For many travellers, the biggest benefit is spending more time with loved ones before or after a flight.
some people said they were concerned about any change to airport security procedures While many travellers interviewed by FOX 10 said they would welcome the chance to enter the gate area without a ticket.
Mesa Gateway Airport has been part of the programme for about a week, according to Ryan Smith, the airport’s director of communications. “We’re only a week into the program,” Smith said. One traveller said they preferred stronger security measures, even if that meant spending more time going through TSA screening. “Oh yeah,” the traveller said. People interviewed at Mesa Gateway Airport said the option could be especially useful for families and passengers who need help at the airport. One traveller said the return of gate access would be welcome. “I do miss that a lot,” the person said. “We had a traveler that has a son that’s on the spectrum, and they just wanted to go through the process and kind of get used to going through the airport prior to having that ticket booked,” the traveller said.
“It’s been a huge success. The programme gives approved visitors a single-day gate pass, but they must meet certain requirements before they can enter the secure area. That security requirement has also been an important part of the discussion around the programme. “I’m actually scared when they don’t find something like hairspray or water in my bottle. I think the more security the better. I mean I don’t care how long it takes me to get through TSA. “That was definitely something to get off the airplane and see somebody right there. I kinda miss doing that. Another example involved a traveller with autism.