The FlySide Pass allows a non-ticketed/non-flying individual to go through the TSA checkpoint into the terminal on the day of the FlySide Pass.

Read all the program’s Frequently Asked Questions on this webpage to understand the FlySide Pass rules. You may apply on the same day as your visit if spots are available.

Step 1: Provide your information and your TSA-approved photo ID (i.e., passport or valid REAL ID driver’s license). Make sure your device camera is enabled and allowed by your browser or mobile device. Hold your ID steady in front of the camera and ensure it’s well-lit and fully visible in the frame. To ensure safety and security, we do not permit uploads of scanned IDs to reduce the risk of tampered or manipulated uploads.

Step 2: Your information will be vetted through TSA’s Secure Flight program , just like if or when you travel with an airline. If you’re applying for same-day access, you’ll receive an email with your approval/non-approved status within 15 minutes. If you’re applying in advance, you’ll receive an email from noreply@flysidepass.abqsunport.com with your status after midnight on the day of your approved visit. Your FlySide Pass will be attached in this email. For security reasons, TSA is not able to provide approvals more than one day prior to your visit and understanding this may make planning more difficult. FlySide Passes are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be available at peak times. If you’re unable to select a specific date, it means the program has reached the capacity for that day. Please choose a different date.

Step 3: If approved for entry, you’ll proceed to the standard TSA security checkpoint (not PreCheck or Clear) where you will go through security screening, with the same security protocols applied to an airline passenger. When entering the checkpoint, make sure to open the Guest Pass attachment in your email and present it on your device along with your government photo ID to the screening officer for review. Advise the officer that you have a Guest Pass. PRINTED GUEST PASSES ARE NOT PERMITTED. Entry is not permitted before the approved reservation start time. You must exit the terminal by 10:00 PM the same day, unless meeting a late-arriving aircraft. No stays longer than 6 hours are permitted. Once through security, you can access all of the terminal’s public areas, which includes concourses, restaurants, shops, artwork, historical display, and specialty rooms.

The FlySide Pass is non-transferable and valid only on the date of issuance.

You cannot use the FlySide Pass if you are a ticketed airline passenger for the same day. Scheduled or ticketed passengers obtaining a FlySide Pass on the same day as their scheduled Sunport flight is a violation of TSA’s 49 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) § 1540.105(a)(2) – Security Responsibilities of Employees and other Persons, which prohibits the following: “(a) No person may: (2) Enter, or be present within, a secured area, AOA, SIDA, or sterile area without complying with the systems, measures, or procedures being applied to control access to, or the presence or movement in, such areas.”

The FlySide Pass is not to be used for personal expressive activities covered by Sunport Policy. Please call 505-244-7700 to apply for these activities.

The FlySide Pass cannot be used for commercial filming or news media purposes.Please contact our Media Line at 505-289-0375 to arrange an authorization and escort.

Please note: Non-U.S. citizens are eligible for a FlySide Pass. However, the FlySide Pass does not grant access to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) area inside the terminal. If the Sunport is the first U.S. point of entry for a passenger, they will need to clear U.S. Customs first, which is a restricted area and not accessible for FlySide Pass holders. If your passenger is connecting to another destination beyond the Sunport, you can use a FlySide Pass to see them to the gate of their departing flight after they have cleared U.S. Customs.

Applying as a family or group? Each non-traveling visitor must complete their own online registration form and be approved for entry. Visitors must be at least 18 years old.

Certified service animals are permitted. Please note service animals are subject to TSA screening.

Arrangements for picking up or dropping off an unaccompanied minor from a flight should be coordinated directly with the respective airline. Do not request a FlySide Pass for this purpose. If you are a non-traveling adult who needs to escort or meet a traveling child beyond security, you must contact your airline directly. Gate passes are issued at the airline’s discretion, and the airline is responsible for verifying the identity and authorization of the escort.

***NO MINORS*** may utilize the FlySide Pass.   This will be updated in the future as TSA is able to make the appropriate updates to their systems. 

I’m a badged airport employee or conductive business at the Sunport, am I eligible for a FlySide Pass? Yes, you are eligible to receive a FlySide Pass, but only when NOT on official business, you cannot use the FlySide Pass to work.

Prohibited:
You are not eligible if you’ve forgotten or lost your airport-issued employee badge, still employed at the airport but let your badge expire, or your badge was subject to suspension or revocation.
During your visit, you’re strictly prohibited from using your badge to access areas of the airport not otherwise open to the general public.
If you violate these terms, you may be subject to administrative fines, suspension, or revocation of your badge.

I’m not badged for the airport, but I work on airport property. Can I get a FlySide Pass? Yes, individuals who are not required to have a badge for their work at the Albuquerque International Sunport may be issued a Guest Pass for personal use.

