Unlike most people in the US headed to the airport the week of Thanksgiving, I wasn’t going to board a plane or pick anyone up. Instead, I went to grab a bite to eat at one of the shops behind the security checkpoint.
A few days before, I filled out a short form online, received an approval email, and then showed up at the San Diego International Airport. After waiting in line to go through the security checkpoint, I showed the TSA agent my pass. They sent me through the screening like all the other ticketed passengers. Before too long, I was on the other side browsing the shops and looking for a place to eat.
Going through Airport security without a ticket
Going through airport security without a ticket is a wild idea. Especially in an era where we were removing our shoes, having everything monitored tightly. I was able to do this because the San Diego International Airport has a new program called ‘SAN Pass.’
The pass is available for free and able to be requested up to seven days before the day you want to visit—including same-day. Most people probably won’t be using it to lounge around and simply take in the retail experience, but you absolutely can.
Instead, this could be a useful way for family members to see loved ones off at their gates, or pick them up the moment they deplane, as people used to do in the 90s and earlier.
How the SAN Pass works
As straightforward as the SAN Pass is, there are some things you should know about it.
Maybe one of the biggest considerations is that you don’t get to use your TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR security clearances. The non-Pre-Check line had no one in it when I arrived at the airport, while the regular security line was packed. I still had to wait with the crowd.
The SAN.org site says that you’re limited to one small personal item, like a purse. I brought a small crossbody sling with my iPad Pro in it. No one asked about it, and it went through the X-Ray machine like everyone else’s bags.
The ‘pass’ itself is just a PDF with your name and date. There’s no barcode or anything else to scan. The TSA officer checks your ID and the pass and then you’re good to go through. You aren’t allowed to print it out, however. It needs to be shown on your phone.
Who the SAN Pass is for
Terminal 1 at the San Diego airport has been under construction for years. Its first phase of opening just happened in late 2025. I was curious to see it. So, I decided to use the pass to check it out. I had a lovely time. It’s much easier to have an enjoyable time at an airport when you aren’t stressed about delays or overhead bin space.
In going to lounge around and grab a bite to eat, I did see that this won’t be a regular occurrence. This SAN Pass is great for families. It should be considered when there’s a human connection involved. Because it’s much easier to stomach the $2.50 per every 15 minutes parking fee when you get to visit with someone a little longer than you otherwise would.