campbe79

Gate passes exist at LAX. I had kids flying unaccompanied, and Delta has to issue gate passes so I can take them to the plane and get them from the plane. I know this is a specific example, but it's proof that gate passes definitely do exist at LAX. I have no idea how much discretion the Delta rep has in deciding to issue/not issue them for other purposes though.

CJKatl

My understanding is DL doesn't have specific criteria. PMNW did have written minimum criteria, which included helping elderly parents. DL has always been at the discretion of the agent at the check-in counter. IME, it hasn't been difficult, especially for anyone with DL status.

tmontemb

I've had the exact opposite experience actually. Bought an award ticket at T-18 hours, called Gold line (Gold at the time) and cancelled at T-12. Everything came back - all miles and taxes.

CJKatl

Then you were very lucky. The OP shouldn't attempt this, though, as the rules call for the SMs to be forfeited. From the DL site:

MSPeconomist

DOT rules don't require tickets purchased within seven days of departure to have the free 24 hour cancel feature, not are airlines require to offer this if they permit ticket to be put on hold. Buying the cheapest ticket thus is very risky if you want a full refund. You need to examine the airline's rules for this as well as possibly the detailed fare rules.

exiled2tx

Did the gate pass thing to help my folks at FLL - no problem, they checked the computer to make sure that they were on the flight I claimed.

payingdues

Where do you see that?

If you look here it doesn't say anything about tickets issued on the day of departure not qualifying for risk free cancellation.

As someone who has more than once gotten all the way to the gate with a ticket issued only hours before and then realized that I didn't need/ want to go anywhere I can say with complete confidence that tickets purchased for same day travel are still qualified for risk free cancellation until the time of departure.

NotHamSarnie

Am I really the only one here who finds the idea of buying a ticket you have no intention of using unethical? Abusing what one can legally do is usually what leads to that right being taken away, for everyone. Get a gate pass.

sfgiants13

When I've left something on the plane I've been given a gate pass on the spot to go retrieve it so that's not necessarily true.

Spiff

I don't think that buying a refundable ticket is unethical at all. No one should have to play any of these stupid games - anyone who wishes to go airside at any time for any reason should be free to do so by passing through the requisite "security" check.

There is no way airlines will stop selling fully refundable tickets at a high price. The reason some people buy them is flexibility. I've had two open full fare tickets going at the same time because my destination wasn't going to be determined until the last minute but I needed confirmed space once it was. My company gladly ponied up the $, with the understanding that one (or both) would be refunded in full.

fti

Just be sure the airline in question allows free cancellations within 24 hours for tickets purchased less than 7 days in advance.

See post #19

DL might do it, but it is not required by law (see post #20 above). The DOT rules state that it only is required for tickets purchased 7 or more days in advance of departure.

waltinsocal

You asked a question, so here is an answer...yes, you are the only one. As I have personally noted, it is NOT always easy to just get a gate pass. some airports yes, others no. It's not like the entire world is trying to get to the gates. Most of us here have legitimate reasons for needing to get to the gate if we are not flying, and it is DL's fault that we have to be told no gate pass, and have to buy a ticket and cancel it. Your concern with ethics, or the lack thereof, should be directed at DL, not those individuals who need to get to the gate for totally legitimate reasons.

And to a poster above, LAX is just a pain in my experience to try an get a gate pass from Delta. I am happy that someone has had some luck.

alee0729

Every airport also maintains their own policies on gate passes. Not even two airports in the same region (e.g. LGA and JFK) share the same policies for employees and escort policies for gate access.

Your best bet if you want a gate pass -- don't call. I'd walk into that airport when it's not busy and talk to an airline rep several days before you want a gate pass, explain your situation and schedule your visit. Depending on the airport you typically need at least 24 hours, but in some 72+ hours of lead time.

Otherwise, buying a ticket and refunding it is a valid option. But (my opinion and speculation only), I suspect that using this frequently to get airside will probably get you flagged in the airline and TSA databases. Like the person that abuses a retail store generous return policy -- at some point, you're costing the airline opportunity and inventory, and it'll be a problem. It's just a loophole to get airside.

CJKatl

Don't waste your time. I'm wondering how many of the people telling you to purchase a ticket or that you have to go ahead of time or that it's difficult or that DL needs to get approval from TSA (!?!) have actually ever asked for or gotten gate passes. It's not that difficult. Get to the airport early enough to allow time to ask for a manager, but just ask the person checking you in at the airport and you'll most likely be given the pass without issue. They'll see your kids. They'll know you are an FO. IME experience, it won't be an issue. You won't get PC (I did ask last time), but you'll get a pass, like I've gotten many times. At many airports.

Xyzzy

As a United Club member, UA will give me and my guests gate passes to visit the club. But these (and other) gate passes don't entitle one to PreCheck. I do this fairly often. Recently I waited 30 minutes for screening at EWR on a gate pass. Had I purchased a ticket and refunded I would have been through the screening process in under tw minutes. I'll be purchasing tickets in the future...