Lois Larson
If you need assistance navigating an airport, you can request an escort pass. Escort passes are typically issued to those with minor children or a person with a disability, age-related or otherwise, who needs help getting to a departure gate. Some airports also issue passes that allow you to meet incoming passengers at their arrival gate, though this is not possible for international flights in the US due to customs and immigration regulations. Alternatively, you can hire a company like SkySquad to escort you through airport terminals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can get an escort pass? | Family members of minor children, grandchildren, relatives with mobility issues or disabilities |
| Who can be escorted? | Minor children, grandchildren, relatives with mobility issues or disabilities |
| Where can escort passes be used? | Departure gates, arrival gates (not for international arrivals in the US) |
| How to get an escort pass? | Go to the check-in counter with your relative or friend, request a pass, and present your government-issued photo ID |
| How much does it cost? | Free at most airports, SkySquad charges $49 for couples and singles and $99 for families |
| What does an escort pass allow? | Accompanying the escorted person through airport security screening and to the departure gate |
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What You'll Learn
Escorts for minors, elderly, or disabled people
If you are a minor, elderly, or disabled person, or you are travelling with someone who falls into one of these categories, you may need to arrange for an escort pass. Escort passes allow family members or friends to take their minor children, grandchildren, relatives, or friends with mobility issues or disabilities to departure gates. They also allow family members or friends to meet the aforementioned groups at arrival gates.
Escort passes are not issued for people meeting passengers on incoming international flights in the US due to customs and immigration regulations. If you are picking up a passenger who is arriving from another country, you will not be able to go into the Customs and Immigration hall. However, if your loved one or friend needs assistance clearing Customs, you can arrange for a wheelchair attendant to meet them at the arrival gate.
To obtain an escort pass, go to the check-in counter with your relative or friend and request a pass, presenting your photo ID. You can call ahead to get information about escort passes, but issuance is usually determined locally by each airline. Your escort pass will allow you to go through airport security screening with your loved one or friend and accompany them to the departure gate.
If you are a minor travelling alone, you can use an unaccompanied minor service, which is available for children aged 5-14 on most flights. This service usually comes with an additional fee. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you will be accommodated as an adult customer. It is recommended that you remind your child to ask for help only from a uniformed team member and to write down important phone numbers for them. You should also pack games, books, snacks, and a charged electronic device for them to use during the flight.
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Paid escort services
For those who need assistance navigating the airport, escort services are available at most airports. These services are typically provided by the airport or by private companies, and they can be especially helpful for minors, seniors, or individuals with disabilities. Here is some information about paid escort services at airports:
Airport Escort Passes:
Many airports offer escort passes that allow non-travellers to accompany a family member or friend to their departure gate or meet them at the arrival gate. These passes are typically issued for minors, individuals with disabilities, or those who need assistance clearing customs. To obtain an escort pass, individuals should go to the check-in counter with their relative or friend and present a government-issued photo ID. It is also possible to call ahead to inquire about the availability of escort passes, as issuance may vary by airline and airport. It is important to note that escort passes are generally not issued for meeting passengers on incoming international flights due to customs and immigration regulations.
Private Escort Services:
In addition to airport-provided escort passes, there are private companies that offer paid escort services at airports. One such company is SkySquad, which offers assistance to travellers from the curb to the boarding gate. SkySquad's basic fee is $49 for couples and singles and $99 for families, and they provide services such as helping with bags, escorting through security, and monitoring luggage during bathroom breaks. SkySquad also offers additional services, including escorting travellers to the jet bridge and assisting with luggage collection for an extra fee. SkySquad operates at several airports across the United States, including Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport.
Airport-Specific Programs:
Some airports in the United States have implemented programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to access certain areas beyond security. For example, the DTW Destination Pass program at Detroit Metropolitan Airport allows non-ticketed visitors to enter the airport between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on the same day they apply. Similarly, the Tulsa International Airport (TUL) Visitor Pass allows non-ticketed visitors to enter the terminal without a ticket, but applications must be made in advance. Other airports with similar programs include Orlando International Airport, San Antonio International Airport, and Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan. These programs typically require visitors to apply for a pass in advance and go through standard security screening procedures.
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Airport employee escorts
Airport escort passes are available for those who need assistance navigating the airport, such as minor children travelling alone or individuals with disabilities. Escort passes allow holders to accompany the traveller to the departure gate and through airport security.
