Meeting someone at the airport gate in the US?

2/24/2015 10:37:45 PM

Domestic departures and arrivals are not separated in the USA so your task is to get inside security. That’s easy! Buy a refundable ticket for a flight say 6-8 hours later than your meeting, walk through security and the moment you have crossed security, cancel your ticket for a full refund. Of course you want to check the fine print before you do this but the worst I can remember is the cancel deadline being two hours, sometimes it’s an even shorter period.

2/4/2015 2:55:25 AM

Companies like the mentioned limousine service, as well as some big tour operators like cruise lines, bus tours, etc sometimes have licensed meet & greet staff. These staff have had to undergo security clearance and are issued airport ids that allow them access to gate areas.

It is possible to be issued a temporary gate pass when sending off and meeting small children and elderly parents. But these privileges are limited and at the discretion of the airline or airport staff.

However getting access to the gate area for meeting friends and such won’t happen unless there is some extraordinary circumstance.

2/4/2015 12:12:41 AM

Yes, it’s still possible, but it’s at the airline’s discretion.

I have two online sources for this:

Airlines allow for “companions” to acquire what’s called a “gate
pass,” which allows you to walk your traveling loved ones all the way
to the final gate. To get one, just speak with the airline rep at the
ticket desk, and try to have the actual ticket-holders with you at the
time. The catch is that you’ll need to present a valid reason for
wanting to be there, since those gates are crowded enough as it is

Gate passes are provided free of charge at the airport and issued
under certain circumstances noted below. You will need to speak to an
airport check-in agent for assistance in obtaining a gate pass. This
policy is applicable to flights departing the U.S. only. Due to
immigration requirements gate passes are not issued by non-U.S.
airports or when an international flight is arriving in the U.S.

The following situations are eligible for the issuance of a gate pass:

  • Parent/Guardian of minors under 18 traveling alone, or children that will be met at a connecting city and picked up by a parent or
    guardian. Note: Children do not have to participate in the
    Unaccompanied Minor Program for a parent or guardian to be issued a
    gate pass. Please see additional information about unaccompanied
    minors.
  • Escort for elderly passengers or passengers with disabilities needing assistance. This may include someone who will push the
    wheelchair, provide transfer assistance in/out of the seat, provide
    extensive personal assistance not provided by airline personnel such
    as feeding/within lavatory or a sign language interpreter. Note: The
    adult does not need to participate in the Adult Assistance program for
    the person assisting them to be issued a gate pass. Please see
    additional information about the Adult Assistance Program.
  • Oxygen providers. This may be an employee from a medical oxygen company who the customer has contracted with to provide oxygen on the
    ground or a friend or family member who will bring the oxygen to/from
    the gate area.
  • Military families. Families of military service personnel are permitted through the screening checkpoint with a gate pass for both
    departing and arriving military family members.

So in conclusion, yes, there are some situations where you, as a non-passenger can reach the gate to see off / greet passengers, but you have to get a gate pass, and it’s not a right, it’s a privilege.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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