CINCINNATI (WKRC) – A significant change in security protocols nationwide is altering the airport experience for countless passengers.
With the TSA discontinuing its shoe removal policy, and hints that it might soon permit liquids through security, some airports are now letting individuals without boarding passes pass through TSA checkpoints.
Air travel underwent significant changes following the September 11 attacks, including the establishment of the TSA and the implementation of various new security measures. One major adjustment was the restriction on picking up and dropping off family and friends at the terminal gates. Without a ticket, individuals could not pass through TSA checkpoints. This policy is now being modified at several airports throughout the country, including in Ohio.
At CVG on Thursday morning, attendees were arriving for the Cincinnati Music Festival. However, Anna Kapitola was departing Cincinnati, saying farewell to her father at the curb, hoping he could accompany her to the gate and be there when she comes back.
“Occasionally, when you’re alone and feeling nervous, you aren’t sure if they’ve arrived yet. So, it’s reassuring to know that they’re already there waiting to greet you,” said Kapitola.
That desire will soon become a reality at Cleveland’s Hopkins International Airport.
“We have introduced the Hopkins Hangout Pass, which we are excited to offer. It addresses a genuine community need for us,” said Megan O’Connell, Assistant Director of Marketing & Guest Experience at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Starting August 11 at Hopkins, guests can register online and go through TSA security screening even without a ticket. Initially, there will be a daily cap of 100 passes.
It might simply be that you want to surprise someone,” said O’Connell. “We’ve received requests from people who want to organize military homecomings. There are truly countless reasons for this. I started this program at other airports, and the response has usually been extremely positive, with touching stories about reunions and farewells.
“The TSA is completely supportive and has given approval for this program at CLE. To put everyone at ease, this isn’t an open-ended situation,” said O’Connell.
At CVG, visitors currently need to wait for arriving passengers on the street curb, at the top of the escalator in the baggage area, or in a specific waiting zone located away from the boarding gates. Colleen Troehler was with her husband and granddaughter, waiting for her son-in-law to pick up three additional grandchildren.
“It would be much more enjoyable to watch family members step off the plane,” said Troehler.
There are also several practical reasons for family members to meet you at the entrance.
We had to go past all those food places,” said Ben Chrisman, Troehler’s son-in-law. “And I’m not going to stop there [because my in-laws are] right here waiting.
Chrisman mentioned that if his in-laws had encountered him and the children at the entrance, they would have paused for a meal.
Airports that have already introduced non-ticketed visitor passes report that many individuals who are not traveling often visit the airport to shop and dine.
When questioned about introducing a loyalty program here, CVG executives responded:
At CVG, we are dedicated to making sure that all our resources are devoted to providing the best possible service to individuals who are utilizing the airport for its primary function.
The TSA stated that all individuals with gate passes must undergo the same security screening as those with tickets. Some airlines, including at CVG, are currently permitted to grant special access through TSA for non-ticketed individuals who are accompanying a young child or someone with specific needs.
