Twenty-one US airports now offer free visitor passes that allow non-ticketed guests to accompany travelers through security to their gates.
The programs require online applications or kiosk registration with Real ID verification and have varying time limits and capacity restrictions.
Airports say the passes help travelers needing extra assistance and create opportunities for human connection beyond what security restrictions normally allow.
AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor.
Ever wished for a love-at-first-sight moment at an airport, like Sam and Annie in “Sleepless in Seattle”? For anyone young enough to have only travelled after Sept. 11, 2001, walking your loved one all the way to their gate is something you only see in old movies, or reruns of “Friends.”
