how strict to get gate pass?
 

According to united.com, gate passes are available for " to escort an unaccompanied minor, elderly passenger, or passenger with a disability through the security check-point. "

Are those the only reasons allowed? I have some family who haven't flown in over a decade and are pretty anxious (read: have script for medications to travel) and are heading out to celebrate a major (cough 60th cough) birthday. I wanted to accompany them to the gate to help them feel more comfortable with security and to see them off. I don't have status with United (idk if that sort of thing helps) but I was wondering what my chances to get a gate pass might be?

Is this something that has to be done at the ticketing desk, and does it have to be done day of travel?

Thanks in advance!

UPDATE: We ended up arriving at airport 20 minutes earlier than expected and there was ZERO travelers there yet (4:05 AM for a 6 AM departure) so we didn't bother with the gate pass request since there were no lines at TSA and much less anxiety to hurry up than anticipated. Even in the time they took to clear baggage drop off and TSA (~20 mins) and got to their gate the lines really started to form. Amazing what 15 mins does for lines at ROC airport in the AM.

Buy a fully refundable ticket for a flight a couple hours after theirs, go with them to the gate, then cancel the ticket.

Yes. And it is essentially at the agent's discretion. I wouldn't bet on it given the circumstances you've described.
:-: @:-) :-:

Gate pass
 

I have never failed to get a gate pass, whether to meet my mother or take her to an out bound flight. Just ask nicely, no need to provide details. No need to purchase a ticket you will not use.

Keep in mind that every UA ticket is fully refundable within 24 hours. So you don't need to search for the right fare.

Did this last year at IAD and had no problem. Actually was able to go into GF lounge as a guest.

I helped my 86 year old mother get to the gate for her Airtran flight last year. Not an issue. SHE told Airtran she wanted me to help her...Airtran gave me a gate pass on the spot.

how strict to get gate pass?
 

So just ask the ticketing agent? My son is 17 and traveling solo
Thanks

Yes but would not be surprised you might not be successful with a 17 yr old,

You are right

No normal 16 year old, let alone 17 year old would want to be accompanied to the gate by a parent.
:rolleyes:

I have never ever been turned down. I bet between kids, relatives, employees... I've done it 25 times. Never a question, never a problem.

If you're flying out of Buf or Roc (since your profile says WNY) I'd imagine little problem. If you want to be certain buy a ticket within 24 hours of the flight, print a boarding pass and cancel for no fee.

Look at the arrival board, and go to a ticketing agent in an arriving flight in the next 30 minutes and ask for a gate pass to meet an incoming passenger.

I've done this at more major airports than I can imagine and have never been turned down.

Leave the bathing suits and flip flops at home and wear business clothes at a major hub like ORD

To the OP..I've done this at both BUF and ROC

I have yet to be rebuffed by a UNITED agent when asking for a gate pass. I've done it a few times a year for the past 5 years.

I've all also purchased a refundable ticket (really any ticket with 24 hour cancellation) to get through security.

You can also tell an agent that you have a meeting at the United Club and 9/10 times they will give you a pass. If you have a membership to the UC then simply present your card and reming them of the GG code (forgetting it right now) that allows non ticketed UC members access through security

Just last week at PDX I was able to get a gate pass to see my wife off. The agent asked if I was a United Club member, which I am, and apparently that was all the pretex she needed.

PDX1K

No problems in TPA and SLC last month.
At one airport I had a meeting in the lounge; at the other one I guided a business-partner to his gate.

Thanks for the insights everyone!

I spoke with the fam and it's not essential that we accompany them, but "would be appreciated" if possible. Since we don't have a UnitedClub I can't use that reason and it's not worth tying up the $ in a refundable (<24 hr) ticket.

Thanks again all!

So, does anyone have an experience being denied a gate pass? I'm wondering just how liberal they are, because I would love to accompany friends and loved ones to the gate, especially when their flight look like they might be delayed.

Tickets purchased within 24 hours of a flights departure time are not subject to the 24 hour refundable policy. A college of mine learned this the hard way.

That said, I have never been turned down for a gate pass to assist with family either.

I have also not been refused a gate pass to meet an elderly relative.
Make sure you bring a photo ID for both the ticket-agent and TSA.
And remember not to bring anything that won't go through security.

False. Unless the policy has changed since, the lesson your colleague actually learned was that agents make up rules.

The free cancellation rules are here: http://www.united.com/web/en-us/apps...romoCode=A5753

Did the colleague cancel a nonrefundable ticket post flight?
Was this with UA? because the min DOT rules exempt close-in purchases(the last 7 days before travel) from the 24 hour cancellation requirement, so OTAs and OAs may not allow cancellations of last minute purchases without a fee. UA does not include that exemption.

It was with UA on united.com. He bought it the day before the flight, and tried to cancel it the morning of the flight and was told no-dice. They told him any ticket purchased within 24 hours of departure cannot be refunded.

He was lied to. So long as the refund is request within 24hrs and before the flight departs it is refundable.

In this exercise (using a ticket to get to the gate) I would buy a refundable fare since you can still get a refund even if you forget to cancel before the flight departs.

Your colleague needs to learn HUCA.

That stinks for him. I'm not going to say anything at this point as I think it woudl upset him to learn this now. If it happens again, I'll suggest that it may have changed. (I report to him).

Yes, he does.

HUCA?

Hang Up Call Again.

#1 Rule of FlyerTalk.

(sound of open palm striking forehead)

Of course! Now, why didn't I know the acronym? Sheesh. Must be time for more coffee ...

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.