California airport mulling sweeping change that was stamped out after 9/11

Tearful gate-side goodbyes are making a comeback.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport is weighing a massive security shakeup that could let visitors breeze straight past TSA — no plane ticket required.

For nearly a quarter-century post-9/11, emotional send-offs and gate-side reunions were completely banned under federal security mandates. Only ticketed travelers holding a boarding pass could step foot beyond the metal detectors.

A couple embracing near a Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car advertisement at Los Angeles Airport. — Fresno International Airport may soon allow travelers without a boarding pass to step foot beyond the TSA checkpoint. Getty Images

TSA agents checking in passengers at an airport security checkpoint. — Visitors may have to register for an access pass beyond the TSA checkpoint in advance. afp/AFP via Getty Images

People pass through a TSA Pre-check security checkpoint at John F. Kennedy International Airport. — Airpots across the U.S. stopped non-ticketed visitors to go beyond security checkpoints after 9/11. Getty Images

Mark Thorpe, Aviation Director for the City of Fresno, wants to tear those barriers down.

“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,” Thorpe told the Fresno Bee in an interview.

California is currently leading the nation with Ontario International Airport (ONT), San Diego International (SAN), Palm Springs International (PSP) and San Francisco International (SFO) already operating non-passenger access programs.

Mark Thorpe, Aviation Director for the City of Fresno. Fresno International Airport

Passengers wait in the Fresno Yosemite International Airport terminal. — Loves ones will be able to wait with travelers at the gate before they board their flights. Fresno International Airport

Thorpe said that the move could elevate the passenger experience and remind the community that “an airport is a unique place.”

“It creates a love and kind of a connection with that airport. And maybe, it means they want to fly out of here more,” he added.

Before moving to Fresno, Thorpe served as Chief Executive Officer at the Ontario International Airport (ONT), which already has a similar provision in place.

The aviation director said that expanding post-security access will allow visitors to dine and shop alongside departing travelers, generating revenue for the airport while granting loved ones extra time together before flights.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport at dusk with two planes parked at the terminal gates. — Fresno’s Aviation Director for the City of Fresno says the move will also help generate revenue for the airport. Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Flooding terminals with non-ticketed guests could potentially strain TSA staffing, inflate checkpoint wait times and compromise the carefully controlled post-9/11 security perimeter.

“Safety and security — nothing comes before that. There are other exciting things at the airport. … But our core responsibility is that safety and security element,” Thorpe told the news outlet.

Pittsburgh International Airport became the first major U.S. airport in 2017to allow public access to gates. As of June 2026, 21 US airports allowed non-ticketed visitors to obtain a pass to go through airport security and into the terminal without paying a dime.