San Diego International Airport in California will reopen its doors to non-passengers with some restrictions. The County Regional Airport Authority recently launched a program that allows non-passengers to enter the terminal after security screening just like passengers. This initiative aims to provide access not only for greetings and farewells but also for dining and shopping opportunities within the terminals. The move follows a trend of some U.S. airports gradually easing restrictions on non-passengers after the events of September 11, 2001, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
On November 19, the airport authority introduced the free “SAN Pass” program. Kimberly Becker, President and CEO of the Airport Authority, stated, “If you have ever wanted to say goodbye to family or friends at the gate or enjoy the high-quality dining and shopping options in Terminals 1 and 2 without boarding a flight, this program offers that opportunity.”
Becker further expressed, “We are delighted to provide a safe and convenient way for a broader segment of the San Diego community to experience the airport’s terminal facilities.”
Visitors can apply for the SAN Pass on the same day or up to 7 days in advance for free. The daily quota is limited to no more than 60 people on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to approval by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The application website is: san.org/relax-before-you-fly/san-pass-program/.
According to the website, applicants must provide a TSA-accepted photo identification, such as a Real ID driver’s license from California, passport, passport card, etc. If approved, the pass will be emailed to the applicant.
Holders of the pass, like regular travelers, must undergo security screening. However, they do not need a plane ticket; they only need the SAN Pass and identification. The SAN Pass must be displayed on a mobile phone or electronic device as airport security does not accept printed copies.
SAN Pass holders are not eligible to use TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or other expedited airport pathway programs.
Minors also need to apply for their own pass and must be accompanied throughout by an approved adult SAN Pass holder. Each adult can accompany a maximum of three minors.
Prior to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many U.S. airports allowed unrestricted access for non-passengers. Since then, and especially after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, many airports prohibited non-passengers beyond security checkpoints. Currently, a number of U.S. airports have reinstated non-passenger access, such as Tampa International Airport (TPA) in Florida, which implemented a similar limited and pre-registered policy for non-passengers in early November this year.
Other airports like Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), San Antonio International Airport (SAT), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) have also begun allowing access for non-passengers in recent years.
Major airports in California, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), have not yet reopened to non-passenger visitors. However, a midsize airport in eastern Los Angeles, Ontario International Airport (ONT), began its non-passenger access plan at the end of 2022.
San Diego International Airport has been undergoing renovations and expansions of its terminals and parking facilities in recent years. In September of this year, the first phase of renovations and expansion of Terminal 1 was completed and officially opened to the public.
The new Terminal 1 replaces the old Terminal 1, which had been in operation for nearly 60 years, bringing not only an expanded capacity but also introducing more modern facilities. The new terminal features 19 brand-new boarding gates, 69 self-service kiosks, 66 traditional ticket counters in the spacious ticketing hall, and 13 security lanes at the screening area. There are 7 baggage carousels handling up to 4,000 pieces of luggage per hour. Additionally, the terminal has expanded dining and shopping options and includes an outdoor dining area with views of the San Diego Bay and downtown skyline.