Okay, say I want a gate pass so I can accompany my teenaged child through security . . . who decides if I get one or not?

When I called the airline, I was told that "the airport" decides. When I pointed out that the airport is a place, not a person, and can't make decisions, I was told that "TSA" and/or "airport security" makes that decision. In other words, I would need to make the request for a gate pass at the airline ticket counter, they would then have to contact "TSA" or "airport security," and "TSA" or "airport security" would then get to decide if I do or do not merit a gate pass.

So, who's really in charge? And whom do I escalate to if I'm told, "Sorry, no, you can't have a gate pass. We don't want you watching when we molest or steal from your teenager on his way through security."