Lois Larson
Airport security escorts are available for a variety of reasons and situations. Some airlines offer escorts through security for first-class passengers, although this is not a standard offering across all airlines and airports. Additionally, escort passes are available for non-ticketed visitors who wish to accompany or greet minors, elderly individuals, or those with disabilities at the gate. These passes are typically issued by the airline and require a government-issued photo ID. Some airports also offer programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to access certain areas beyond security, but these often require advance applications and have daily visitor limits. In some cases, individuals can hire companies to provide escort services through the airport, assisting with bags, security, and other needs. Finally, certain foreign officials and dignitaries may be eligible for security escort programs administered by government organizations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can be escorted? | Foreign officials, minors, people with disabilities, elderly people, first-class passengers |
| Who can escort? | Department of State escort officers, airline representatives, SkySquad, family members, friends |
| Where can escorts take place? | Certain airports in the US, Bangkok, Frankfurt |
| What is required to obtain an escort pass? | Government-issued photo ID, request at check-in counter |
| What is the cost? | SkySquad charges $49 for couples and singles, $99 for families |
| What services are provided? | Help with luggage, repacking at security, assistance with boarding, greeting arriving passengers |
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What You'll Learn
- Foreign officials can be escorted by a Department of State escort officer
- Non-ticketed visitors can enter post-security terminals with a pass
- An escort pass can be obtained to accompany minors or people with disabilities
- Airlines may unofficially allow escorting passengers through security
- SkySquad is a company that provides escort services for a fee
Foreign officials can be escorted by a Department of State escort officer
Foreign officials who are the functional equivalents of members of the Cabinet of the United States are eligible for the services provided under the Airport Escort Screening Courtesies Program. This program is administered by the Office of the Chief of Protocol and allows qualifying foreign officials to be assisted by a Department of State escort officer. This service is only provided when the foreign officials are not escorted by a United States Secret Service, Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, or other USG official protective details. The spouse and children under the age of twelve accompanying the foreign official may also receive services under the program.
The Airport Escort Screening Courtesies Program is only available at certain airports in the United States and is only valid for departures, not arrivals. Foreign missions must submit requests for the program through the eGov system, and each airport's itinerary must be included in the flight itinerary. Requests must be submitted at least three business days before the anticipated date of departure, and any changes to the approved itinerary must be reported immediately.
It is important to note that Department of State Escort Officers cannot escort individuals who are carrying weapons on their person while transiting airport security. If the foreign dignitary is travelling with armed security but does not have US Secret Service or Diplomatic Security Service protection, they must contact the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's Protective Liaison Division for information on how to transit airport security.
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Non-ticketed visitors can enter post-security terminals with a pass
At most airports, non-ticketed visitors can enter post-security terminals with an escort pass. Escort passes are typically issued to those accompanying minors, the elderly, or people with disabilities to their departure gates. Some airports also issue escort passes to individuals meeting passengers at domestic arrival gates. However, escort passes are generally not provided to people meeting passengers arriving on international flights due to customs and immigration regulations.
To obtain an escort pass, individuals usually need to present a government-issued photo ID at the check-in counter and request the pass. Some airlines may require individuals to call ahead and inquire about the availability of escort passes. It is important to note that escort passes do not exempt holders from standard security screening procedures.
In addition to airline-issued escort passes, some airports offer their own visitor pass programs, allowing non-ticketed visitors to access specific terminals or areas within the airport. These programs often require advance registration and may have daily visitor limits. Examples include the SEA Visitor Pass Program, the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program, and the SAT Pass program.
Alternatively, specialized companies like SkySquad offer paid escort services to assist travelers through airport terminals. These services can include helping with luggage, escorting through security, and accompanying travelers to their gates. SkySquad's basic fee is $49 for couples and singles and $99 for families, with additional fees for extended services.
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An escort pass can be obtained to accompany minors or people with disabilities
Escort passes allow family members to accompany their minor children, grandchildren, and relatives with disabilities or mobility issues to departure gates. They are not a solution to all gate-related issues, but they do provide peace of mind for concerned family members. It is important to note that escort passes are never issued for people meeting passengers on incoming international flights in the US due to customs and immigration regulations.
To obtain an escort pass, simply go with your relative or friend to the check-in counter, request a pass, and present your photo ID. It is recommended to call ahead to inquire about the escort pass, as issuance may vary by airline and airport. Some airports and airlines may have specific procedures in place. For example, the SEA Visitor Pass Program at Seattle Airport started in 2018, offering 300 passes daily, while the MSY Guest Pass requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.
Additionally, some airports offer programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to access post-security areas. For example, the SAT Pass Program in Texas and the PHL Wingmate Pass in Philadelphia allow visitors to apply for passes to accompany loved ones to their gates. These programs typically require applications in advance and have daily visitor limits.
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Airlines may unofficially allow escorting passengers through security
While escort passes are available at many airports, the policies regarding escorts through security vary across airlines and airports. Typically, escort passes are issued to those accompanying or meeting minors, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities at departure or arrival gates. These escorts must comply with standard security regulations and procedures.
At some airports, non-ticketed visitors can obtain passes to access post-security terminals and accompany travelling companions to their gates. Examples of such programs include the SAT Pass Program, PHL Wingmate Pass, SEA Visitor Pass Program, and DTW Destination Pass Program.
In certain cases, airlines may unofficially allow escorting passengers through security, helping them to cut the line. While the TSA does not explicitly encourage or disallow this practice, it may be tolerated depending on factors such as line length and the level of disruption caused.
Additionally, some airports provide dedicated immigration counters and security checks for first and business-class passengers, allowing them to bypass general lines. Escorting services, such as SkySquad, are also available for hire at select airports to assist travellers through security and with various other tasks.
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SkySquad is a company that provides escort services for a fee
For a basic fee of $49 for couples and singles and $99 for families, SkySquad's badged and background-checked employees can accompany customers to any public part of the terminal, including through the security area and beyond. This service includes assistance with tasks such as repacking bags at security, carrying car seats, and watching over luggage while customers use the restroom, shop, or take breaks.
In some airports, SkySquad customers can access expedited security lines, reducing the time spent in the screening process. Additionally, for an extra fee, SkySquad escorts can remain with the customer until they board their flight and, in certain airports, even accompany them onto the jet bridge.
SkySquad also offers services for arriving passengers, including greeting them at the gate, assisting with luggage collection, and helping with ground transportation. If flights are delayed or cancelled, SkySquad escorts can direct customers to the appropriate desks and may provide insider knowledge about rebooking options.
It is important to note that SkySquad does not work with unaccompanied minors, nor do they provide wheelchair services, which are typically handled by airport staff.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. Some airports allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal, but you will need to apply for a special pass. Some airlines also offer escort services to help you cut the line.
You can call ahead to get escort pass information. However, the issuance of escort passes is determined locally by each airline. Generally, you can get an escort pass by going with your relative or friend to the check-in counter and presenting your photo ID.
Yes, some airports offer free escort services. For example, the PHL Wingmate Pass program allows non-ticketed visitors to travel with loved ones to their gate or greet them upon arrival.
Yes, you can hire someone to escort you through an airport. Companies like SkySquad offer this service, with basic fees starting at $49 for couples and singles and $99 for families.
