Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport has introduced a program permitting non-travelers to enter secured zones starting this week.
Program Details
The OAK Guest Pass initiative commenced on Monday, December 15. Individuals without flight tickets can request security clearance online up to seven days prior to their planned airport visit.
"We're very excited to be one of the first in the country to have the guest pass," said Kristi McKenney, Executive Director of the Port of Oakland.
According to McKenney, this allows visitors to accompany loved ones to gates, enjoy farewells, or simply dine at airport establishments.
Local Business Impact
Jon D'Angelica, President of District Restaurant Group, praised airports for incorporating more regional cuisine.
"It gives you a flavor of what that town it is that you're flying into and out of," said D'Angelica.
Applications for the pass can be submitted online, with same-day requests accepted subject to daily capacity limits. Approved applicants receive a digital OAK Guest Pass via email for presentation at TSA checkpoints.
Passenger Reactions
Travelers have welcomed this new facility. Michael Mancuso, en route to Hawaii, remarked, "I like that, because if you have kids, older folks or a wife. If you have to say goodbye to your wife for a month, I'd want to walk her in here."
Airport Context
These updates occur as OAK experiences a passenger decline, attributed by officials to reduced business travel across California. A recent name change has not reversed this trend.
"However, the good news is that we're looking at some promising statistics coming out for October," said McKenney. "Fingers crossed."
Oakland officials anticipate that enhancements like the guest pass and new dining options will bolster the airport's status as a Bay Area entry point.
"That decision was made of course, it's going to generate more people coming into Oakland's airport," said Mayor Barbara Lee of the new guest pass program. "We're still on the move. We want to make Oakland the most convenient airport, which it is, but people need to know."
Nearby airports SFO and SJC are reportedly considering similar programs.