To obtain an escort pass, you will typically need to go to the check-in counter with your relative or friend and request a pass, presenting a government-issued photo ID. Some airports may also require you to apply for the pass in advance. It is worth noting that escort passes are not always available for international flights due to customs and immigration regulations.
Additionally, some airports offer programmes that allow non-ticketed visitors to access certain areas beyond security. These include the DTW Destination Pass program at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, the Tulsa International Airport Visitor Pass, and the SEA Visitor Pass Program. However, visitors must adhere to specific guidelines, such as not carrying any luggage and passing through regular security screening procedures.
Alternatively, you can hire a private escort service, such as SkySquad, to assist you through the airport. These services can help with tasks such as repacking bags, carrying items, and escorting you to your gate. They may also offer additional services for a fee, such as staying with you until you board or greeting arriving passengers.
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Escort passes for non-travellers
If you need someone to escort you around the airport, you can either request an escort pass for a non-travelling companion or hire a professional escort service.
Escort passes allow non-travellers to enter the airport terminal and accompany a traveller to the departure gate. They are typically issued for those assisting minor children who are travelling alone or those with disabilities or mobility issues. Some airports and airlines also issue escort passes to meet passengers at arrival gates, although this does not include international arrivals due to customs and immigration regulations.
Escort passes are usually easy to obtain. You can call ahead to get information about the escort pass, but issuance is typically determined by each airline. To obtain an escort pass, go with your relative or friend to the check-in counter, request a pass, and present your government-issued photo ID. Escort pass holders must clear airport security and comply with the same regulations as airline passengers.
Some airports have specific programmes for non-travellers to enter the terminal without a ticket. These include:
- PHL Wingmate Pass: Allows up to 100 non-ticketed visitors per day to travel with loved ones to their gate or greet them upon arrival. Applications must be submitted up to seven days in advance, and visitors must choose a terminal and a security time slot.
- Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program: Allows non-ticketed visitors to explore Terminal C at Orlando International Airport. Visitors must have their pass accessible digitally and cannot bring any hand-carried luggage.
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL) Visitor Pass: Allows non-ticketed visitors to enter the terminal at Tulsa International Airport in Oklahoma. Applications can be made online for the same day or up to seven days in advance. Visitors cannot bring any hand-carried luggage, and entry is only granted at the approved start time and for the approved terminal.
- LAN Visitor Pass Program: Allows up to 25 non-ticketed visitors per day to enter the post-security areas of Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan, for up to four hours between 8 am and 5 pm.
Professional escort services
Alternatively, you can hire a professional escort service to assist you at the airport. For example, SkySquad offers a chaperoning service at various airports, including Baltimore, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. Their basic fee is $49 for couples and singles and $99 for families, covering services from curb to gate, such as repacking bags at security and keeping an eye on luggage. SkySquad customers also get access to expedited security lines at certain airports, reducing the time spent in the screening process.
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Government-issued escort passes
To obtain a government-issued escort pass, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the airline ticket counter. The agent will then complete an airline authorization form and print the pass once your request has been approved. Escort passes are typically issued free of charge, although some airlines may charge a fee. It is recommended to call ahead to inquire about escort pass availability, as each airline determines the issuance of these passes.
It is important to note that escort passes do not provide access to all areas of the airport. They are generally used for accompanying minors, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities to their departure gates or meeting them at arrival gates. Escort passes are not issued for international arrivals in the US due to customs and immigration regulations.
Additionally, some companies like SkySquad offer paid escort services at select airports. These services can include assistance with bags, expedited security checks, and escorting individuals to their gates.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to have someone escort you around the airport. If you are a minor or a person with a disability, you can get an escort pass for a family member or friend. Some airports and airlines will also issue escort passes to allow you to meet incoming passengers at their arrival gate.
To get an escort pass, simply go with your relative or friend to the check-in counter and request a pass. You will need to present a government-issued photo ID. It is also possible to call ahead to get information about the escort pass, but issuance is determined locally by each airline.
An escort pass allows you to go through airport security screening and accompany your loved one or friend to the departure gate. If you are picking someone up from a domestic flight, you will need to go through the airport security checkpoint before meeting them at the arrival gate. Escort passes do not allow you to go through Customs and Immigration.
Yes, there are alternative options if you cannot get an escort pass. For example, you can station yourself close to the arrival gate and wait for your loved one or friend. Additionally, some airports offer programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal and meet travellers. These programs may require advance application and have specific requirements and restrictions.
