Airports allow non-traveling public past security entrances for first time in decades

An airport tradition of years gone by is slowly making its way back to certain locations in the US, following massive changes in air travel security procedures after the terror attacks of Sept.11.Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) in California announced this week it will be introducing guest passes for “non-passengers,” for example. Visitors can proceed to the post-security side of the passenger terminal to accompany friends or loved ones who are flying out, the airport notes on its website.

 “Non-passengers” must apply online for security clearance up to seven days in advance of the day they want to visit the airport, according to the new process.After people fill out the form, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will approve the visit by sending the “non-passengers” an OAK guest pass.“Non-passengers” have to present the pass along with a TSA-approved photo ID, such as a passport or Real ID.Before 2001, US airports generally allowed almost anyone — even those without a boarding pass — to pass through security and wait at the gate.After the Sept.11 attacks, the TSA was created, and federal regulations began requiring airports to restrict access to secured areas.These rules mandate that only passengers with a valid boarding pass may enter post-security areas.A few other airports have begun to offer “non-passenger” passes, while others plan to roll them out in the future. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has a “hangout pass,” while San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has a “SAT Pass,” according to the airports’ websites. Kansas City International Airport, for its part, has a “guest pass.”Other passes include a “wingmate pass” at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and a “destination pass” at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.In the “r/travel” forum on Reddit, one user asked, “How was airport security before 2001?”Travelers jumped to the comments section to share nostalgic me...