You can dine without a boarding pass at these 13 US airports

Although airports used to be known for extremely subpar food at exorbitant prices that is best avoided altogether (although the food and drink options on the plane itself can be even worse), food options have improved in recent years. Airports are popular destinations for dining and have seen a rise in upscale and more well-known restaurants and dining options, including those from celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck.

This is all great news for travelers who find themselves at that airport because they need to catch a flight – an otherwise captive audience that now has better options for food and drink. This might also be just enough incentive for non-travelers (people who aren’t flying anywhere and don’t have a plane ticket) to pay their local airport a visit as well. Yes, it’s now possible to go to the airport without a boarding pass and dine at one of the restaurants. At 13 airports in the United States, non-travelers can apply for special visitor pass programs to access the airport’s back security area and all the amenities available there, including the restaurants.

At these 13 US airports, non-travelers can pass through security to eat and shop:

• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Bishop International Airport in Flint (FNT)
• Lansing Capital Region International Airport (LAN)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Ontario, California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT)
• John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
• Pasco Tri-Cities Airport (PSC)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL)

Kansas City is considering a similar program. Pittsburgh International Airport was the first to allow non-travelers access in 2017, followed by Tampa International Airport, but both airports have suspended their programs.

The number of passes available is usually limited and may only be available on certain days, at certain times or at certain terminals. Visitors generally must apply in advance, show a government-issued ID and go through regular, non-expedited security checkpoints. So now if you’re craving chicken and waffles at Bud and Marilyn’s in PHL, cheese at Beecher’s in SEA or an exclusive breakfast menu only available at Hattie B’s in BNA, you can. Just get a visitor’s pass for this airport and dine to your heart’s content without having to rush to catch your flight. You also won’t have to miss out on salty foods at the airport if you’re not catching a flight afterward.