Which area around the airport is typically free from access restrictions?

The landside area of an airport is typically free from access restrictions. This region includes areas such as parking lots, public transportation terminals, ticketing areas, and other public-facing spaces where passengers can access services without undergoing security screening. Since this area serves as the transition space between the public and the secure zones, it is designed to allow easy access to travelers and visitors who may not be flying or who haven't yet checked in for a flight.

The terminal building, which encompasses ticketing and check-in areas, is often subject to security measures once a passenger proceeds to the airside. The airside refers to areas beyond security checks, such as boarding gates and the runways, where access is strictly controlled to ensure passenger security and safeguard against threats. Lastly, the security zone is also heavily restricted and requires specific clearance or credentials to enter, contrasting with the landside where general public access is permitted.