This Airport May Reverse a Post-9/11 Policy So Passengers Can Say Goodbye to Loved Ones at the Gate

NEED TO KNOW

• Fresno Yosemite International Airport is considering allowing non-ticketed individuals past security in order to send off their loved ones

• The airport's new director of aviation, Mark Thorpe, previously worked with a similar program at Ontario International Airport

• Similar programs exist at 21 U.S. airports, with some requiring online or kiosk applications for terminal access passes

A California airport is considering reversing a post-9/11 policy that prevents travelers from bidding farewell to loved ones at their gate.

Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, all U.S. airports initially banned non-ticketed individuals from going past security checkpoints and accompanying travelers to their gate. 

Now, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) in Fresno, Calif., may implement a new change that allows those without a plane ticket to go through TSA screenings, so they can say their goodbyes to family and enjoy the restaurants and shops that the terminal has to offer, according to local outlet The Fresno Bee .  

The policy change is reportedly being considered by FAT's new director of aviation, Mark Thorpe, who was hired by the city in July. Thorpe told the outlet that the initiative is not only to benefit passengers, but also to remind individuals of the "value" that airports hold.

"A lot of the value in this is reminding the community that an airport is a unique place," Thorpe said. "It creates a love and kind of a connection with that airport. And maybe, it means they want to fly out of here more."

The aviation director already knows a thing or two about how such a policy could work, as he was previously the Chief Executive Officer at Ontario International Airport (ONT), where non-ticketed individuals are allowed to go through security with its ONT+ Visitor Pass Program, per its website . 

FAT would implement a similar pass program that could take effect at the end of this year, according to The Fresno Bee. Thorpe told the outlet that he hopes the program serves a number of functions for travelers and members of the community. 

"Whether it's a family welcoming someone home who's been gone for a long time, getting dinner at the airport or holding a business meeting, an airport can help create all these different experiences for people," he said. 

Per the outlet, Thorpe added that safety and security are their biggest concern, and the airport would have to ensure the new program wouldn't back up security checkpoints, especially for those who actually need to catch a flight. 

PEOPLE has reached out to Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Mark Thorpe for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

FAT is not the first U.S. airport to initiate such a program. Per CNN , Pittsburgh International Airport carried out the idea in 2017 when it launched its myPITpass. 

While the program ended in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, other airports began to follow in its footsteps, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

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SEA's program launched in 2018, making it the longest-running one in the U.S., CNN reports. The airport reportedly initiated the policy change to bring in additional revenue through parking, dining and shopping, but it also became a way for travelers who needed assistance — whether due to language barriers or disabilities — to feel more comfortable. 

Including SEA, there are 21 airports in the U.S. that offer programs like these, per the outlet. Those without a ticket who want to enter the terminal are required to either apply online or at an airport kiosk to get their pass. Some airports let travelers apply up to a week in advance, while others allow up to 30 days.

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