Jazmin Li
Travelling with children can be a complicated process, and it's understandable that parents and guardians may want to accompany their children to the departure gate. While it's not common for adults to be able to accompany minors to the gate, some airlines do offer escort passes for parents or guardians of unaccompanied minors. In the case of young adults with anxiety, it may be possible to arrange for an airport employee to accompany them through security and to the gate. It's important to note that each airline and airport may have different policies, so it's always a good idea to contact the airline directly to inquire about any available options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a parent walk their child to the airport gate? | Parents can walk their child to the airport gate, but only up to security |
| What can parents do if their child has anxiety about flying? | Parents can contact the airport and request assistance for their child. The airport may provide an employee to accompany the child through security and walk them to the gate. |
| Are there any other options for parents to accompany their child to the gate? | Parents can purchase a fully refundable flight that leaves from the same terminal/area but departs one hour later. After going through security with their child, the parents can cancel their flight. |
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What You'll Learn
Parents of unaccompanied minors
If your child is flying as an unaccompanied minor, you must accompany them through the check-in process and remain with them at the departure gate until their flight is airborne. To check in, you will need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. You will also need to provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age and your own government-issued photo ID with your current address.
Some airlines, such as Delta, offer an unaccompanied minor program, which includes features like a trackable wristband, a lounge for kids, and a personal escort for your child throughout their travel day. This service usually incurs an additional fee of around $150 USD/CAD/EUR each way, in addition to the ticket price.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time of your child's flight. During check-in, you will be given a security pass so that you can accompany your child to the gate. In some airports, parents may not be able to escort their child through security, in which case a team member will take the child to the gate and stay with them until the flight departs.
If your child is connecting through another city, they will be assisted by an airline or business partner employee. It is recommended that children be seated at the rear of the aircraft to be near a flight attendant for safety.
It is important to note that flight attendants will be busy with onboard duties and may not be able to continuously monitor your child during the flight. Let your child know that they can ring the call button if they need anything. Additionally, remind them to only ask for help from a uniformed team member. It is a good idea to pack games, books, snacks, and money in one small carry-on for your child. Also, be sure to attach an ID card and contact information to their carry-on bag or jacket.
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Parents accompanying anxious adults
Parents can accompany their anxious adult children to the airport gate in certain circumstances. While it is rare for airports to offer gate passes to parents, it is not impossible. Some people have shared their experiences of their parents obtaining an escort or gate pass to accompany them to the gate. In some cases, parents may be able to purchase a fully refundable flight ticket with the same departure details as their anxious adult child, allowing them to accompany them through security and to the gate. However, this option can be expensive and time-consuming, as it may take weeks to receive a refund.
Alternatively, anxious adult travellers can request assistance from the airport directly. Some airports offer services to assist anxious travellers, and while it may not be a parent, an airport employee can accompany travellers through security and to their gate. Travellers can also contact TSA Cares for guidance and assistance in navigating airport security. It is recommended to contact the airport in advance to inquire about any available support services and to make the necessary arrangements.
Additionally, there are other ways parents can provide support to their anxious adult children at the airport. They can help their child create a plan by looking at an airport terminal map online, which may reduce anxiety. Parents can also stay connected with their child via video calls or other means of communication throughout their time at the airport and during the flight.
It is important to note that the availability of gate passes and escort options may vary from airport to airport, and it is always a good idea to check with the specific airport and airline beforehand. While parents may not be able to physically accompany their anxious adult children through security and to the gate in all cases, there are still ways they can provide emotional support and assistance to help ease their child's anxiety.
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TSA Cares and other assistance
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a dedicated helpline, TSA Cares, which provides travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances with additional assistance during the security screening process. TSA Cares can be reached by calling (855) 787-2227 or by submitting an online form. It is recommended to contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours prior to your departure to request assistance and ask any questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect.
TSA Cares provides information on security procedures and helps passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, and those needing additional assistance to prepare for the security screening process. This includes passengers with non-visible disabilities and medical conditions such as Alzheimer's, autism spectrum disorder, and dementia, who can be screened without being separated from their travelling companion. Passengers can inform the TSA officers about their disability or medical condition verbally, by using the TSA Notification Card, or by providing medical documentation.
TSA Cares also assists passengers travelling with children. Children will not be separated from their parents or guardians during the security screening process. Infants and children should be removed from strollers and car seats and carried through the walk-through metal detector. Infants may be carried in a sling or carrier through the metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair but may be subject to additional screening. Children who can walk through the metal detector unassisted may do so separately from their parents and may be allowed multiple passes through screening technologies to reduce the need for a pat-down.
