Getting through security without a ticket?
 

I'm sure this question has been discussed several times before but my searching skills are failing me at the moment so please forgive me for asking something that's already been answered:

My brother and his wife, who I've not seen in a year since they've been assigned to Korea, will be flying to the US with their new daughter (my niece) in January. They will have a 2.5 hour layover in Atlanta on their flight from ICN-MHT and I would really, really like to meet my niece.

Besides buying a refundable fare, is there any way I can get through security to meet them in between flights? This baby is wicked cute so I will do whatever it takes to finally meet her, but I'm looking for the easiest way.

Are there any problems that people have run into with buying refundable fares and returning them after checking in and passing through security?

No, but they can leave the secure area and then go back through to meet you. Atlanta has a nice food court outside of the security check in. Meet them there.

Nope.

This is a question that is best answered by those who would have the most knowledge and experience: the FlyerTalk members who frequent the Travel Safety/Security forum, which is the new home of this thread.

Regards,

Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta forum

A refundable fare is probably your best bet.

Other ways would be to schedule a meeting at the CRC or 'dummy' a boarding pass (not that I am encouraging 'creating' a bp).

I agree with the refundable ticket route. Go to Delta.com, buy a refundable, full-fare ticket to somewhere not too far away for an hour or two after your brother's departure time (pick an Airtran market - that's likely to be cheap), check in online and you're good to go. Meet the brother and his wife and baby, and then change your mind about your refundable flight. Don't board - since you decided to skip the trip. Seek refund online or call or start process in person (whichever is easiest with DL in ATL).

Thanks for the timely and helpful responses everyone.

As this topic has been raised and answered many times here, we'll close this thread.

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essxjay
TS/S moderator