Are you allowed to exit the airport during an extended layover?

Question

A friend of mine will land at my airport, only briefly, on his way to another country. Can I take him out for meal and then drop him back off or are there new airport security regulations?

Answer 1

USA, unlike civilised nations, requires transit passengers to pass through immigration and security even if the USA is not the final destination.  Apart from visa questions, once you have passed through these hoops you are free to wander anywhere including dinner with friends.  Just make sure you drop your friend off in time to go through the security circus to get back on the plane.

Answer 2

He will need to go through security, again.

Answer 3

It all depends if he has the eligible passport and/or VISA to enter US border. Before he lands in USA he will need to declare if he's in transit or landing. If he wishes to land and stay in USA (regardless how long), he will need to provide an address in the USA to be eligible to enter USA as per VISA Waiver programme. (Most common EU countries are qualified). Make sure he has enough time to clear the custom and recheckin again.

One more thing to consider is that he will need to pay airport tax as well....

Answer 4

as long as he meets any visa requirements and the airline lets him (some airlines want to hold passengers in the transit/departure area outside the gate while refueling), then sure; he can do anything he wants