Originally Posted by
Spiff
Welcome to FlyerTalk!
To get a gate pass, buy a fully refundable ticket. Many of the airlines fear the TSA so the airlines often say no to even the most reasonable request for a pass such as yours. With a fully-refundable ticket, you don't have to ask anyone's permission for what should be a given. If your daughter is indeed over 2, she'll need a ticket also unless you want to tell Comrade TSA that she is under 2.
Have a great reunion!
Families of deploying/returning service members get gate passes upon request from the carrier on which the service member is flying. No need to deal with refundable tickets or any of the usual tricks. Per TSA
:
"
Military Family Member Gate Passes
Family members who want to accompany a military service member being deployed to the boarding gate or greet them returning from deployment at the arrival gate may receive passes to enter the secure area of the airport.
Interested military family members should contact their air carrier representative at the departure/arrival airport for proper local procedures."
Also, your Marine can use Continental's Presidents Clubs with a copy of his travel orders. I've done this before with an ID card and a copy of my DA31, but any kind of movement orders should work too.