Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is trying out a plan to allow nontravelers to once again access passenger-only areas that lie beyond the security checkpoints run by the federal government. That would make it among the first airports in the nation to reintroduce the practice since it was suspended in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
The pilot initiative dubbed the “Visitor Pass Program,” starts Friday, allowing those without tickets to reach the domestic-travel gates provided they meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements, according to an emailed statement from the airport.
“For me it is nostalgic,” Lance Lyttle, managing director of Sea-Tac airport said by phone on Thursday. “As a child I used to go to the airport and watch loved ones board the plane and depart. The fact that you can say goodbye to your loved one or child or meet them at the gate and surprise them is very exciting.”
In addition to reviving the traditional airport experience for families and friends, the plan aims to boost retailers and restaurants at the facility. The airport’s statement encourages nontravelers to take advantage of the day pass to go shopping or simply watch planes and participate in airport events, even if they’re not dropping off or picking up travelers.
