Hugs And Kisses Return To Airport Arrival, Departure Gates In Ontario And Palm Springs

ONTARIO, CA — Before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, anyone could go to an airport terminal gate without a ticket or identification. Family members and friends could walk with their loved ones to a departure gate or surprise them at an arrival gate. Hanging out together at restaurants before or after a flight was also allowed.

That "old-times" access has returned to a few airports, including Ontario International and Palm Springs International, but it's not without security precautions. For example, Ontario offers a free ONT+ Visitor Pass Program that allows non-traveling members into passenger terminals. An online application, TSA approval, digital access, and an email account are required to enroll.

Launched in 2022, Ontario International Airport was the first in the nation to introduce the program and remains one of only a handful of U.S. airports to offer this level of access. As of mid-December 2025, ONT was on track to surpass 100,000 registered program users.

According to Ontario International Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer Atif Elkadi, the program is now being replicated at airports across California and the country.

Palm Springs International Airport is among them. The Stay & Play Visitor Pass, launched in early 2024, allows members to get through security without an airline ticket. Like Ontario's program, an online application, TSA approval, digital access, and an email account are required to enroll.

Other California airports that offer similar programs include:

• John Wayne Airport offers an OC AirPASS.
• Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport recently launched its OAK Guest Pass Program.
• San Diego International Airport offers its SAN Pass Program.

All visitor pass programs at participating California airports are first-come, first-served, and the red tape is similar across them. A guest pass can be applied for online on the day of the visit or up to several days in advance. Visitors filling out the online application must provide their date of birth, gender, and full legal name. TSA reviews the application and has the authority to approve or reject it.

While the visitor programs might not be as simple as in the old days, they are a return to heartfelt farewells, last-minute hugs, and gate-side arrival embraces.