Program participants are subject to the same security regulations as ticketed passengers. You must comply with TSA’s screening procedures. Do not bring TSA-prohibited items and review the 3-1-1 liquids rules. This information can be found at tsa.gov. Guest Pass users are not permitted to bring outside food and beverage. Bringing prohibited items may lead to confiscation or denial of access.

Allow enough time to get through the security lines. The Sunport is not responsible for any missed timelines due to long security lines. You may exit and re-enter the terminal at any time during your registered day and program operating hours prior to checkpoint closure. However, if you depart the post-security area, you’re required to re-enter through the TSA security checkpoint for screening again. Visitors re-entering the terminal may be delayed at the checkpoint due to the priority of screening ticketed passengers.

The electronic (not printed) FlySide Pass must be presented at the checkpoint and at any time upon request.

A non-expired photo identification is required by TSA, such as a U.S. or international passport or valid state-issued REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to be presented at the security checkpoint.

The FlySide Pass does NOT grant expedited entry, such as PreCheck or Clear. Participants must wait in the general security line with ticketed passengers to be screened.

No rolling or hand-carried luggage is allowed. Visitors are limited to only one (1) personal item such as a laptop bag or purse. Personal items will be screened at the security checkpoint.

Please do not arrive with an expectation of entering the terminal unless you have received an approved FlySide Pass via email.

While in the terminal, FlySide Pass participants are required to present their pass and ID at any time upon request from either the TSA or airport officials including APD.

The FlySide Pass does NOT grant access to the jet bridge or aircraft.

Those who are preparing to go through security screening may have special circumstances, considerations or general questions about airport checkpoints and can get live assistance by posting questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT. FlySide Pass users can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. TSA also offers TSA Cares, a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances. You may submit a request for assistance by calling TSA Cares at 855-787-2227, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. TSA Cares is open 365 days a year. FlySide Pass holders may also use the TSA Cares form available on the TSA website which can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support.

FlySide Pass users shall be subject to all Albuquerque International Sunport Aviation Department rules and regulations, including those pertaining to public use of the airport, as well as all local, state and federal laws and regulations. Any person who refuses to comply with these applicable terms will be regarded as a trespasser. The Albuquerque International Sunport Aviation Department reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to ban user(s) the FlySide Pass of any individual who may pose a security risk, a nuisance or distraction to any airport personnel, passengers or other visitors and/or who violates any of the applicable terms, rules, regulations and laws as described above, or as the Aviation Department otherwise deems necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the airport.

Parking is at the expense of the FlySide Pass user. The Albuquerque International Sunport has paid parking facilities available. Please visit our parking page to review rates and locations. The availability of parking is not guaranteed. Ride share services are permitted.

What about accessibility and wheelchair assistance? At the Sunport, we strive to make your experience as easy, safe, and comfortable as possible and welcome FlySide Pass users to use a personal wheelchair or other mobility aid.

Operating times vary, and not all shops, restaurants, or amenities may be open during your visit.

In order to receive a FlySide Pass, visitors are required to provide the personal information mentioned here to obtain TSA authorization.

Questions about the FlySide Pass program may be sent to https://www.abqsunport.com/contact-us/.

Albuquerque International Sunport reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel the program or modify the rules at any time without prior notice. This is a permanent program with no expected end date.

At this time, there isn’t the option to edit or cancel your FlySide Pass once it’s submitted. However, if you make a mistake—such as entering your name incorrectly—you can simply submit a new request without issue.

TSA Checkpoint hours: Checkpoint closing times can vary widely and change frequently depending on airline flight schedules and delays.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires us to collect information from you for purposes of watch list screening. Providing this information is voluntary; however, if it is not provided, you will be denied a FlySide Pass.

AUTHORITY: 49 U.S.C. § 114(f). and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(S): This information is collected by airport operators or their representatives in order to conduct checks of TSA’s Secure Flight watch lists on individuals who wish to access the Sterile Area at the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) which is located beyond the screening checkpoint. TSA may receive this information from airport operators or their representatives in order to resolve suspected or actual matches to this database.

ROUTINE USE(S): TSA may share this information with aircraft and airport operators, foreign air carriers, or appropriate Federal, State, or other agency regarding individuals who pose or are suspected of posing a risk to transportation or national security, or for other routine uses identified in TSA systems of records, DHS/TSA 019 Secure Flight Records.

DISCLOSURE: Voluntary failure to furnish the requested information will result in your inability to access facilities located in the airport beyond the screening checkpoint. Individuals are also reminded that should they have any questions or comments regarding this process they may contact TSA’s Contact Center at TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

For more on TSA Privacy policies, or to view the system of records notice and the privacy impact assessment, please see TSA’s Website at tsa.gov.

The Albuquerque International Sunport’s third-party vendor for the FlySide Pass program is AptAero. For more information, please visit https://aptaero.com/privacy-policy/.