Detroit Metro Airport is opening its terminals to some people without boarding passes.
As security has grown tighter at the nation’s airports, people dropping off or picking up passengers flying in or out have been stuck on the other side of the TSA security checkpoint.
But a new pilot program will allow about 75 people to pass through security to Metro Airport’s terminals to meet up with passengers each day.
Debra Sieg is the airport’s director of security. She says there are a lot of reasons why people without tickets want to get into the terminal.
“If they have somebody that they’re traveling with -- or somebody who has a long layover -- and they want to go meet them and spend a few hours with them during their layover,” says Sieg, “The airport gets a lot of those requests.”
People who want to get a pass will need to apply through the airport's website the day before their visit.
The pilot program runs through the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday travel seasons. It is expected to end by January 5, 2020.
Sieg says allowing non-ticket holders into the terminal will not effect airport security.
“As long as it’s not adversely impacting our travelling customers, we really don’t see this as being a security issue at all," says Sieg.
For more information on getting a Destination Pass, you can check the Detroit Metro Airport website.
