Public Access Into All Airline Terminals ?

[Speedbird1]

I saw a report that several major airports have re-opened all their terminals to the public. Formerly, all entrants needed boarding passes. I hope that all of the terminals will follow suit and likewise allow visitors into their terminals.Those terminals turning-away the public are losing customers for the eateries and shops located within terminals. It's good economics to allow the public to enter. I don't want to embarrass those terminals that still won't admit the public who are not flying. I feel this in no way compromises security as passengers still have to go through the regular security screenings before entrance to the gates.

[emshighway]

There are two terminals that have hotels attached which opened checkpoints to hotel users only but they must advise 24 hours before and go through a "no-fly" check.

I don't think this will happen nationwide but just in isolated areas. If you think you wait on long lines now...

[cancidas]

the CTB at LGA has a food court that is not past security. anyone can access it. at my terminal, everything is past security. we don't issue gate passes anymore either, save for a UM.

[PhilDernerJr]

UM means unescorted minor. Matt likes to use terms without explaining. :-p

[hiss srq]

lol either that or your hott and im giving you my tour. lol jk Yeah absolutely no one who need not be in the terminal

[PhilDernerJr]

lol either that or your hott and im giving you my tour. lol jk Yeah absolutely no one who need not be in the terminal

That how Justin Idle got hooked up?

[hiss srq]

hey I got authorization for that and he also had badges which to me is better than any old person without a real aviation related authorization at all to be there.

[cancidas]

ryan, just admit it... you think he's hot!

[hiss srq]

Oh yeah let me tell ya.... but matt you forgot to admit that love affair with John Rock

[Tom_Turner]

Well, these restrictions started out for security reasons which I feel are no longer especially valid - however, frequent flyers in particular are not fond of the idea of more hassles and people in the way creating more delays etc..and I can't say I blame them.

What I do think would be rational though, is if more airports/govt. etc. would consider allowing non passengers access at off-peak times where visiters might not be a burden to TSA staff and would possibly be a benefit to the terminal/airline/airport otherwise.

Tom

[emshighway]

How many people would actually visit the airport just to shop or eat at the shops past security? Beside people picking up or dropping off I don't see a great volume visiting to pay top dollar for food or items.

The volume of people who would go through (drop off or pick up) would just increase the lines and delay flying customers. There are provisions for escorts of minor, elderly and deploying or returning military.

[T-Bird76]

The lines are long enough and the non frequent flyers are still surprised when they have to take off their belts, shoes, and other metal objects. I for one do not want non travelers in the gate area. Really there is no reason non ticket holders need to be in the gate area anyway

[Tom_Turner]

How many people would actually visit the airport just to shop or eat at the shops past security?

Practically no one I suppose.. although if you put in an observation deck at a major airport these days you might be surprised over time.

...but yes, many pick-up and drop off. During delays, that was probably quite a few folks in Terminal C - EWR.

Tommy is right.. there is no particular reason non passengers should "need" to get past security, and potentially in the way, but I was just thinking of where it might not be an issue.. some slow airports with vast expanses of lounges, space shops etc not being utilzed. - Why should a gift shop be empty and TSA paid to sit or stand around staring at a wall with nothing to do?

Others are just laid out in such a way that its already crowded with the General Public having signifcant access to begin with; LGA for example might benefit keeping more folks out.

[emshighway]

Why should a gift shop be empty and TSA paid to sit or stand around staring at a wall with nothing to do?

During non peak times TSA officers are sent to continuing training, breaks and even lunch so they are not all sitting around doing nothing.

At LGA you will get cheaper prices at the Queens Center Mall than at any gift shop at the airport.

[FlyingColors]

The lines are long enough and the non frequent flyers are still surprised when they have to take off their belts, shoes, and other metal objects. I for one do not want non travelers in the gate area. Really there is no reason non ticket holders need to be in the gate area anyway

That's a hard one to answer.
How many non-flying people are truly going to storm the security lines (honestly I'm not sure)
My answers are clouded by my past, recalling the days of walking up to the gates at will, gawking at DC-10's and the like, for hours at a time.