TSA Reinstates Non-Ticketed Access to Airport Gates

Why it matters locally: The Wilmington Airport (ILG) could see increased accessibility for non-ticketed individuals if it chooses to participate in the TSA's new program, potentially impacting how friends and family can greet or send off travelers.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun allowing some individuals without airline tickets to access airport gate areas. This decision marks a shift back toward a practice that largely disappeared after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Twenty-five years ago, security protocols changed significantly, restricting non-ticketed individuals from passing through airport security checkpoints. The recent move by the TSA permits a limited return to this earlier access at select locations. Travelers typically require a valid boarding pass to proceed beyond the security screening area. This new allowance creates an exception for certain pre-approved individuals who do not possess a flight ticket but wish to accompany or meet passengers at the gate.