alee0729

Required to have a procedure, yes. But how it's handled is not always a gate pass.

Delta states a gate pass, but is specified specifically for special travel needs with children only (http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...children.html#). There is no obligation to provide you with a gate pass just because you want to meet a non-elderly, non-minor friend.

United is more explicit (http://www.united.com/web/en-us/cont...ors/faq.aspx):
"You will receive a security checkpoint pass which will permit you to pass through security with your child. It is then necessary for you to wait at the gate until the time of departure. Please note that due to security restrictions at some airports you may not be permitted to enter the gate area. In such a case, your child will be escorted by a United representative".

American is also very explicit (https://www.aa.com/i18n/disclaimers/...hecklist.jsp):
"At the airport you may be required to release your child upon check in at the ticket counter. In these instances, an American Airlines representative will escort your child to the departure gate and your child will remain under the supervision of an American Airlines representative until the flight departs."

Again, not you, not the airline, not the TSA... the airport authority decides if a gate pass can be issued, and the airline and the TSA decide whether they want to honor access to the accompanying individual if one were to be issued.

There is a procedure in place to manage all these things. It's not misinformation. It's stated clearly for UA and AA that airport dependent rules may result in an airline child escort vs. a gate pass. If anything, I'm willing to bet Delta is required to defer to the airport's rules and provide accompanying agents in some airports.

Your experience may not mirror this, and that's fine. But it's pure DYKWIA behavior to assume that anyone can waltz into an airport and demand a gate pass as their given right.