Sea-Tac Airport Allowing Visitors Past Security for First Time Since 9/11

Officials from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport announced that visitors to the facility will now be allowed into passenger-only areas after passing through security

According to The Associated Press, the new test program was launched by the Port of Seattle Friday and permits up to 50 visitors a day past security to greet loved ones at their gate or see them get on their plane.

The change marks the first time in almost 20 years visitors without a scheduled flight will be permitted past security. The SEA Visitor Pass will be granted to guests at the facility who meet Transportation Security Administration requirements.

The SEA Visitor Pass trial is restricted to domestic gates only from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time between Tuesday and Sunday. Sea-Tac airport becomes one of the first airports in the United States to permit visitors past security since the changes implemented after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The hope from airport officials is that limiting the number of SEA Visitor Passes issued each day will not add any wait time to airlines/tsa-is-expecting-far-more-travelers-flying-for-thanksgiving.html” target=”_self” rel=”nofollow”>security lines. The trial period ends December 14, and officials will study results to determine the feasibility of making the change permanent.