CMK10

So here's the scene: I was at RDU yesterday with my girlfriend. She's disabled due to a birth defect and has issues walking. She was off to MEM to see her family and I was with her to help see her off okay. She had a wheel chair and escort and I went up to the DL desks to ask for a gate pass so I could help her at security, take her to the Skyclub and then see her off. She's very uncomfortable asking for help from people, especially strangers (we all have our pride) so I knew she'd have a much easier transition if I was with her.

The ticket agent (Skypriority, mind you) when apprised of the situation said in a rather condescending manner that Christy already had someone with her and I should not be allowed a gate pass. I persisted, explaining I wanted to help, I was an SC Member etc. and was finally told I could have a pass as a one time exception but I was never to ask again.

I'm getting very tired of this phrase, it seems so often when it's used it goes against common sense. I'm not hurting the airline's bottom line with this request, I'm doing "the right thing" and trying to visit a lounge I pay for AND I'm with someone who has a ticket on DL that day.

Anyway, rant over, thanks for reading.

MrHalliday

You are welcome.

I made an exception and read the rant,
just this one time.

MSPeconomist

Technically, if someone wanted to make a fuss, I think you're supposed to use the SC as a member only when you are flying (on any carrier) that day, presumably from the airport where the SC is located. So even if you got the gate pass and were able to get through security without buying a refundable ticket, you might have had to do this to sue the SC.

Is RDU a small enough airport that the "never ask again" really matters? What would be the chance of getting the same agent who would remember you? Not that you're not memorable or anything....

The opposite of no one time exceptions is no waivers/no favors, which I think we all would hate. Sometimes the "one time only" sounds a lot like the school teacher who threatens to put something on your permanent record. I'm not at all convinced that airlines actually document this stuff, although from what I've heard, other carriers might be more likely than DL to note it.

jjglaze77

This is why if I need to access the secure side of an airport, I simply buy a refundable ticket. Other than meeting unaccompanied minors, I'm not aware of other situations that gate passes are permitted. So instead of having to trust an agent to "make a one-time exception," why not just get a ticket?

currentjer

It is still an exception to policy. Onus is on the TA if you should have caused any security problems - I would rather the TA not have made any exceptions for you. The TA was right to deny you - and that there was certainly adequate assistance provided, if requested. If you truly wanted to accompany your friend, you could have bought a refundable ticket.

MSPeconomist

Well, you probably shouldn't buy and refund a ticket too often, especially to use the SC. Technically it could be considered a fraudulent booking. Also, the process can tie up a credit limit for some people.

MR_MAMA

If you don't want tohear it then stop asking them to make an exception for you.

Vuelos

.... it, buy a refundable ticket next time (or threaten to do so).

I believe that ShopAround, davkkar and little862 can vouch that it works

grahampros

There is nothing at all about such a booking being fraudulent .that's why it REFUNDABLE. It's your choice to change at any time.

javabytes

Your intention never to actually fly doesn't factor in, and cause it to be a "booking of a fictitious nature"?

grahampros

If you use your own name own credit card etc, no It's in the fare rules why you have paid for the flexibility. If you did it oh 50 times a year, yeah may have an issue, but not what we are talking about here.

There is another issue here as well. The OP should have been able to call the SC and get a pass in as a member ( in advance of course).

will2288

^

I understand the OP's want/need to have a gate pass. But if you are asking for an exception to a rule (even a rule you don't like/understand), it's hard to get upset when the agent actually makes an exception.


I do wish there was some way for airlines to sell/give gate passes. If they were sold for $20, with $10 going to TSA, both entities (airline/TSA) would more than cover their costs and passengers wouldn't have to beg for them or trick the system with refundable fares. Passengers who really want them could have them, but the price would keep the numbers down, limiting additional security delays.

grahampros

Seems more a case of poor planning. There were a couple of ways to work around it.

Spiff

Fully Refundable Ticket. No muss, no fuss.

Fraudlent booking? What a joke. Unless you just blurt out a confession, no one can prove your booking is fraudulent.

GMill

And what are the mechanics of requesting a refund?

One has checked in. Gone through security.

Does one just call up and ask for a refund. Can they immediately (or quickly) determine with certitude that one was not on the plane?