Overview
- Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport rolled out its OAK Guest Pass this week, allowing approved visitors limited access to post-security areas to meet loved ones or browse concessions.
- Applicants submit an online request up to seven days in advance, receive TSA vetting, present a digital pass with a TSA‑approved ID, and then undergo the same checkpoint screening as ticketed passengers.
- Airport officials describe the offering as a discretionary pilot that can be modified or canceled at any time based on operational needs or security considerations.
- OAK says increasing foot traffic for retailers is a key goal, with a spokesperson noting many terminal vendors are local small businesses that would benefit from added customers.
- Similar visitor programs are running at airports including Cleveland, San Antonio, Kansas City, Detroit, and Philadelphia, while some travelers voice privacy concerns that OAK says are addressed under TSA Privacy Act terms.