My (totally fun) vacation at Nashville International Airport

28.07.2024 - 17:25 / thepointsguy.com

You may think you already spend too much time at airports. Most frequent flyers do.

But the growing list of airports offering visitor passes to nonticketed guests is a sure sign that there's fun to be had on the other side of the security checkpoint. This is especially true if you're not juggling carry-on bags and don't have a flight to catch.

Right now, there are about a dozen airports you can visit without a plane ticket. The list includes Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Nonticketed guests may also apply for a visitor pass at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Tulsa International Airport (TUL), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Ontario International Airport (ONT), Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), Capital Region International Airport (LAN) and Bishop International Airport (FNT).

On July 1, Nashville International Airport (BNA) became the newest airport to roll out a visitor pass program.

Music City's airport has multiple live music stages. Plus, back in 2013, it became the first airport in the country to secure beer and liquor licenses that allow passengers to wander the secure side of the airport with purchased drinks. More recently, the airport spent $1.7 billion upgrading and expanding its terminal and celebrated the opening of an on-site, aviation-themed Hilton hotel with a rooftop pool and bar.

I had airline credits about to expire and a milestone anniversary on the calendar, so it seemed like a perfect time to plan a getaway. The trip included a stay at the new Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal and a day at Nashville's airport, courtesy of the new BNA Passport guest pass program.

Our flight from Seattle brought us to Nashville in the late afternoon. It took all of five minutes to leave the terminal, walk across a covered pedestrian bridge and arrive at the lobby of the Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal hotel.

Our corner room on the eighth floor of the hotel overlooked the ramp areas and the swooping terminal building. We had splendid views of planes taking off and landing. The ninth-floor fitness center offered views of both the airport and downtown Nashville.

From the pool, fire pit and bar on the 10th-floor rooftop, we could see the airport runways, the Nashville skyline and the surrounding landscape. Over cocktails in the evening, we even saw fireworks off in the distance.

The BNA Passport program is limited to 75 nonticketed guests a day. You must fill out an application online between seven days and 24 hours prior to a planned visit.

The form asks for your name as it appears on your