This just in: According to USA Today, the TSA has announced that they are running a pilot program at Dallas/Ft. Worth and Detroit airports to test the feasibility of allowing non-passengers through security. Ever since the agency took over in 2002, only airline club members and parents of unaccompanied minors have been allowed through without boarding passes. Under the new plan, guests at airport terminal hotels will also be permitted. Though it’s not much, it’s a step in the right direction. Pittsburgh International Airport, whose attempt to allow the public back in was shot down in 2003, will be watching the results with interest, and will likely re-petition the TSA if the test goes well. More porous security and the profiling systems used to filter out “dangerous” visitors are of legitimate concern, but I can’t say I’d miss the days of Checkpoint Charlie at the airport. A TSA agent once prevented me from hugging a friend, whom I’d dropped off at the airport, over a barrier after she was asked to go directly through security while I was parking my car. I’ve also spent enough time on layovers in cities where I could have called a friend for company, if it didn’t mean the gauntlet of having to leave and re-enter the secured part of the airport. But unfortunately the program doesn’t symbolize a kinder, gentler, more people-centered TSA – it’s being pushed through by airports, who are jonesing for the revenue from the food, gifts and reading materials all those extra people in the gate areas will buy. ”’There are a lot of airports that would like people without boarding passes to have access to concessions,’ said Michael Conway, a spokesman for Detroit Metro Airport, which starts its test next week. Dallas’ test started last week.”

– TSA may let non-fliers go to gates (USA Today)