Security lines at Detroit Metro are set to increase as airport allows people airside WITHOUT A TICKET so you can wave-off family and friends at the gate, shop and go plane spotting
- Passengers without a ticket will be allowed to clear security at Detroit airport
- The idea is to allow travelers to be with loved ones or friends for longer
- Airport will issue 75 ‘gate passes’ a day every day except Mondays
- Pittsburgh, Seattle and Tampa airports already run similar schemes
With the holiday season only a month away and millions of people set to travel, officials at Detroit Metro Airport have found a way to make the airport security line even longer.
From Tuesday, visitors that are not travelling are able to go through security and enter the terminals, even if they don’t have a ticket to fly.
The Transportation Security Administration amended its regulations last year, giving airports more flexibility to allow visitors without tickets into the gate area.
Passengers without a ticket will be allowed to clear security at Detroit airport. The idea is to allow travelers to be with loved ones or friends for longer
‘The new regulations allow us to expand our gate pass program that already exists for our Westin hotel guests,’ Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton said to ClickOnDetroit.
‘Now we can welcome more community members into our home to create memorable moments – from watching planes to greeting family and friends.’
But the scheme did not seem to appeal to many potential travelers who took time to voice the opposition on Twitter.
‘This is so stupid. That’s what we need. More people in tsa lines’ wrote one. ‘All these people in the comments who never flew before 9/11 and only know the unnecessary clampdowns that followed,’ said another.
Several Twitter users seemed in favour of the change in tact. ‘I’m really happy about this! Now, we can see family members off and be there to receive them as well,’ one person wrote.
‘Should be a boost to the romantic comedy industry,’ joked another.
‘This is so stupid. That’s what we need. More people in tsa lines’ wrote one
. ‘All these people in the comments who never flew before 9/11 and only know the unnecessary clampdowns that followed,’ said another.
Several Twitter users seemed in favour of the change in tact however for various reasons
‘I’m really happy about this! Now, we can see family members off and be there to receive them as well,’ one person wrote.
‘Should be a boost to the romantic comedy industry,’ joked another.
Visitors to DTW airport will be able to enter the post-security areas between 8am and 8pm Tuesday through Sunday, thanks to the Destination Pass program. Up to 75 visitor passes per day will be issued.
It means that people who don’t have a flight to catch will be able to visit restaurants, greet arriving travelers or spend times with loved ones before they get on a plane. surprise arriving travelers or spend extra time with loved ones scheduled to depart.
Those wishing to pass through security must apply for a pass through the airport’s website the day before their visit – they will be emailed when approved.
The airport will issue 75 ‘gate passes’ a day every day except Mondays
Applicants will receive an email notification upon approval, as well as detailed instructions. They must submit to the same security regulations as airplane passengers.
Visitors under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
During peak departure times, priority in the checkpoint line will be given to ticketed passengers trying to catch flights, officials say.
The DTW Destination Pass will start as a trial with it ending on January 5.
The scheme already operates at three other U.S. airports including Pittsburgh, Seattle Tacoma and Tampa.