- Matador Network
- Posts
- Airport Guest Passes Are the Little-Known Way to Meet Family Inside the Airport
Airport Guest Passes Are the Little-Known Way to Meet Family Inside the Airport
You can meet family at the airport gate again
Photo: San Diego International Airport
Airport Guest Passes Are the Little-Known Way to Meet Family at the Gate
Love Actually’s opening scene, with friends and family reuniting at Heathrow’s arrival gates, still sparks a wave of nostalgia for a time when greeting loved ones at the gate was part of air travel. Until September 11, 2001, airport terminals were open to the public, allowing anyone to walk travelers to their gate, meet them when they landed, or simply wander the terminal.
That access quietly returned. More than 20 US airports now offer official guest pass programs, which allow non-ticketed visitors to enter post-security areas after clearing TSA. With a guest pass, you can meet arriving family, grab a meal together, browse shops, or explore airport art installations just like a ticketed passenger.
Here’s how airport guest passes work and how to get one.
H O L I D A Y S
12 Places Around the World That Go All Out With Holiday Light Displays
Holiday lights turn cities into destinations of their own. From illuminated seaside promenades to full-scale light festivals and projection-mapped landmarks, these displays have become centerpieces of winter travel. Here are the most spectacular holiday light displays around the world.
T I P S
Don’t Let TSA Ruin Christmas
Holiday travel is stressful enough without TSA undoing your carefully wrapped gifts. One common packing mistake can turn a suitcase full of presents into a mess before you even land. Here’s how to pack gifts the smart way.
G E A R
Stay Warm on the Slopes With These Stance Snow Socks
Photos: Tim Wenger
Cold feet can end a ski day fast. These Stance snow socks are designed to keep warmth in and discomfort out, even on the coldest lift rides.
S T A Y S
This Florida Keys Resort Is a Lesson in How to Take a Real Vacation
Photos: Baker’s Cay Resort
At Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo, relaxation comes naturally. Private beachfront views, quiet mangroves, and warm Gulf air create a stay that actually feels like time off.
Where to Stay
 |  |
Travel Well
The Matador Editorial Team
Reply