Nonfliers can dine or shop at gate

Two airports now have beyond-security programs allowing those without tickets to enjoy airport dining, shopping or watching planes take off and land.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh International Airport became the first airport in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 to offer access beyond security to non-ticketed visitors. Known as MyPITPass, the program launched in September 2017 in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration. MyPITPass allows guests without a plane ticket to go through security and visit the airport’s Airside Terminal, where they can shop, dine and explore just as ticketed passengers do. Guests with the pass must go through the same TSA checkpoints and follow the same protocols as ticketed passengers. Info: Available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; flypittsburgh.com/mypit pass

Tampa, Fla.

Tampa International Airport continued the trend this year when it opened post-security amenities to the public. The airport recently finished construction on 70 shops and restaurants — most of which are beyond security — and, according to airport officials, many people in the Tampa Bay area wanted to experience them. About 600 people have used the program for non-ticketed visitors. The program, known as TPA All Access, has been booked since it began in May. Airport managers limited the program to the first 100 guests on Saturdays to ensure it didn’t affect TSA operations. They say the program didn’t hurt screening times, so they’ve upped the cap to 150 people each Saturday. Info: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; sign up at least 24 hours before visit; tampaair port.com/tpaallaccess

Seattle

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last year had a six-week beyond-security pilot program limited to 50 people per day Tuesdays through Saturdays. More than 1,100 people registered for the program, which airport officials say was well received. Officials are reviewing the program to determine whether it will be reinstated. Info: portseattle.org/sea-tac