Lois Larson
While it is no longer common for family members to accompany travellers to their airport gates, it is possible at some airports. Certain airports in the US allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal and be with their loved ones at the gate. This can be done by applying for a special pass, such as the SAT Pass Program, PHL Wingmate Pass, Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program, SEA Visitor Pass Program, MSY Guest Pass, Tulsa International Airport Visitor Pass, LAN Visitor Pass Program, and OC AirPASS. However, escort passes are typically only issued for minors, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities who require assistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pass required | Escort Pass, SAT Pass, Wingmate Pass, Visitor Pass, OC AirPASS |
| Who can get a pass? | Family members of minor children, grandchildren, relatives with mobility issues or disabilities |
| Who issues the pass? | Airline check-in agent, airport staff at the check-in counter |
| What to show | Government-issued photo ID |
| Where to apply for a pass | Online, at the airport |
| How early to apply | Up to seven days in advance |
| Number of passes | Limited, 100 per day (Wingmate Pass), 300 per day (SEA Visitor Pass), 25 per day (LAN Visitor Pass) |
| Additional requirements | No hand-carried luggage (Tulsa and Orlando International Airport Visitor Pass) |
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What You'll Learn
- Escort passes are available for family members who need to escort minor children or relatives with disabilities
- Passes are also available for those meeting passengers on domestic flights
- Passes are not available for those meeting passengers on international flights due to customs and immigration regulations
- Passes are limited, so apply in advance
- Passes are available at some US airports, including San Antonio, Tulsa International, and Orlando International
Escort passes are available for family members who need to escort minor children or relatives with disabilities
It can be stressful to travel with minor children or relatives with disabilities. Luckily, many airports and airlines offer escort passes to help family members in these situations. Escort passes, also known as gate passes, allow non-ticketed individuals to go through security and accompany their loved ones to the departure gate. This can be especially helpful for minors, elderly relatives, or those with disabilities who may need extra assistance during the boarding process.
To obtain an escort pass, it is generally recommended to visit the ticket counter of the airline your family member is flying with and request a pass. Some airlines may require you to present a valid government-issued photo ID, while others may ask you to fill out an air carrier authorization form or security pass request form. It is a good idea to call ahead or check the airline's website to understand their specific requirements and policies. For example, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, and United are known to provide escort passes, but the availability and conditions may vary by airline and airport.
In some cases, escort passes may not be available, and it is essential to have a backup plan. If your family member needs wheelchair assistance, you can contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance to arrange for a wheelchair attendant to meet them at the arrival gate. Additionally, providing them with a pre-programmed cell phone that includes emergency contacts, airline information, and instructions on how to call for assistance can be helpful.
It is worth noting that escort passes typically do not provide access to Customs and Immigration areas of the airport. If your family member is arriving from another country and needs assistance clearing Customs, you may need to make alternative arrangements or request information from the airline on how to assist in these areas.
While escort passes are not available at all airports, some airports have implemented programs to allow non-ticketed visitors to access certain areas beyond security. For example, Philadelphia Airport's Wingmate program and San Antonio International Airport's SAT Pass allow non-ticketed guests to apply in advance and access specific areas of the airport to meet their loved ones. These programs often have daily visitor limits, and it is essential to check the specific requirements and availability before planning to utilize these services.
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Passes are also available for those meeting passengers on domestic flights
While it is generally a rare occurrence for non-travellers to be allowed beyond airport security, there are a few options for those wishing to meet passengers on domestic flights in the US. Escort passes are available for those who need to meet minor children or persons with disabilities at a domestic arrival gate. These can be obtained by going to the check-in counter with your relative or friend and requesting a pass, along with presenting your photo ID. Escort passes allow non-travellers to go through airport security screening and accompany their loved ones to the departure gate. It is important to note that escort passes are not issued for people meeting passengers on incoming international flights due to customs and immigration regulations.
Some US airports also offer specific programmes that allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal. These include the SEA Visitor Pass Program, which provides 300 passes each day for visitors to enter between 5 am and 9 pm, and the MSY Guest Pass, which requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. The LAN Visitor Pass Program welcomes up to 25 non-ticketed visitors per day to Capital Region International Airport in Lansing, Michigan, allowing them to enter the post-security areas of the terminal for up to four hours. Similarly, the PHL Wingmate Pass is a free program that allows up to 100 non-ticketed visitors per day to travel with loved ones to their gate.
