DH escorting us beyond security??

[snoopy5386]

I know I have seen threads about this, but the search function isn't working. I am flying alone with my 18 month old next week and needless to say it would be a ton easier if DH (who is NOT flying) could escort us to the gate. Any way to make this happen these days? We are flying southwest if that matters.

 

[deedeetoo]

Sorry. He can't go past security without a boarding pass.

 

[gram29]

It is possible to go to the gate with a special pass. I have done it twice with my mother who was in a wheelchair. Call Southwest and ask them to mark in their computer that you are requesting a special pass. They'll tell you that the airport does not have to honor this pass, but I have had no trouble both times.

 

[Faerie]

I don't think you'll get it as long as you are an able bodied adult. Usually they're only given for assistance to someone traveling alone (senior, adult who needs assistance) or children traveling alone

 

[NotUrsula]

There is another way, if you have the financial wherewithal to float the cost of a plane ticket on your CC for a month.

Your DH can go ahead and purchase a FULLY-REFUNDABLE FULL PRICE ticket for a flight on the day of your departure that leaves just a bit later than yours (destination doesn't matter), then go through security as if he were getting on the plane, and then just, not get on. When leaving the airport he can go back to the ticket counter, say he has to cancel, and ask for a refund on the ticket. It will take a couple of weeks to get your CC credited for the amount.

Note that the ticket he buys MUST be fully-refundable, no conditions of any kind. It's likely to be quite expensive, so the simplest close-to-you destination would likely be most affordable, perhaps a flight to BWI or Philly from your airport. This is perfectly legal to do.

 

[krdisneybound]

OMgoodness - you don't need to go to the trouble of a ticket - of course, unless you wanted to.


Get a wheelchair at the airport and have your wife use it or one of the children. You don't have to go into any long exaggeration of why you wanat the wheelchair. You could have sprained your ankle earlier.

Then ask at the ticket counter if you DH can have a "pass" to go to the gate with you - he will have to show his ID only.

I don't think it is a big deal. You should be able to do it.

 

[don8life]

Yes, this can be done. I fly alone with my 4 kids and hubby is allowed past security.
You need to ask for a special pass when you go check in. Explain to them you need his help. It should not be a problem.

 

[CarolA]

OMgoodness - you don't need to go to the trouble of a ticket - of course, unless you wanted to.


Get a wheelchair at the airport and have your wife use it or one of the children. You don't have to go into any long exaggeration of why you wanat the wheelchair. You could have sprained your ankle earlier.

Then ask at the ticket counter if you DH can have a "pass" to go to the gate with you - he will have to show his ID only.

I don't think it is a big deal. You should be able to do it.

In other words if all else fails... LIE????

 

[tjmw2727]

As pp's have mentioned you may be able to get a pass for your DH to go through security with you. It depends on the airline, the airport and the level of security alert. Then its up to the discretion of the TSA agent once you hit the security area if he/she will honor it as the TSA is separate from the Airline.

That said I have traveled as the solo adult with both my daughters from the time they were 1 and 3 years old, if you relax and prepare it's really not a big deal. Personally I would plan to clear security alone so if DH can't come its not a problem but if he can come through its a bonus.

If you want to post more details those of us who travel alone with our kids (there are many more in addition to me) will gladly try and help you with the logistics.

Good luck and don't worry!
TJ

 

[DizkneeDenna]

I work at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and this is done all the time. Once at the airport go to the Southwest Check-In and request an "Escort Pass" for your husband. Tell them that you need his assistance with your child and luggage. I've never heard of anyone being denied an Escort Pass if they request it!

Hope this helps,
Denna

 

[NancyIL]

How will you manage when your plane arrives at your destination? You won't be able to have someone meet you at the gate when you get off the plane. While it would be nice to have your husband's assistance getting to the gate, you need to be able to handle baby, stroller, and whatever other carry-ons you have - all by yourself.

 

[CPT Tripss]

We have requested an escort pass on occassion when "granddad" flies. You need to go to the counter and make the request of the agent. In my experience the response is either, "sure" or "does he need assistance?" Answering yes gets the pass.
I have never had TSA refuse to accept the pass.
If you are flying SW, I would check in on-line to get an A and then go to the desk at the airport to request the escort pass. Why take the chance that you won't preboard and the be stuck with a C.

 

[snoopy5386]

thanks for the advice, I will call ahead of time and ask for an escort pass. I realize I won't have anyone to help me when I get to my destination, but that is usually the easy part, put toddler in stroller, wrangle carry on and carseat and go to baggage claim where helpful relatives await us. It is the beginning of the trip that is the hard part: getting everyone and all the gear through security, getting dinner before we get on the plane, going to the bathroom, changing diapers, wrangling a toddler who won't hold hands and hates to ride in the stroller, dealing with a possible delay, all these things are wayyyy easier with DH's help.

 

[safetymom]

I am pretty sure you can't get one by calling. You need to ask at the ticket counter.