Detroit airport terminal

Detroit Airport Becomes Third in U.S. To Offer Terminal Access to Non-Ticketed Visitors

People who want to wait inside terminals for a loved one to arrive can now do so after going through the same security procedures as ticketed passengers.

Three airports across the United States now allow individuals to go through security and visit certain terminals without having plane tickets. 

As of Tuesday, the Detroit Metro Airport has joined the Pittsburgh International Airport and Tampa International Airport in allowing some people to come to the airport to shop, eat and, perhaps most commonly, wait for someone to arrive or escort a loved one to their gate.

People who want this perk will have to register the day before their visit to the airport through the Detroit airport website. Once they arrive at the airport, visitors will follow the same security procedures as passengers with tickets.

From Tuesday through Sunday, the DTW Destination Pass program will be available to 75 visitors per day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at both the McNamara and North terminals. In a statement, the Wayne County Airport Authority said that it gives visitors the ability to enjoy the airport’s amenities.

“Last year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) amended its regulations, giving airports more flexibility when allowing non-ticketed visitors into the gate area," the authority said. 

The pilot will end on Jan. 5, but the airport could extend the program after evaluating how it is used and its cost to provide the service, authority spokeswoman Lisa Gass told The Detroit Free Press.

Some travelers were worried that the addition of 75 people per day could extend wait times in security lines, but Gass said that the airport does not anticipate the program “adversely impacting our traveling customers.”

“However, during peak departure times, priority in the checkpoint line will be given to ticketed passengers catching flights,” Gass said. “Issuance of passes may be suspended during these times.”

Gate-pass programs are already permanent in Pittsburgh and Tampa, USA TODAY reported. In 2017, Pittsburgh was the first airport to offer the non-ticketed visitor program and allows people to apply in person at a special counter in the terminal. In April, Tampa introduced its own program and limits the amount of non-ticketed guests to 25 people per airside. The program is also only available on Saturdays.

Seattle piloted a similar program in 2018 and is still deciding whether or not to bring it back on a temporary or permanent basis, according to USA TODAY. Airports must submit formal proposals to the TSA to amend their security plans before moving ahead with pilot programs, according to a TSA spokeswoman. The idea has picked up new momentum in 2019 and could expand to more airports next year.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.