Elderly Parents

[EpcotQueen]

Not necessarily a Disney issue but you all are knowledgeable about so many things. DIL’s parents flying for thanksgiving. DIL would like to meet them at the arrival gate. Does anyone know if she can get a pass similar to ones for minor pickup?

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

The answer would depend a lot on why she feels that she has to meet them at the gate.
If they are truly in need of assistance she could easily contact the airline and ask about airport assistance where staff would help them out of the secure area where she could meet up with them without having to try to get a pass.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

To actually answer the question, yes, she can get a gate pass and should not have any problem doing so. Go to the gate agent for their airline and ask for a pass to pick up an elderly couple. She needs to remember she has to go through security, so don’t carry any prohibited items.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

To actually answer the question, yes, she can get a gate pass and should not have any problem doing so. Go to the gate agent for their airline and ask for a pass to pick up an elderly couple. She needs to remember she has to go through security, so don’t carry any prohibited items.

Its not a definite.
If they are perfectly capable of getting from the gate to the unsecured area then there is no reason for a gate pass.
My parents are in their 70's and I've been denied a gate pass because they are physically and mentally capable.
Being "elderly" doesn't equal automatic gate pass.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Probably she should start by calling the airline. How old are they? What issues exist that would necessitate being met at the gate?

Go to the gate agent for their airline

No. Much as I respect your experience and information, the Gate Agent is at the gate, inside the secure area, and not automatically accessible by unticketed persons.

 

[Jaya]

I meet my elderly mother frequently at the gate. I just go to the ticket counter, tell them I'm meeting an elderly lady in her 90's and that she will need assistance through the terminal. Easy-peasy. They always give me a pass.

 

[EpcotQueen]

They are in their 80s. Father requires a wheel chair. Mother gets a bit confused. Last time they flew mother got lost in airport after visiting ladies room. Turned right instead of left. Had airport police looking for her ‘lost’ husband. Really created a ruckus.

 

[SueM in MN]

They are in their 80s. Father requires a wheel chair. Mother gets a bit confused. Last time they flew mother got lost in airport after visiting ladies room. Turned right instead of left. Had airport police looking for her ‘lost’ husband. Really created a ruckus.

Start by contacting their airline with the information you wrote here and ask about an escort/gate pass to meet them at the gate. That gives the ‘why’ you would be requesting one.
You will likely be told that whether or not one is issued is up to each individual location and airport. That is done at the ticketing location for the airline at the airport.
If you are issued one, you will still need to go thru security exactly like you would if you were going on the plane- plan on extra time, especially at Orlando, which has notoriously long lines.
Even if an escort is issued to you, Security might choose not to let you through. That is probably also dependent on both the airport and the security level at the time.

Even if he has his own wheelchair, he will need someone to push it. You can arrange for wheelchair assistance ahead of time (if you are pretty sure you won’t get the pass) or at the airport at ticketing,

 

[DisneyOma]

How are they managing at the ariport at the other end (beginning) of their flight? Perhaps do the same thing at your airport?

 

[ttintagel]

Even if you do get the pass, your family's situation sounds like one where wheelchair assistance would be incredibly helpful. The skycap can push your father's wheelchair and help you get luggage sorted out while you're helping your mother.

Because they're in the airport all the time, they just know every little in and out of getting you through quickly and painlessly .We usually mark that we need them when making the reservation, but you can also do it by calling the airline. Hope all goes well and they have a great trip!