San Antonio International Airport also offers a pass program that allows non-ticketed individuals to spend more time with their friends and family or access airport amenities. The SAT Pass Program can be applied for up to seven days in advance, and visitors must show ID and go through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures. Tulsa International Airport (TUL) offers a similar visitor pass that can be applied for online up to seven days in advance, while John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, requires an OC AirPASS for non-ticketed entry.
It is important to note that each airport and airline may have its own policies and procedures for issuing passes, and it is always best to check with them directly. Additionally, non-ticketed visitors must comply with specific regulations, such as not carrying any hand-luggage and presenting their passes digitally in some cases.
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Passes are not available for those meeting passengers on international flights due to customs and immigration regulations
In the United States, some airports allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal and meet their loved ones at the gate. These passes are called escort passes, and they allow non-travellers to accompany their family members or friends to the departure gate. However, escort passes are not available for those meeting passengers on international flights due to customs and immigration regulations.
When arriving from another country, passengers have to go through customs and immigration before they can be met by their loved ones. An escort pass does not grant access to this restricted area of the airport. Customs and immigration checks are mandatory for all international arrivals, and they are usually carried out by the customs and immigration agencies of the country in question. In the US, this would be the Customs and Border Protection agency.
To clear customs, travellers need to declare the items they are bringing into the country. This may be done through a verbal declaration, filling out a form, or submitting an advance declaration online or via a mobile app. Some countries may also use e-gates, where facial recognition technology matches the passenger's face to their passport photo.
After clearing customs, passengers proceed to immigration, also known as passport control or border security. Here, the country's immigration department confirms that the traveller is legally allowed to enter. Only after completing these steps can passengers exit the airport and meet their loved ones.
While escort passes are not available for international arrivals, they can be obtained for domestic flights. These passes allow non-ticketed visitors to accompany minors, elderly, or disabled passengers to their departure gates and assist them with checking in and navigating the airport.
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Passes are limited, so apply in advance
If you want to wait with your family at the airport gate, you will generally need to apply for a gate pass in advance. Gate passes are typically reserved for accompanying minors, special needs persons, or military family members. However, some airports now offer visitor pass programs that allow non-ticketed individuals to access certain terminals and spend more time with their friends and family or shop and dine at the airport.
These visitor pass programs have limited slots, and it is recommended to apply for the pass in advance. For example, the SEA Visitor Pass Program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is limited to 300 passes per day, and visitors can apply up to seven days in advance. Similarly, the SAT Pass Program at San Antonio International Airport has a limited number of visitor slots, and applications can be made up to seven days in advance.
The MSY Guest Pass for New Orleans Airport also requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance, while the PHL Wingmate Pass program allows up to 100 non-ticketed visitors per day. The Tulsa International Airport Visitor Pass and the LAN Visitor Pass Program also have limited slots and can be applied for up to seven days in advance.
By applying in advance, you can increase your chances of securing a pass and ensure that you don't miss out on the opportunity to wait with your family at the airport gate. It is important to check the specific requirements and application processes for the airport you are interested in, as they may vary.
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Passes are available at some US airports, including San Antonio, Tulsa International, and Orlando International
Passes are available at some US airports, allowing non-travellers to enter the post-security area of the airport. These include San Antonio International Airport, Tulsa International Airport, and Orlando International Airport.
San Antonio International Airport
The San Antonio International Airport launched the SAT Pass in February 2025. Non-ticketed guests can apply up to seven days in advance or on the same day if space allows. Once approved, they may remain airside until 9 pm to dine, shop, or see friends and family off. The SAT Pass Program allows the non-traveling public to visit the airport, spend more time, or meet friends and family post-security.
Tulsa International Airport
The Tulsa International Airport offers the TUL Visitor Pass Program, which allows the non-travelling public to visit and enjoy the amenities on the post-security side of the passenger terminal. Visitors can spend more time with their friends and family or shop and dine at the airport. The pass is valid only on the date of issuance, the approved start time, and through the operational hours of the approved passenger terminal. The application can be made on the day of the visit or up to seven days in advance.
Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport has introduced a Visitor Pass Program, allowing non-ticketed visitors to access the terminal beyond security. Visitors can enjoy the airport's shopping, dining, and other amenities or greet their loved ones at the gate. To obtain a pass, visitors must apply online through the airport's official website.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport and the circumstances. Some airports and airlines will issue escort passes to those with minor children or those assisting disabled passengers. Escort passes are also available for those meeting minor children or disabled passengers at a domestic arrival gate.
Escort passes can be obtained from an airline check-in agent or at the airport check-in counter. A government-issued photo ID is required.
Notable US airports that offer escort passes include San Antonio International Airport, Tulsa International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport.
