jb008

According to united.com, gate passes are available for " to escort an unaccompanied minor, elderly passenger, or passenger with a disability through the security check-point. "

Are those the only reasons allowed? I have some family who haven't flown in over a decade and are pretty anxious (read: have script for medications to travel) and are heading out to celebrate a major (cough 60th cough) birthday. I wanted to accompany them to the gate to help them feel more comfortable with security and to see them off. I don't have status with United (idk if that sort of thing helps) but I was wondering what my chances to get a gate pass might be?

Is this something that has to be done at the ticketing desk, and does it have to be done day of travel?

Thanks in advance!

UPDATE: We ended up arriving at airport 20 minutes earlier than expected and there was ZERO travelers there yet (4:05 AM for a 6 AM departure) so we didn't bother with the gate pass request since there were no lines at TSA and much less anxiety to hurry up than anticipated. Even in the time they took to clear baggage drop off and TSA (~20 mins) and got to their gate the lines really started to form. Amazing what 15 mins does for lines at ROC airport in the AM.