MONEY

Nonticketed guests at Nashville airport can now go past security to restaurants, gates

Portrait of Shamani Salahuddin Shamani Salahuddin
Nashville Tennessean

The nostalgic era of greeting loved ones at the airplane arrival gate has returned to Nashville International Airport.

The BNA Passport program launches Monday, July 1, allowing airport guests without tickets to pass beyond the security checkpoint to restaurants, shops and gates. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority initially planned to offer the program in late 2023 but it has been delayed.

"Our restaurants and shops capture the essence of Nashville, and BNA PASSport creates an exciting way to explore them," said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the airport, in a written statement. "Grab a bite, browse the shops, and experience Music City, all under one roof."

The free one-day passes are for those who want to enter beyond security to escort family and friends, shop, dine, plane watch or browse the airport art exhibits.

The program, different than TSA PreCheck, will require pre-approved visitors to check in with the airport information desk before going through the same security screening as airline passengers.

Such programs are increasingly popular among airports, including those in Philadelphia, Orlando Seattle-Tacoma, New Orleans, Detroit and Tulsa.

Nashville airport officials said the passes will allow access to terminals, including the satellite concourse.

How to get a BNA PASSport

Applicants must register for passes on the airport website, at flynashville.com, up to seven days in advance, with a minimum 24-hour notice in order to get approved.

  • Only 75 guests each day will be approved for a BNA PASSport so applying early is beneficial.
  • Guests are subject to all Transportation Security Administration requirements and regulations and they must be screened at the security gates.
  • Guests must be at least 18 years old unless they are accompanied by an adult.
  • The PASSport program cannot be used for commercial or business purposes.
  • PASSport program access is limited to the hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Applicants will receive an email stating their approval or denial at 12 a.m. on the day of the requested visit.

For more information, visit https://flynashville.com/inside-bna/bna-passport.