Do I have to be a ticketed passenger @ DCA in order to send off my family member before boarding?

[Anonymous]

Do I have to be a ticketed passenger @ DCA to send them off right before they board the airplane?

[Anonymous]

Yes. You can’t get through security without a ticket or a pass for an unaccompanied minor.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Only way around it is to:

1. Get a gate pass (the airline issues this) but you need to have a good reason
or
2. Buy a refundable ticket, go through security, then never board the flight

[Anonymous]

If there's a specific reason, you can ask for a pass to accompany them past security. Unaccompanied minors, passengers with disabilities or temporarily disabling conditions (e.g. a broken leg), and people who are quite elderly can all get these passes.

However, if the person you want to accompany is an adult without special circumstances, then you will likely be turned away.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes a ticket agent will give you a pass. They’ve let my mom come through when I’ve been flying with the kids. Are your guests elderly or need assistance?

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

When we asked about this (two airlines, a TSA employee friend, an FAA employee friend) the answer was: it depends.

Each airline has a different policy, and the ask you to deal with the ticketing agent. Some will give a pass for a good reason, others will require you to purchase an unaccompanied minor pass for a child ($150 each way) so that am employee walks them to and fro. In the end we were not willing to pay $300 and we were not willing to wing it depending on the mood and company policy knowledge of any given employee on any given day, so we didn't let our kid fly alone yet.

[Anonymous]

Gate passes are relatively easy to get. If you're an elite level FF, you'll get one just for asking for accompanying anyone. Otherwise play the "helping an infirm relative" card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When we asked about this (two airlines, a TSA employee friend, an FAA employee friend) the answer was: it depends.

Each airline has a different policy, and the ask you to deal with the ticketing agent. Some will give a pass for a good reason, others will require you to purchase an unaccompanied minor pass for a child ($150 each way) so that am employee walks them to and fro. In the end we were not willing to pay $300 and we were not willing to wing it depending on the mood and company policy knowledge of any given employee on any given day, so we didn't let our kid fly alone yet.

Southwest's unaccompanied minor pass is $50 each way, and they always issue a gate pass for the parent (and require the names of two people who are authorized to pick the child up at the other end). The $50 fee is for them taking care of the child on the plane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If there's a specific reason, you can ask for a pass to accompany them past security. Unaccompanied minors, passengers with disabilities or temporarily disabling conditions (e.g. a broken leg), and people who are quite elderly can all get these passes.

However, if the person you want to accompany is an adult without special circumstances, then you will likely be turned away.

To add to this, I know that some airlines allow active duty military to have a spouse accompany them to the gate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do I have to be a ticketed passenger @ DCA to send them off right before they board the airplane?

Yes, for about 16 years now. Just say goodbye before the security line, or better yet drop them at the curb.

[Anonymous]

I was able to easily get a gate pass (didn't even have to show ID!) recently on Southwest at BWI to pick up my elderly aunt.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure they want you there? Some prefer to use that time to buy a snack, read the paper, use the toilet...

Short goodbyes are better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do I have to be a ticketed passenger @ DCA to send them off right before they board the airplane?

Yes, for about 16 years now. Just say goodbye before the security line, or better yet drop them at the curb.

Not true.

I have accompanied my kids and my elderly parents to gates. It’s really not that big a deal to get a gate pass.

[Anonymous]

Op is the hassle worth it to you?