In addition to TSA Cares, passengers requiring special accommodations or who are concerned about the security screening process may request assistance from a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). PSS officers have received specialized training in assisting and communicating with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or those needing additional screening assistance. To request PSS assistance, passengers can complete the TSA Cares form or call TSA Cares at least 72 hours before departure. It is important to note that requesting PSS service does not exempt passengers from security screening.
Passengers can also take advantage of other TSA services, such as submitting a request for information, filing a complaint or compliment, reporting a security issue or civil rights violation, and participating in customer satisfaction surveys. Additionally, TSA provides information on specific items allowed through security, such as food, medical equipment, and liquids, which must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Passengers can also file a claim if they are injured or their property is lost or damaged during the screening process, although it may take up to six months for the claim to be fully investigated.
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Strollers and bassinets
Strollers
Firstly, it is important to note that you can travel with a stroller, and most airlines allow you to check one stroller per child for free. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines and American Airlines allow you to check one stroller for free, but it is important to check the specific requirements of your airline, as size and weight restrictions may apply. Some strollers may be considered checked luggage, and you may need to drop them off at the oversize luggage counter. Jogging strollers, for example, are generally too large for carry-on and must be checked.
When choosing a stroller for travel, opt for a lightweight, compact model that is easy to fold and manoeuvre through busy airports. You may also want to consider a stroller that is FAA-approved and meets carry-on requirements, so that it can travel with you in the cabin. This makes navigating the airport and plane much easier.
There are three ways to travel with a stroller: bring it onboard as a carry-on, gate-check it, or check it with your luggage. If you want to bring it onboard, make sure it meets the airline's size restrictions. If you plan to check your stroller, a stroller travel bag can protect it from scratches and rough handling. You can also request a gate-check tag and prepare for quick folding by practising beforehand.
Bassinets
Bassinets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for travel on certain aircraft. They are not available in First or Business cabins. Infants using bassinets must be younger than two years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg). Bassinets, like strollers, may be checked in for free, as long as they do not exceed the dimensions of checked luggage. Each infant may check up to two necessary items, such as a bassinet, travel cot, car seat, or lightweight stroller, free of charge.
Additional Tips
When checking strollers and bassinets, don't forget to attach a luggage tag with your contact information. At the airport, inform staff that you have a stroller to check, and they will provide a special tag and guide you through the process. You can also use a stroller through the airport up until the boarding gate, which is a popular option as it allows you to use the stroller until the last minute. However, security lines can be long, so be sure to arrive early.
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Carry-on luggage for infants
When travelling with infants, it's important to be aware of the carry-on luggage allowances for babies. While the specific rules vary by airline, there are some general principles that apply across the board. Firstly, if you are travelling with an infant on your lap, you may bring a diaper bag in addition to your regular carry-on allowance. This bag should be able to fit under the seat in front of you and typically has a maximum dimension of 46 x 36 x 20 cm (or 18 x 14 x 8 inches). This bag can contain baby essentials such as food, milk, formula, and other items. It's worth noting that gel and ice packs are permitted if they are used to refrigerate baby food.
If your infant has their own seat, the standard baggage allowance typically applies, as they are now considered a child passenger. This means they are entitled to the same baggage allowance as an adult, which includes an extra bag for in-flight essentials. However, it's important to note that baggage allowances cannot be combined, so each family member must stay within their individual allowance.
Most airlines allow you to bring a collapsible stroller and a car seat at no extra charge, in addition to your checked bag allowance. Car seats are typically allowed for infants under 2 years old, but they must meet specific dimensions to be carried in the cabin. If the car seat exceeds the stipulated dimensions, it must be checked as baggage, and additional charges may apply.
It's important to note that electric and motorized strollers are generally not allowed for transportation, either onboard or in the aircraft hold. Additionally, items such as portable cribs, playpens, and wagons are typically considered part of the checked baggage allowance and should be checked before going through security.
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Frequently asked questions
Parents can usually accompany their children to the airport gate. However, this may vary depending on the airport. In some cases, parents may need to obtain a security or escort pass from an agent at the airport.
Yes, different airlines have different age restrictions for children travelling alone. For instance, American Airlines allows kids aged 5-14 to fly alone with their unaccompanied minor service.
Parents travelling with children should be aware of the following:
- TSA Cares provides guidance and modified screening procedures for families navigating airport security with young travellers.
- Most airports allow the use of strollers up to the boarding gate, provided they are collapsible.
- Bassinets are usually restricted to babies under 22 pounds and can only be used at cruising altitude when the seat belt sign is off.
