meeting someone at the gate
 

My pregnant DDIL and my two granddaughters, age 9 months and 3 years, are arriving tomorrow. I will call the airlines and the airport to ask, but wondered if any of you knew what I have to do to get permission to meet them at the gate--I'm sure she'll welcome some help.

You can get what is called a gate pass. Go to the check-in counter of the arriving plane, know the flight number, name of passenager, and show an id. Second, I think there is a time limit. You may have to request the pass as much as 45 minutes to an hour early. Call customer service of the airline and don't rely on my opinion.

I believe that, under certain circumstances, the airline can issue a special access document. I'm not certain what the circumstances are, but you may as well make your case.

If you are successful, you will need a photo ID, such as a driver's license, and will have to pass through the TSA screening. Good luck.

I do it every time my elderly mother is visiting by doing exactly as fmpden references above. They will give me a gate pass when I pick her up and when I take her to the airport. I've done it with United and Frontier both with no problem as long as I have the flight number and her name and provide my i.d.; I always mention she is 81 years old. So certainly speak up about your DDL being pregnant and having her hands full traveling by herself!

I called Delta and they said there is no way I can go to the gate unless I am meeting an unaccompanied minor. I told them my DDIL's circumstance, and even told them (the truth) that her husband is deployed to Iraq. No dice. I may call again and ask for a supervisor.

Why bother calling? Just go to the airport that day and talk to the people at the check-in counter. You're wasting your time.

I'd suggest trying to get a gate pass at the airport even if the phone agents say no. I just talked to Continental about this a few days ago to see if my brother can meet my mother at the gate. The agent was understanding but said there wasn't anything he could do--but that my brother should definitely ask when he gets to the airport (this is still a few days away). The posts above detail what's needed for a gate pass.

or if all else fails, purchase a fully refundable ticket with the same airline (just make sure, the outbound is in the same terminal as the inbound) and after meeting your relatives at the gate, return the ticket.

Worked for me couple of times....

I've got a gate pass from Delta a few times before, never called ahead or anything, when I dropped my friend's 17 yo son off - he wasn't travelling unaccompanied, but he was travelling standby, and I just told them it was an hour and 45 min drive back to the airport if he didn't get a flight, so they let me go wait with him and make sure he boarded. Just needed his flight info and ID. I agree, just ask at the counter when you get there.

Never call....just go to the airport. The counter agents are much more in tune to doing this. You can get a gate pass. You will need ID, their names as are on their tickets, their CONFIRMATION NUMBER, flight, etc. I always take a copy of the DELTA confirmation when I meet my mother. Also, have your daughter ask for assistance at the gate. Depending on your airport, she should be able to get an electric cart to transport her and the children from the gate to baggage claim. Take your cell phone, so you can call her if any part of the plan fails. The electric cart should be able to take her right to a location to meet you, if you are unable to get through security. Thanksgiving holiday may be one reason airlines are a bit more reluctant to give out gate passes. Just too many people in the mix.

Thanks for all the help! I'll go to the airport early and ask very nicely. Just in case it doesn't work, I'll bring a book. There aren't electric carts at our AP, and I don't think my DDIL would ask for help.

Well, either Delta is less cooperative than the airlines you all fly or I'm just unlucky, but I couldn't get a gate pass. I spoke to a ticketing agent and a supervisor, but they both refused. I explained my DDIL's circumstance, but that didn't sway them. Oh, well.

Buy a fully refundable ticket... It works

I tried this in Sept on United for my 14 and 15 y/o niece and nephew and was told they used to do it but no more. Tried beforehand, tried at the counter etc but no go.

What airport?

Milwaukee

Maybe something has changed since Delta moved over to the Northwest terminal area.I just had a friend who had a bad agent up there from Northwest who caused him to miss his flight to JFK for a connection on to international-" she told him that she didn't know how to work Delta tickets"? What?

I have gotten gate tickets from Delta,Midwest Express and United up in Milwaukee to meet someone at the gate-maybe there are new rules?