🪽 Philly encourages Wingmate for loved ones of spring break travelers

It's the start of the busy spring break travel season, so you know what that means: Grab a Wingmate and hit the airport.

Why it matters: Since the program launched last year, about 95% of 2,700 people with Wingmate passes used them to meet family and friends at their gates inside the Philadelphia International Airport.

By the numbers: About 3% of people used passes to shop or dine at the airport's 150 concessions, per PHL spokesperson Heather Redfern.

• The remaining 2% were there for an event or to sightsee.

Zoom out: Travel picks up during spring break with many college revelers darting around the country or Philly-area parents planning quick getaways with their kids out of school for a few days.

• Philadelphia expects more than 933,00 travelers to pass through the airport between today and March 31, up 5.2% from last year.
• Airport officials tell Axios they expect 176,000 passengers to stream through the airport over the next two days.

How it works: Go online to apply for a pass. You'll need to provide your name and birthday as they appear on your license, the reason for your visit, plus an email where you'll receive confirmation of your request.

• The Transportation Security Administration processes requests. Those approved must bring their digital pass and ID to the Terminals D/E or A-East security checkpoints.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say Wingmate passes give you access beyond security like regular ticketed passengers, but you cannot bypass security.