Airport in California to Allow Non-Travelers To Greet Their Love Ones At Gate or Spend More Time With Them Before Departure

It’s been a long time since family and friends could meet traveling loved ones at the airport gates. But California’s Ontario International Airport plans to go back to those days.

The Ontario International Airport is about 40 miles east of Los Angeles and recently announced it will launch a new program that allows non-travelers to secure an online visitor pass to access the post-security side of the terminal, Travel + Leisure reported.

Non-travelers can either greet loved ones at the gate or stay by their side before they board the plane.

Notably, the ONT+ program is free and can be used just like a ticket to pass through TSA security checkpoints, the airport confirmed.

“We all remember the excitement of being able to meet arriving family and friends as they get off the plane,” Dean Brown, the ONT Public Safety Administrator, said in a statement. “ONT+ is a way to bring back some of that experience from decades ago in a safe and secure manner.”

Non-travelers will have complete an application within seven days of their intended visit. Once approved, they will receive a pass by email. However, printed ONT+ visitor passes will not be accepted.

Non-travelers will be subject to the same TSA security rules as those departing, which includes not bringing large liquids with them.

The program brings back the days before 9/11 when it was possible to escort loved ones to and from the gate. 

The Ontario International Airport is the latest to offer the program. Seattle Tacoma Airport currently provides a similar program, which allows non-ticketed passengers to sign up to enter the secure side of the airport. Pittsburgh International Airport and Tampa International Airport tested similar programs in the past, but they have since been suspended.