Oakland Airport launches visitor pass program for non-fliers to reach gates

December 19, 2025 at 11:02 PM•2 min read

Oakland International Airport (OAK) launched a new visitor pass program, allowing non-fliers to access gates and spend more time with travelers.

Key Points

1Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the first Bay Area airport to implement a visitor pass program, allowing non-fliers access to gate areas.
2Guests must apply online up to seven days in advance to receive approval from the airport and TSA for same-day gate access.
3The program allows families and friends to spend more time together at the gate, reviving a practice common before enhanced security measures post-9/11.
4Similar visitor pass programs are currently offered at major US airports including Seattle-Tacoma, Detroit, and Orlando.

Oakland International Airport (OAK) introduced a new visitor pass program this week, allowing individuals without boarding passes to clear TSA security checkpoints and access the gate areas. This initiative permits guests to greet arriving passengers or bid farewell to departing loved ones directly at the gate, reviving a practice common in air travel prior to the security enhancements following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Airport Director of Aviation Craig Simon stated that the program aims to provide travelers and their families with additional time together, particularly during the busy holiday travel season.

To utilize the service, applicants must register online up to seven days in advance, or on the same day of the flight, to receive approval for the visitor pass. The approved pass must then be presented to a TSA agent at the security checkpoint. OAK is reportedly the first airport in the San Francisco Bay Area and one of the first in California to implement such a system.

Nationally, similar visitor pass programs are already operational at major hubs including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Detroit Metro Airport, and Orlando International Airport. Pittsburgh International Airport pioneered the modern iteration of this concept in 2017. The launch coincides with high travel volumes; despite the relaxed access for visitors, airport officials continue to advise domestic travelers to arrive two hours and international travelers three hours prior to scheduled departure time due to anticipated congestion.