Lounge access Polaris/gate passes?
Dec 3, 2023, 8:17 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: UA
Posts: 102
Lounge access Polaris/gate passes?
My 89 y.o. French mother-in-law will be flying to CDG from IAD in January in Polaris (bought as a Christmas present for her).
My wife and I will be accompanying her with gate passes.
Is there any way for us to get any type of lounge access at IAD, apart from just sending her into the Polaris lounge on her own while we wait outside?!
My MIL is moderately mobile, although we're considering requesting a wheelchair for her. She only speaks French.
FWIW, my wife and I are both gold.
Also, does anyone have recent experience with requesting gate passes at IAD, if so, were there any problems with doing that?
Thanks!
My wife and I will be accompanying her with gate passes.
Is there any way for us to get any type of lounge access at IAD, apart from just sending her into the Polaris lounge on her own while we wait outside?!
My MIL is moderately mobile, although we're considering requesting a wheelchair for her. She only speaks French.
FWIW, my wife and I are both gold.
Also, does anyone have recent experience with requesting gate passes at IAD, if so, were there any problems with doing that?
Thanks!
Last edited by starless; Dec 3, 2023 at 8:27 am Reason: (added question on gate passes)
Dec 3, 2023, 8:29 am
#2
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My 89 y.o. French mother-in-law will be flying to CDG from IAD in January in Polaris (bought as a Christmas present for her).
My wife and I will be accompanying her with gate passes.
Is there any way for us to get any type of lounge access at IAD, apart from just sending her into the Polaris lounge on her own while we wait outside?!
....
My wife and I will be accompanying her with gate passes.
Is there any way for us to get any type of lounge access at IAD, apart from just sending her into the Polaris lounge on her own while we wait outside?!
....
Dec 3, 2023, 9:29 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington DC
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Posts: 102
That would seem very harsh not to allow someone to accompany a confused 89 y.o. monolingual French woman to the gate.
She would have no idea about security screening, emigration, or even when to board. (And may not even find the gate.)
She has never lived outside France - she's just visiting us for a week, and we'll be with her on the flight to the US.
She would have no idea about security screening, emigration, or even when to board. (And may not even find the gate.)
She has never lived outside France - she's just visiting us for a week, and we'll be with her on the flight to the US.
Dec 3, 2023, 10:23 am
#5
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That would seem very harsh not to allow someone to accompany a confused 89 y.o. monolingual French woman to the gate.
She would have no idea about security screening, emigration, or even when to board. (And may not even find the gate.)
She has never lived outside France - she's just visiting us for a week, and we'll be with her on the flight to the US.
She would have no idea about security screening, emigration, or even when to board. (And may not even find the gate.)
She has never lived outside France - she's just visiting us for a week, and we'll be with her on the flight to the US.
Dec 3, 2023, 10:40 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Bounding Around The Good 'Ole USA In My Chevrolet
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Posts: 382
This. Right here. I would never let my 92 year old grandmother fly alone. And she is built like a Soviet tank. Forget the longe access.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Dec 9, 2023 at 11:05 pm Reason: discuss the issue, not the poster
Dec 3, 2023, 10:50 am
#7
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,502
That would seem very harsh not to allow someone to accompany a confused 89 y.o. monolingual French woman to the gate.
She would have no idea about security screening, emigration, or even when to board. (And may not even find the gate.)
She has never lived outside France - she's just visiting us for a week, and we'll be with her on the flight to the US.
She would have no idea about security screening, emigration, or even when to board. (And may not even find the gate.)
She has never lived outside France - she's just visiting us for a week, and we'll be with her on the flight to the US.
On a CDG flight, at least some FAs will speak French so can help her as needed that way. Wheelchair person should also be able to bring her to Polaris lounge.
I would request wheelchair access, and if you can get a gate pass that's gravy.
Dec 3, 2023, 11:51 am
#9
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https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/tra...e/seniors.html
Since it's a direct flight, a diversion to a different airport, particularly outside France, would be exceptional.
Dec 3, 2023, 12:02 pm
#11
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- she's not required to go into the Polaris lounge. You can host her at a restaurant on the concourse and be with her. Wouldn't that be better than sending her in alone?
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Dec 3, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Dec 3, 2023, 12:05 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2012
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I easily got a gate pass in my local airport a few years ago when I sent my brothers and sister back to China. They do not speak any English as your MIL. OP, it would be reasonable to ask for a gate pass, instead of two passes.
Requesting a wheel chair is a great idea so that your MIL can visit Polaris lounge while you wait outside before boarding begins.
Good luck!
Requesting a wheel chair is a great idea so that your MIL can visit Polaris lounge while you wait outside before boarding begins.
Good luck!
Dec 3, 2023, 12:12 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington DC
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Posts: 102
Lounge access would be nice if there was a way, but obviously we'll go a restaurant or bar otherwise!
Dec 3, 2023, 3:41 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: United, Southwest
Posts: 604
Your MIL would get Polaris Lounge access but could also get into a regular UC. And you could buy a day pass for a UC club? Granted, if it’s busy you can’t use the pass. But depending on the time of year . . . Maybe?
Dec 3, 2023, 4:43 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2019
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Posts: 739
OP would need a ticket on *A or United in order to use a UC day pass.