New York City - Can I get into EWR Terminal B without a ticket ?

Strange request, I know but need to see off someone at the gate and am wondering if they will let me enter without a ticket at all...

No, but there are exceptions for genuine problems, like senile, elderly parent who needs a caregiver or a child traveling alone. For most people, kiss them goodbye at the checkpoint.

You need either a BP valid for that day or a gate pass. The latter can be issued by any carrier serving the terminal. Ask politely, give your explanation, and smile if it is denied. Go to somebody else. They are pretty freely granted.

Another not-great option would be to book a refundable ticket to get in.

Book the cheapest one-way refundable ticket, check-in, then when you're done, call customer service and say you are cancelling the ticket and need to be offloaded from the flight.

I've done it once when I really needed to and it worked fine. Just make absolutely sure that the T&C of the ticket says fully refundable/cancelleable w/o penalty.

You need either a BP valid for that day or a gate pass. The latter can be issued by any carrier serving the terminal. Ask politely, give your explanation, and smile if it is denied. Go to somebody else. They are pretty freely granted.
Agree with this. Go to the ticket counter when you arrive at the airport, explain the situation, and request a gate pass. You generally have to have a pretty compelling case (e.g., passenger might be elderly, minor, disabled, non-English speaker, etc).

Book the cheapest one-way refundable ticket, check-in, then when you're done, call customer service and say you are cancelling the ticket and need to be offloaded from the flight.

I've done it once when I really needed to and it worked fine. Just make absolutely sure that the T&C of the ticket says fully refundable/cancelleable w/o penalty.

This works, too, but if you do this, make sure you book a flight at least a few hours after the other flight, and one which is at least the same airline!

Please continue to follow this thread in the New York City forum. Thanks for your understanding.

Jouy31
TravelBuzz co-moderator

Thank you. I did think of the fully refundable ticket option but was worried if someone would flag a transcon traveler with no luggage :) . did not know about the gate pass, I am sure the airline will accomodate considering I have status and I am trying to escort my family to the gate.

Thank you. I did think of the fully refundable ticket option but was worried if someone would flag a transcon traveler with no luggage :) . did not know about the gate pass, I am sure the airline will accomodate considering I have status and I am trying to escort my family to the gate.

If you are accompanying a minor to the gate you should not have an issue. Wanting to go the gate to say goodbye to your spouse unless she/he has a medical condition would probably be more problematic.