how strict to get gate pass?
Sep 3, 2013, 9:54 am
#46
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 185
Most agents will give you a gate pass, if you ask. However, TSA does not want passes handed out randomly as it increases the burden at the security check point. So, if the UA agent asks why you need a pass, just say you are meeting your elderly mother and/or young teenage child.
Sep 3, 2013, 9:58 am
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
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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
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
Sep 3, 2013, 10:06 am
#48
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,769
more on the process in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...on-family.html (realize your situation is different).
Gatepasses are available for those meeting travelers needing assistance or for UC members
If UC member, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ub-access.html
Refundable ticket is another option -- best to do for a flight that will occur later enough to allow cancellation with plenty of time.
source?
while this is a personal ethical choice, I prefer not to lie or deliberately deceive in my interactions with others. I would prefer not to contribute the removal / increased restrictions on the use of gatepasses.
Gatepasses are available for those meeting travelers needing assistance or for UC members
If UC member, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ub-access.html
Refundable ticket is another option -- best to do for a flight that will occur later enough to allow cancellation with plenty of time.
while this is a personal ethical choice, I prefer not to lie or deliberately deceive in my interactions with others. I would prefer not to contribute the removal / increased restrictions on the use of gatepasses.
Sep 3, 2013, 11:01 am
#49
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred; HH-Gold; Avis First
Posts: 3,617
Refundable ticket is another option -- best to do for a flight that will occur later enough to allow cancellation with plenty of time.
while this is a personal ethical choice, I prefer not to lie or deliberately deceive in my interactions with others. I would prefer not to contribute the removal / increased restrictions on the use of gatepasses.
while this is a personal ethical choice, I prefer not to lie or deliberately deceive in my interactions with others. I would prefer not to contribute the removal / increased restrictions on the use of gatepasses.
Sep 3, 2013, 11:08 am
#50
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,769
one could consider that (not sure if done via web it leads to higher costs -- but neither of us can speak to that). While not a fan of the refundable appraoch, it is at least inside the established process (and it has some limiting constraints that would limit its abuse). Concern I have with the gatepass deceptive is if grossly / commonly abused, it might be easier just to stop offering.
Sep 3, 2013, 11:35 am
#51
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: MP - 1K, Hyatt - Platt, SPG - Gold
Posts: 336
Thanks all for the info - I am a UC member and didnt realize I can use it when I am not traveling. I will likely go for that option first / telling them that my wife needs help with luggage and a child who likes to run.
Sep 3, 2013, 11:57 am
#52
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
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Posts: 66,769
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Sep 3, 2013, 4:02 pm
#53
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: UA:Plat, MR:GLD, HH:SLV
Posts: 99
While not a fan of the refundable appraoch, it is at least inside the established process (and it has some limiting constraints that would limit its abuse). Concern I have with the gatepass deceptive is if grossly / commonly abused, it might be easier just to stop offering.
AC agent in T2 mentioned TSA would not let me through with my T2 (AC) BP. UA agent didn't want to issue gate pass, since I had no UA flight out of T1. Then TSA in T1 indeed told UA supervisor that gate passes would have done the job, but UA still refused to issue one... That was a very long and boring wait in T2. :-(
Last edited by Eracine; Sep 3, 2013 at 4:03 pm Reason: Typos
Oct 23, 2014, 6:57 pm
#54
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO
Posts: 515
SFO experience?
Looking to go to gate with two kids age 13, family members, not traveling as unaccompanied minors at SFO.
Sounds like getting a gate pass is at agent's discretion, wondering if any recent experiences, especially ex SFO?
Thanks
Sounds like getting a gate pass is at agent's discretion, wondering if any recent experiences, especially ex SFO?
Thanks
Oct 23, 2014, 7:13 pm
#55
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
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Posts: 66,769
If not a UC member, gate pass are usually reserved for an individual assigning passengers to the gate -- underage, infirm, language issues, .... What would be the basis of your request?
Oct 23, 2014, 7:54 pm
#56
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LA
Posts: 1,281
I do have UC, but they never ask for the card and just start processing before even looking me up in the system.
Oct 23, 2014, 8:20 pm
#57
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO
Posts: 515
There is some agent's discretion to this and it could vary depending on the agent -- so past experiences are probably of little guidance.
If not a UC member, gate pass are usually reserved for an individual assigning passengers to the gate -- underage, infirm, language issues, .... What would be the basis of your request?
If not a UC member, gate pass are usually reserved for an individual assigning passengers to the gate -- underage, infirm, language issues, .... What would be the basis of your request?
Oct 23, 2014, 8:27 pm
#58
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,769
This is where you are dependent on the agent -- who might note you did not use the UCM process. Personally I would let you in (and suspect you have a good chance) but not my decision.
Oct 23, 2014, 9:01 pm
#59
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 326
I've used a gate pass for UC in DEN twice in the past year. First time was given a pass in less than a minute, no questions asked.
Second time the counter agent asked if I had a conference room reserved. I said "No, but I'm meeting someone." (true) She phoned the UC, chatted about something, and issued a pass in a few minutes.
I did buy a refundable ticket once at LAX to access the UC. I thought it would be easier than dealing with lines and a potential decline. However I ended up waiting a while at security for the confirmation/boarding pass to arrive. (I booked it walking over from another terminal).
I should have just visited the desk, as that method turned out to be... "counter" productive
Second time the counter agent asked if I had a conference room reserved. I said "No, but I'm meeting someone." (true) She phoned the UC, chatted about something, and issued a pass in a few minutes.
I did buy a refundable ticket once at LAX to access the UC. I thought it would be easier than dealing with lines and a potential decline. However I ended up waiting a while at security for the confirmation/boarding pass to arrive. (I booked it walking over from another terminal).
I should have just visited the desk, as that method turned out to be... "counter" productive
Dec 21, 2014, 8:14 pm
#60
Used to be 'roachjl'
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL Platinum, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 322
Will buying a one day United Club pass allow me past security without a ticket?
I am trying to accompany my wife to the gate on her outbound flight at DCA. I know I can buy a fully refundable ticket, but that isn't ideal.
I know you can get past security if you have a full united club membership. Does it work the same way if I have a one day pass?
Would it be easier to just day that she has sprained her ankle and request a gate pass?
Or should I just buy the refundable ticket...
I know you can get past security if you have a full united club membership. Does it work the same way if I have a one day pass?
Would it be easier to just day that she has sprained her ankle and request a gate pass?
Or should I just buy the refundable ticket...