Anyone get special permission for a non-traveler to get thru airport security?

[sadie427]

I'm traveling alone w/ DS tomorrow. I had heard that one can get special permission to go all the way to the gate. Does this apply to travelers w/ small children, has anyone done it, how do you get permission? I was just on tsa.gov which mentioned this was possible but didn't give any helpful details at all.

I know I'll do fine, but it would be great if DH could come with us to help out.

[new_mommy25]

I've asked a couple times if DH could help me to the gate and each time they said no. This was at the sea-tac airport. As far as I know they usually only allow it if it is a small child travelling alone. In that case the parent can accompony them to the gate.

But there is no harm in asking :)

[redhookmom]

I was traveling with my 2 kids and got special permission for dh to come to the gate and for my brother to meet me at the arriving gate. when I ordered the ticket the agent gave me the # to call for each airport. I explained I had 2 kids, 2 carseats, 1 stroller, and bagful of kid paraphanalia.

[wreckgirl1]

Didn't do it for a small child, but to help my grandmother in a wheelchair.

You ask the airline agent when you check in if you can get one for your husband. It is like a boarding pass but you can't board a plane with it, just get through security. No idea if they'd issue you one or not. But just in case I'd try to minimize the stuff you bring as carry-ons (you don't want to cart a bunch of stuff on the other end, either!)

HTH

Cynthia

[Melanie]

>I've asked a couple times if DH could help me to the gate and
>each time they said no. This was at the sea-tac airport. As
>far as I know they usually only allow it if it is a small
>child travelling alone. In that case the parent can accompony
>them to the gate.
>
>But there is no harm in asking :)


OH @#*@#$*! Sea Tac Airport! Worst airport experience I have EVER had! Too bad, love Seattle...hate their airport staff.

Good Luck...definitely ask, because if you don't the answer is always "no."

[usfrph]

Could you pretend you don't speak english? ;-)
I was able to get to the gate to accompany my IL's who only speak French. They give you a boarding pass that gets you past security but unfortunately doesn't allow you to board the plane --if only!

[kensjen]

I would ask at the gate, and make it sound like you absolutely need this. I was able to do it for my sister, she was 15 at the time, and was considered a child traveler. So I went thru security and met her at the gate. I got a pass from the check in desk, so ask them there.

[C99]

I've gotten a gate pass for my husband on American at O'Hare, but not at Bush. It depends on the airline and the airport. Some airlines will let you do it, some won't -- same for the airports.

[kristine_elen]

I would call the airline directly b/c that's who gives the pass. I've gotten them in the past with no hassle (the other person just needs to show ID) but the last time they put up a huge stink and almost didn't allow it. So, I'd get permission ahead of time and get the name of the manager who OK'd it. Good luck!

[luvmypeanut]

I've done it in Honolulu when my mom was traveling back to the east coast with my two nephews alone. I asked the United ticket/info desk and they took my drivers license and issued me a pass. I was able to go to the gate with them to wait until they started boarding.