Sea-Tac visitors go past TSA areas
Remember the “old days” when you could go out to the gates at the airport to send a loved one off or be there with a big hug to greet them as soon as they exited the plane?
In the United States that rite of travel ended after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.
Now Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has rolled out the SEA Visitor Pass, a pilot program that gives the public access to activities past the security checkpoints.
If all goes well, the program may be extended year-round.
“It’s been 17 years since anyone without a ticket has been able to enjoy areas of the airport beyond security,” Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins said.
Sea-Tac’s visitor pass pilot program runs through Dec. 15 and will allow nonticketed visitors through security checkpoints Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Only 50 visitors will be allowed into the airport each of those days.
According to the Port of Seattle, visitors will need to apply online before 1:30 p.m. the day before they wish to visit the airport.
If the TSA approves their application, the visitor will be notified by midnight the day before they plan to enter.
All visitors will be required to go through the same security checkpoint requirements as ticketed passengers, and meeting travelers at the gates will be restricted to domestic arrivals only.