International airport terminals are very happening places with vibrant retail areas. Airports across the US look merrier and livelier with glittering Christmas trees, festive lights, bustling passengers, and frequent aircraft movement during the winter holiday period. How is it if you get to spend some more time with your departing family inside the terminal and accompany them to the boarding gate amid the “happy holidays” vibes? Isn’t it interesting?
A handful of US airports allow non-travelers to enter the terminal, go past TSA security and access the area that is usually reserved for passengers with boarding passes. Just before major airlines’ Black Friday flight sale became public on the eve of Thanksgiving Day 2025, San Diego International Airport launched the SAN Pass – a visitor pass program for non-ticketed visitors. With a SAN Pass, you can see off your family from the boarding gate, greet your visiting parents in the arrivals area, and hang out in the retail area of San Diego Airport.
How to apply for San Diego Airport’s visitor pass
Applying for San Diego International Airport’s new visitor pass is as easy as that for Seattle Tacoma Airport’s visitor pass. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtain the SAN Pass online. Currently, the visitor pass is not available offline.
- Apply online through SAN Airport’s official website. You can do it up to 7 days in advance or jus the day before your family’s travel is scheduled.
- Fill in your full legal name, date of birth, and gender matching your TSA ID.
- TSA reviews your application. If you apply in advance, you’ll typically get an approval email just after midnight on your day of visit. For same‑day applications, the response may come in about 15 minutes.
- Once approved, San Diego Airport sends you a PDF pass via email, which you must save on your mobile device (printed copies are not accepted).
- At the airport, go to the general screening line in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, present the SAN Pass saved on your phone, along with a TSA‑approved ID, and go through standard security screening.
Who can apply for SAN Airport visitor pass?
The SAN Pass is available for non-ticketed individuals with a valid TSA-approved photo ID. You must be 18 years or older to apply for the visitor pass to San Diego Airport. Minors are allowed if accompanied by an adult with the SAN Pass. One adult can take up to three children along with him or her on one SAN visitor pass. For minors under 18, a government-issued photo ID is not required. This program is especially helpful for those who want to spend a few extra hours with their family and loved ones take flights from San Diego to India or any other destination.
Is San Diego Airport’s pass for visitors free?
Yes, the SAN visitor Pass is completely free for all eligible non-travelers. There is no application fee. The pass is valid for the day of its issuance.
What other California airports have visitor pass program?
- Ontario International Airport: ONT Visitor Pass
- Palm Springs International Airport: PSP Visitor Pass
- John Wayne International Airport: OC AirPass
TSA Security and San Diego Airport rules for visitor pass
- SAN Pass holders go through regular TSA security screening, just like passengers.
- PreCheck, CLEAR, or expedited lanes are not available.
- You must follow all TSA rules regarding prohibited items.
- The pass is completely free, but there is a cap on the number of passes issued daily.
- Passes are given on a first‑come, first‑served basis, subject to TSA approval.
- Misuse of the pass, such as trying to bypass the airport’s official visitor badge program, can result in revocation and a loss of future privileges.
- The program may be adjusted, suspended, or cancelled depending on airport operations or security requirements.
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