You won't need a boarding pass to cross security with new Sea-Tac Airport program But you will need to be pre-approved by TSA

Passengers walk through Concourse A at Sea-Tac Airport. Passengers walk through Concourse A at Sea-Tac Airport. Photo: Don Wilson, Port Photographer Photo: Don Wilson, Port Photographer Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close You won't need a boarding pass to cross security with new Sea-Tac Airport program 1 / 27 Back to Gallery

A new program launched this week by Sea-Tac Airport will allow travelers to relive an experience of a bygone era.

The SEA Visitor Pass program will allow non-travelers to pass through airport security to visit with their traveling companions, whether they're picking up an arriving passenger, waiting with a departing passenger or just having a drink with someone during their layover.

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This was a fairly routine occurrence before 9/11, when airport security guidelines became more strict.

"It's been 17 years since anyone without a ticket has been able to enjoy areas of the airport beyond security. And yet some of the airport's best features are there," said Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins in a press release. "Great restaurants, local musicians performing in the concourses, and some of the best views of the planes coming and going against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier and the Olympics."

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Non-passengers will not be able to just arrive at the airport and pass security without a boarding pass.

First, they must apply online between 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. the day before they wish to visit the airport, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will notify visitors by midnight whether or not they have been approved.

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Non-travelers will only be allowed to pass through security from Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. They will also need to pass through TSA security checkpoints and will need to follow the same rules as someone who is flying. They will not be allowed to meet someone arriving from an international destination at their gate as those passengers will need to pass through immigration.

The program is in its pilot stage, which is expected to run through Dec. 14. During the pilot, the Port of Seattle will study the feasibility of making the program permanent.

Producer Natalie Guevara can be contacted at natalie.guevara@seattlepi.com.