JFKSFOLAX_friend

Maybe this is in some sort of FAQ, but why does DL call the gate a "gatehouse?"

I used to be a Continental and AA guy before I started flying DL extensively. The first time I heard a DL GA say "gatehouse," I thought it was anomoly. But, it's clearly not.

It's not really a house (heck, the desk where the computers are located is barely a structure). Why is it a gatehouse?

glbetrotter

Sorry, I thought it was today and she was on the plane already, hence the urgency. Call Aeroflot today, not tomorrow (and if they are closed in the U.S. already, call the Moscow number). You can request special assistance, and it will be put in the record, including the wheelchair if you decide to go that route.

I am sure you are aware of the regulations on the Russian side, so just to mention -- if the kid is a Russian citizen and is traveling alone, both SU and passport control will require notarized parental consent for her to leave the country.

They used to have UM services, at least last year; and if nothing else, the lead FA from the flight would escort her him/herself to the Immigration. She might need an interpreter at that point.

But the best solution of all is to hook her up with someone who speaks Russian on the departure. I assume her parents or relatives will be seeing her off and can work it out at the airport.

Good luck, hope everything goes smoothly!

Pharaoh

The answer may be divined by first figuring out where the "gate" is. I haven't seen one between any waiting room and aircraft for many, many years. Try starting a new thread and answers will run a very interesting gamut.

fti

Being that Moscow is 8 hours ahead of EDT, chances are if the US office is closed, the Moscow office is definitely closed (i.e. middle of the night in Moscow already!).

MaecDavidMiller

The Moscow number answers 24 hours a day (and it is 2am in Moscow-I have both NY and Moscow times on my watch!).

Even if you call the Moscow office I would still push the DC office tomorrow. Politely but very firmly.

glbetrotter

The Moscow office is open 24 hrs a day. Calling at night is nearly always a best bet.

PRWeezer

OP as others suggest you should deal w Aeroflot directly. Is the child connecting to a DL flight? If so then maybe they will help you, though it sounds like the child terminates at IAD. If not it doesn't make sense why they would get involved with an unaccompanied minor traveling on a different airline.

Per your profile you're a United elite, maybe you would have some leverage with them to find a solution due to your status if Aeroflot doesn't cooperate? Good luck!

c_d

Javabean, you specifically asked what to do on the States-side part of the trip. Regardless of what you have booked with SU or what not, the moment the minor arrives here, he/she is an UM (unacc. minor) by definition. There might be no proper paperwork, such as the UM envelope with all the trip details and such, but no one would ignore the child if you requested services State-side. At least on U.S. soil (e. g. from the airplane to immigration, to baggage (re-)claim, to an exit or any publicly accessable area (where oyu can meet), DL or airport personnell can and will help.

BobH

There's a simple solution here -- you need to let Delta know you're meeting someone who doesn't speak English and they speak xyz language and will need a translator to help them getting off the plane and through customs and imigration.

Bob H

glbetrotter

Seeing how many people wish to help is wonderful. But, Bob H, let's not confuse the OP. Delta is not in a position to help with a minor on a future SU flight. They will not interfere with another airline operations ahead of time. They might be able to help on the day of the flight, if things are happening "here and now," but as of this moment, everything is in the hands of SU and the adults who will be putting the girl on the plane in Moscow. It is much more likely that even if the formal UM service is not arranged upfront, it will be done at the airport at the check in. The alternative is not so bright: as an unaccompanied minor without any paperwork she will not be allowed to fly tomorrow. Been there, seen it happen, and ended up playing the role of an "accompanying adult" to a child I did not know. Not a big deal, and again, this is in the hands of the adults in Moscow, not Delta in Washington.

Sez_Who

Truly don't mean to sound insensitive but why are folks here suggesting contacting DL for assistance? This is an SU flt and near as anyone can tell from the OP, it has nothing whatsoever to do with DL.

Perhaps it would be more effective for the OP to ask about this on the SU board (if there is one). If there is a forum for SU, maybe it is monitored or someone with experience at that airline could help.

javabean

Thanks everyone! I'll try to work with SU in DC/IAD if SU doesn't provide UM service when she departs SVO.

(there is no SU forum, that's why I posted here)

javabean

Thanks! Yes they know about notarized parental consent

glbetrotter

Good luck, and I am sure everything will turn out fine. SU has become much, much better, both their metal and their service. Just flew t-atl with them a few months ago and was very impressed. She will be in good hands.

hockeystl

Well some might suggest purchasing a fully refundable ticket to get a BP to get past the Smurfs to meet the incoming flight. Then request a refund after the fact.

Of course I'm not advocating that... but some might.