GoKawiilA new program lets some people without plane tickets pass through airport security to greet or see off loved ones at the gate. Back before September 11, 2001, it was commonplace for family members to see their loved ones off at the departure gate, or be there to welcome them when they stepped off the jetway. But after the 9/11 attacks, which occurred 25 years ago this Friday, that changed.
TSA is bringing back a part of air travel that disappeared after 9/11
Why This Matters
The TSA is piloting a program that allows people without boarding passes to clear security and reach the gate, restoring a pre-9/11 ritual of greeting or sending off travelers. It signals a notable shift in aviation security posture, and could change how airports handle passenger volumes, screening capacity and the terminal experience.
Key Takeaways
- A new TSA program lets some ticketless visitors pass through security to reach departure gates.
- Gate greetings and send-offs largely ended after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
- The change marks a softening of a long-standing post-9/11 security restriction, with implications for screening throughput and airport operations.
Worth a Look
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