Yes, I was denied when I tried to help my wife and daughter through security once. The first agent said she couldn't give it to me unless my wife was sick. I'm a little superstitious about lying about sickness/death so I said she wasn't sick, but the baby was cranky and the wife had a lot of hand luggage (stroller, diaper bag, laptop bag, trolley bag). I tried again at another desk and got it without any questions. Just luck of the draw, I guess. Although, going through security without Pre is painful enough that I wouldn't voluntarily do it unless absolutely required.

All my travel is booked within 24 hours of departure. And on occasion, even then things change. I have never had had issue getting refund within 24 hours of booking, even if I cancel after I've checked in. My experience on UA and DL for domestic travel.

I got denied once -- I'm a UC member and tried to get the UC pass to go through with my family but couldn't remember the GG code (I have it saved in my phone now). After 5 minutes trying to explain to the agent to no avail, I just asked for a gate pass to help my wife and kids, no problem! Pretty funny how different experiences can be.

Actually that is ridiculous. If the person has never flown before, they may very well want to be accompanied, so comments about how normal they are or not, is really unnecessary. So you can feel free to roll your eyes as far back into your head as you like.
Certainly this would likely not apply to frequent fliers.

I do appreciate the helpful info from others though. Thanks very much!

I read it more as a teenager wouldn't want to hang out/with/near their parents, cause you know, they're teenagers.

EWR July 13, International departure to Stuttgart, gate pass took 3 min to receive, reason the person flying does not speak any English...

Ah, this settles one question that arose in my mind, ie, would a ticket be refunded if one had checked in, vs. boarded. Apparently the boarding at the gate is the major issue. Still, like others, one would not like to tie up any $$ in a bogus ticket for the sake of a gate pass.

Flyer 420
in Seattle

Cogito, ergo sum: "I think, therefore I am." Rene Descartes
Queror, ergo sum "I complain, therefore I am." C. A. Smartecarte

The regulation does not apply for tickets purchased within 1 week of departure. UA may allow it but, is not required to.

Link to post on DOT's page from their "Briefing room" from last year

kenn0223 made no reference to the regulation...

I think it's always a case of YMMV. I've been denied twice at BUR while trying to accompany my elderly mother to the gate when she's in a wheelchair. No problem at LAX.

In the months after 9/11, as the new security procedures were settling out, I was denied a gate pass a couple of times (for meeting arriving pax). After that, I would just photoshop a boarding pass for a plausible flight. This was before there were barcodes on the boarding passes -- I wouldn't try that now, but I have a United Club membership now, so it's not a problem anymore.

I realize this is a moot point as the travel has already occurred, and don't send me hate mail on this one, but, at 60 years old, I would think you could call her "elderly".

Now, my parents are 70 and fortunate enough to have wonderful health, able to do all sorts of things - their own yardwork, wash cars, camp, hike, etc., and I would not be able to refer to them as elderly unless in jest, but I have seen many in the mid-50s who do not have health, need assistance walking, etc.

FWIW, the current crop of TSA barcode scanners simply decode the barcode and display passenger information. They are not tied to the airline reservation system:eek:s.

My son is 12, and has travelled by himself since a few years. He lives in the UK, and during holidays comes and visit us in the US, flying either LBA or MAN - NYC (usually JFK). He has used Delta, KLM, American and this last time (August 15) BA return from JFK to LBA via LHR. BA has been the ONLY JFK based airline not issuing a gate ticket to date. The Duty Manager could not be convinced, and according to her, BA would have to go through a lot of administration to get permission to issue them and they were not prepared to do so.

She then just walked away from us once she had made her proclamation, indicating the conversation for her was "done".

Apparently all the other airlines have gone through the considerable lengths it takes to be able to issue these tix. FYI: my son always travels in business as an unaccompanied minor, which I pay for as a service (technically, from 12 kids are deemed "adult" and can fly solo. I ain't buying that!).

BA: no way...

Question on gate passes
 

I have the Mrs and an 18 m old kid flying into EWR this saturday and want to meet them at the gate - 2 questions:

1. Can I get a gate pass and how?
2. I know people get a fully refundable ticket - Do I buy the ticket and cancel it once I clear security? What are the issues with this, if any?

Thanks

NYR2299