Bay Area Airport To Let Visitors Say Goodbye At The Gate

BAY AREA, CA — For the first time in more than two decades, a California airport will allow families and loved ones to say their goodbyes or greetings at the gate.

However, travelers and their visitors will need to plan ahead.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport started offering its new OAK Guest Pass this week, which will allow people without airline tickets to pass through security, where they can dine with or give loved ones and friends one last hug before the bridge door closes.

The Oakland airport joins at least three other California airports that allow guest passes, including Palm Springs International Airport, San Diego International Airport and John Wayne Airport. San Francisco International Airport is also launching its own guest pass program, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The return of gate-side greetings and farewells marks a throwback to a once-common emotional tradition that disappeared from U.S. airports after security tightened in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Such programs are part of a larger push to turn terminals back into destinations for shopping, dining and visiting with travelers.

Here’s how the new OAK Guest Pass works:

According to the airport, prospective visitors can apply the day of their visit or up to seven days in advance. However, waiting until the last minute runs the risk that capacity will be reached.

Visitors, just like passengers, are required to bring either a passport or a REAL ID-compliant state-issued identification card or license. Those applying in advance will receive an email indicating whether their visit is approved by TSA after midnight on the day of their visit. Those applying for same day entrance will receive an email with their approval status within approximately 15 minutes.

Guests who are approved will get an OAK Guest Pass attached to the approval notification email. When entering the TSA Checkpoint, guests should open the OAK Guest Pass attachment to provide to the TSA, along with your TSA-approved photo ID.

Visitors will also need to go through the same security regulations as passengers. For more information, visit this link.