Did the OP even name the airport in question? Lots of examples from different airports, but perhaps none are relevant to the OP's query if none are based on actual experience at the specific airport (i.e. it's known for never giving passes no-way, no-how, or it's known for agent discretion if the situation warrants).
For example, here are 2 recent examples on each side of the 'gate pass' issue being debated, specific to ATL:
1. I went w a friend to pick up her unaccompanied child. There was a bit of a paperwork mixup. It took a few minutes but the agent worked it out. Gate pass & necessary paperwork were issued. Of course it's in the airline's interest to be sure the child was escorted from the arrival gate.
2. Another friend has done some contract work at ATL and had to go through a fairly thorough advanced screening process. His work is outside of the secure areas that those w a BP or gate pass could access, and it was work being done for the airport, not a specific airline. Makes sense he would have to face more scrutiny due to the nature of his work and the access he would need 'behind the scenes' so to speak.
All that to say, none of us can make the OP's decision, he/she needs to figure out what's worth it to ensure the family makes a smooth transition through the airport. If the OP buys a ticket, hope it works out on the refund. If he/she goes with option of a gate pass on the day of travel and it's denied, perhaps just getting the family checked in will be enough to lighten the load on those traveling.
Last edited by PRWeezer; Feb 17, 2014 at 9:26 am