Jazmin Li
If you want to accompany someone to their departure gate at the airport, you will usually need to obtain a gate or escort pass from the airline. This is generally only granted if the passenger has a disability, is elderly, or is a minor child. Some US airports, such as San Antonio International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport, also offer programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to enter the post-security terminal by applying for a special pass in advance. However, this is not a common practice at most airports, and you will typically only be allowed to accompany a passenger up to the security checkpoint without a pass.
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What You'll Learn
- Escort passes allow non-travellers to go beyond security
- Passes are available for those assisting minors or those with disabilities
- Passes are not available for able-bodied friends or relatives
- Passes are available at some US airports, including San Antonio and Orlando
- Passes must be applied for in advance
Escort passes allow non-travellers to go beyond security
In the past, friends and family could accompany travellers to the airport gate, but security measures have become stricter since 9/11. However, some airports and airlines now offer escort passes, which allow non-travellers to go beyond security and accompany a friend or family member to their gate.
Escort passes are typically issued to those assisting unaccompanied minors, travellers with disabilities or special needs, or military personnel. Some airlines may also issue them to those meeting incoming passengers at their arrival gate, but this is not possible for passengers arriving from another country, as they will need to go through customs and immigration first.
To obtain an escort pass, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the airline ticket counter. Escort passes are usually free, but some airlines may charge a fee. It is recommended to apply for the pass in advance, as some airports have a limited number of passes available per day.
- San Antonio International Airport: The SAT Pass program allows non-ticketed guests to apply up to seven days in advance or on the same day if space is available.
- Orlando International Airport: The Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program allows non-ticketed visitors to explore Terminal C. Passes are limited to 100 per day, and visitors must apply up to seven days in advance.
- Tulsa International Airport: The Tulsa International Airport Visitor Pass allows non-travellers to accompany loved ones or explore the concourses. Visitors can apply online up to seven days in advance or on the same day.
- Capital Region International Airport: The LAN Visitor Pass Program welcomes up to 25 non-ticketed visitors per day. Visitors can apply online up to seven days in advance or on the same day.
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Passes are available for those assisting minors or those with disabilities
If you are assisting a minor or someone with a disability, you can apply for a pass to accompany them beyond the security checkpoint at the airport. These passes are known as gate passes, escort passes, or visitor passes, and they allow non-travellers to enter the airport's post-security areas.
To obtain a pass, you will typically need to apply in advance, sometimes up to seven days ahead of your visit. You will need to provide a valid reason for your request, such as assisting a minor, elderly, or disabled traveller. Having a documented diagnosis or a note from a doctor may increase your chances of approval. It's important to note that not all airports offer these passes, and each airport has its own policies and procedures.
When applying for a pass, you will usually be required to provide identification and go through standard security screening procedures. Some airports may have specific requirements, such as applying in person or presenting a digital pass. It's recommended to contact the specific airport and airline to understand their policies and procedures for issuing passes.
Once you have obtained a pass, you will be able to accompany the traveller through security and to their departure gate. This can be especially helpful for minors travelling alone or individuals with disabilities who require assistance navigating the airport. Keep in mind that pass holders must comply with the same regulations as regular airline passengers. Additionally, passes are generally not issued for meeting passengers arriving on international flights due to customs and immigration regulations.
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Passes are not available for able-bodied friends or relatives
Generally, if you are not travelling, you can only go as far as the security checkpoint. However, if you are assisting a passenger, such as a minor child, an elderly person, or someone with a disability, you may be able to obtain a pass to accompany them to the gate. These passes are not available for able-bodied friends or relatives.
Airports and airlines have different policies on issuing passes, and each airport sets its own qualifying criteria. Some sources suggest that passes are only available for those with a disability or age-related needs. However, others state that they can be issued for those needing assistance with language barriers.
To obtain a pass, you will typically need to contact the airline or airport in advance and provide a valid reason for your request. Some airports may also require a government-issued photo ID, and you will likely need to go through the standard security screening procedures. It is important to note that passes are not always guaranteed, and it is recommended to plan ahead in case a pass cannot be obtained.
While it is not common, some U.S. airports offer programs that allow non-ticketed visitors to access certain areas beyond security. These programs often require an application process and have specific rules and limitations. Examples of such programs include the SAT Pass program at San Antonio International Airport, the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program at Orlando International Airport, and the DTW Destination Pass program at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
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Passes are available at some US airports, including San Antonio and Orlando
Passes are available at some US airports, allowing non-travellers to pass through security and enter the gate area. This includes San Antonio International Airport, which introduced the SAT Pass program in February 2025. The program allows a limited number of non-ticketed visitors to meet guests post-security at the airport. To apply for a pass, prospective visitors must request one online, between seven days and 24 hours in advance. If approved, they will receive a digital pass with a QR code to present when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint.
Orlando International Airport also offers gate passes, which can be obtained by presenting a valid government-issued photo ID at the airline ticket counter and requesting an escort or security pass. The agent will then complete an airline authorization form and print the pass once the request has been approved.
Other airports that offer gate passes include Tulsa International Airport, which has the TUL Visitor Pass Program, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which allows 300 passes per day.
Gate passes are typically issued by the airline rather than the airport and are most often used to accompany unaccompanied minors, assist travellers with special needs, or meet military personnel or other loved ones. Some airlines, such as Delta, bundle the cost of the gate pass into their Unaccompanied Minor service fee, which is currently $150 each way for up to four children.
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Passes must be applied for in advance
Passes, such as gate passes or escort passes, are required for non-travellers to go beyond the security checkpoint and accompany someone to their gate at the airport. These passes must typically be applied for in advance, and the process for obtaining them may vary depending on the airport and airline.
For example, at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, you can apply for the DTW Destination Pass in person at the kiosks in the McNamara and Evans terminals on the day of your visit. In contrast, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) allows you to apply for their visitor pass online, either on the day of your visit or up to seven days in advance.
Some airports, like Orlando International Airport, require you to have your pass accessible digitally, and prohibit any hand-carried luggage. Other airports, such as San Antonio International Airport, do not specify these requirements but do mention that applications should typically be completed ahead of your visit.
When applying for an escort pass, it is important to provide a valid reason for needing one. These passes are generally reserved for those accompanying minor children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities. A government-issued photo ID is usually required, and in some cases, a letter or note from a doctor may be helpful. It is worth noting that escort passes are not always available, so it is advisable to contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance to make the necessary arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
Usually, you can only accompany someone to the security checkpoint. However, if your friend or family member is a minor, elderly, or has a disability, you may be able to obtain a gate pass or escort pass to accompany them to the departure gate.
A gate pass or escort pass allows non-travellers to enter beyond the security checkpoint and accompany a traveller to the departure gate.
You can request a gate pass or escort pass from the airline or at the check-in counter. You will need to provide a valid reason, such as assisting a minor, elderly, or disabled traveller. Some airports may require you to apply for the pass in advance.
Yes, there are a few airports in the US that offer programmes allowing non-ticketed visitors to enter beyond security without a pass. Examples include San Antonio International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
No, gate passes and escort passes are generally not issued for international arrivals due to customs and immigration regulations.
