While saying goodbye at the gate used to be the stuff of old-school romance movies, it is increasingly becoming possible again as some airports experiment with the idea of the "day pass" allowing those without booked flights to explore the post-security part of the airport.
Cities with airports that allow visitors to book a day at the airport include Seattle-Tacoma, New Orleans and, most recently, Orlando. After finishing construction of the new terminal, Orlando International Airport launched the ExperienceMCO program, opening it up to visitors without tickets between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
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While most of the day pass programs have focused on allowing visitors to eat at post-security restaurants and otherwise explore the airport, Philadelphia International Airport just announced that it will be launching a program for those who want to accompany loved ones all the way to the gate during the holidays.
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Want to accompany a friend to the gate? Here's how the new airport program will work
Known as the PHL Wingmate Pass, the program allows non-travelers to apply for clearance to enter the post-security area either before or on the day of their planned entry — after getting clearance from the airport, one will be able to go through security with the rest of the travelers from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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"We receive many inquiries from friends and family members looking to escort a passenger to or from their gate," Philadelphia Airport's Director Of Marketing And Branding Megan O'Connell said in a statement. "The Wingmate Guest Pass will help loved ones spend more time with their family members before take-off or create a memorable arrival experience."
While positioned as a way to send someone off at the gate, the Wingmate Pass can also be used for those who just want to see the inside of the airport or eat at some of the restaurants not accessible to those who have not cleared security. The service, which the airport positions as a "new amenity for nonticketed guests," is free but one will need to pay inflated airport prices if buying food or shopping at the traveler shops.
The airport day pass stems from the hotel industry
The pass will be available from Nov. 1 onwards and is meant to test interest in this type of program. So long as one does not have any flags in one's traveler record, clearance will usually be given by email within fifteen minutes of applying for the pass on the same day and at 12 a.m. of the planned visit for those who apply in advance.
"We hope that, in addition to meeting loved ones, the public will use the Wingmate Guest Pass to access the airport's restaurants and shops and enjoy PHL's renowned Art Exhibitions Program," O'Connell said.
The idea for the airport day pass grew out of hotel industry offerings. Many resorts and even smaller hotels started selling day passes to use the pool and other amenities during the pandemic period for a separate profit stream.
While entering the airport is free, the idea is that visitors will spend at least some money once they are inside.
