online up to seven days in advance, and once approved, show your pass (on your phone — no printouts!) and TSA-approved ID at the checkpoint.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI): At KCI, guest passes are free but limited to 10 per hour. Apply online up to a week in advance and watch for your approval email, which arrives the day before your visit. All guests go through TSA and can’t use Pre-Check lanes.
Tri-Cities Airport (TRI): This Tennessee airport keeps it extra exclusive — only 10 PSC Passes are given out each day, and you can only apply once per month. All applications are due before 8:30 PM the night before, and same-day requests aren’t accepted.

And Yes — Orlando (MCO) Was In On It, Too

Let’s talk about MCO. Orlando launched its own program called the Experience MCO Visitor Pass, which let non-ticketed guests explore Terminal C. It was a big deal — Terminal C has some of the airport’s most high-tech features and dining options, so the program gave people a reason to visit even if they weren’t flying.

You did need to follow the rules: no hand-carried luggage, digital pass only, and you couldn’t use it to meet someone arriving from an international flight. But otherwise, it was an easy way to feel like a traveler without booking a flight.

Unfortunately, as of July 31st, 2025, the program is on hold. Here’s the official statement from the airport:

“Thank you for your interest in the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program. We are glad to see that so many have enjoyed connecting to new experiences in our innovative Terminal C. Based on the popularity of the program, we are reassessing staffing and operations. In the interim, the program is unavailable. We hope to return it for your enjoyment soon.”

So while it’s not available right this second, it’s definitely something to watch for — because if enough people show interest, MCO could bring it back stronger than ever.

Why This Is a Big Deal

For anyone who remembers post-9/11 airport rules tightening up, this is a major shift. Being able to meet your family at the gate or hang out in the terminal with them is something we haven’t been able to do in decades.

It’s also a cool option for foodies (some airport dining is seriously underrated) or just people looking for a change of scenery without committing to a flight. Want to sit at a wine bar and watch planes take off after work? Now you can — no boarding pass needed.

What To Know Before You Go

If you’re thinking about trying one of these passes, a few tips:

Apply early if possible. Most of these programs have daily caps, and they fill up fast — especially on weekends and holidays.
Read the fine print. Some passes are terminal-specific, some don’t allow luggage, and many require you to show your pass on a mobile device.
Don’t bring prohibited items. You still have to go through TSA, so no skipping the rules just because you’re not flying.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on MCO and letting you know the second the Visitor Pass program returns. In the meantime, this trend is picking up steam — and if you live near one of these airports or have a layover coming up, it’s definitely worth looking into.

Check back with AllEars again soon for more.