Overview
- SFO, which disclosed Tuesday it had launched the Gate Explorer program on April 28, now lets approved visitors go through security without a boarding pass.
- People can apply online up to 30 days in advance or the same day, with TSA vetting the request and decisions sent after midnight on the day of the visit.
- Visitors must present a digital pass with a Real ID‑compliant ID or a passport at standard security lanes, undergo full screening, and skip TSA PreCheck or Clear.
- Daily passes are limited to protect checkpoint wait times, and the airport can change, pause, or cancel the program if security or operations require it.
- The pass applies to domestic flights and precleared routes from Canada and Ireland but excludes most U.S. Customs areas, placing SFO among at least 20 airports with similar programs including Oakland.