Security clearance
 

Does anyone know of any TSA programs that would allow me (as a tour guide for a local tour company) to meet my party at the airline gate and escort them out of the airport without being a ticketed passenger myself.?

In other words, is there a program where I can be pre-screened and have the ability to pass thru security and wait for the passengers at the gate as they deplane?

Thanks, Tom

Absolutely - and you don't even need to submit your information to the TSA.

Buy a fully-refundable ticket online for the airline/concourse where you will meet the incoming flight (best to choose the outbound of the flight you're meeting).

Check-in, receive boarding pass, clear security, meet passengers, leave airport with passengers, refund ticket, flip TSA the bird.

Outstanding!
 

I love that idea, but I think the tour company would frown on it. Any other ideas that are a bit more conventional?

I know there is something for UMs as my ride can get clearance from the airline and meet me at the gate. I would recommend calling the airline.

Good luck!


Edit: Forgot to add that since I am 16, I fly as an adult and never purchase the UM crap.

They don't even have to know about it - unless they want you to be meeting the flight officially and will ask how you're doing it.

The airline can grant gate passes - if your tour company is doing business with a particular airline or two, have the tour company boss call the regional sales manager for the airline and tell them you want to be given a gate pass by the airport counter staff whenever you're meeting a flight.

Try to leave the TSA and airport out of it, officially.

I agree with bocastephen... I've had the airline give me gate pass ( I think they called it) as I had my wife travelling alone with our 3 month old baby... CO check in people were very nice about it all, and TSA didn't question my pass at all...

I would think, with recurring business between your company and airlines at your airport, that one of the airlines would be willing to sponsor you for an employee badge of some sort. You would have to go through all the screening stuff, but, at least you wouldn't have to grovel for a gate pass.

I have gotten a gate pass for a handicapped relative, translatting for Italian relatives who didn't speak English, and at CO for example, you can go to the Presidents club anytime as there is a special code where they can issue you a pass. The airlines have some control over the process so try and get someone who will work with you and note the business you are helping them receive.

The fully refundable ticket is another option. I have heard rumours (granted just rumours) that if you do it too often the airlines can track it. Again no proof, just rumour.

Ciao,
FH