How to meet an arriving child at the gate - **UNBELIEVEABLE Update Feb. 28th**

[bavaria]

And many of us cancel our tickets for perfectly legtimate reasons after checking in, clearing security, and sitting in the lounge or at the gate. I've even checked my messages on a layover and found out that my trip was in vain.

One thing about MCO is that unlike ORD or DEN or other big hub airports, the vast majority of people will all be heading towards baggage claim, and not towards connecting flights. So 'follow the crowd' makes sense here (although it wouldn't in many other airports)

But if the feeling is that an adult absolutely must meet the teen then purchasing a ticket and refunding it is still a viable option.

I am in the camp that a 15 year old should be able to find their way, but after a decade of reading here I know that in 2010 that may no longer be the case.

 

[DecaturDad]

I have had my then 16 year old neice fly into Atlanta , and I met her at baggae claim. She did fine. Also, you can get a gate pass to go into the gate area. My wife has excorted her father to his gate. You just need to do to the counter and ask.

 

[NotUrsula]

I have had my then 16 year old neice fly into Atlanta , and I met her at baggae claim. She did fine. Also, you can get a gate pass to go into the gate area. My wife has excorted her father to his gate. You just need to do to the counter and ask.

Just as a general rule, TSA discourages airlines from giving out gate passes for the escort of able-bodied adults. They might easily refuse if you could not claim that the person was disabled or under the age of being allowed to fly unaccompanied (and with SWA, that's 12.)

For the OP: I've found that the best meeting place in MCO's terminal A is the fountain. Baggage claim can be confusing for a lot of people, but that fountain is impossible to miss.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

As I recall when you exit the tram, there is a glass wall. On the other side of the wall, I saw alot of people waiting for others to get off the tram.

I saw them as soon as I exited the tram I think. So as long as she knows to get on the tram and you wait in that area, I think she'd be fine.

Ooops, I forgot to add I was coming from the Airtran terminal so I don't know if it's like that at all the terminals.

 

[Traveliz]

Well, YES, she is leaving a very small airport and she is not MY child. She is my DD best friend and is the oldest in her family. I cannot really say much as to what they will or will not allow for their daughter. I simply said that I would "ask all my friends on the Boards" !!
I am GREATLY appreciating all of the responses, suggestions and ideas. We drive 98% of the time so I am not wildly familiar with MCO. The 2-3 times that we flew I remember a 5 mile hike from the terminal to the actual doors out! Was that because we were going to Magical Express?? Is it shorter to the terminal exit if NOT using ME????

It is a distance - but there are options - you can meet in the main area before baggage claim as another poster mentioned - at that point once they exit the secure area there is the large atrium and I often see people waiting there, or down at the end of the escalators (a bit farther).

It will be an adventure for her.

Liz

 

[TheresaNY]

Just as a general rule, TSA discourages airlines from giving out gate passes for the escort of able-bodied adults. They might easily refuse if you could not claim that the person was disabled or under the age of being allowed to fly unaccompanied (and with SWA, that's 12.)

For the OP: I've found that the best meeting place in MCO's terminal A is the fountain. Baggage claim can be confusing for a lot of people, but that fountain is impossible to miss.

Great! BTW, I do not remember ever seeing a fountain!! Do they shut it off and stick a Christmas tree in it during the holidays? I have only been to MCO in December the last 3 years.

As I recall when you exit the tram, there is a glass wall. On the other side of the wall, I saw alot of people waiting for others to get off the tram.

I saw them as soon as I excited the tram I think. So as long as she knows to get on the tram and you wait in that area, I think she'd be fine.

Ooops, I forgot to add I was coming from the Airtran terminal so I don't know if it's like that at all the terminals.

I vaguely remember that as well... but I do not remember where the security check point is from the trams...it is right there right?

It is a distance - but there are options - you can meet in the main area before baggage claim as another poster mentioned - at that point once they exit the secure area there is the large atrium and I often see people waiting there, or down at the end of the escalators (a bit farther).

It will be an adventure for her.

Liz

I don't know where the "main area before baggage " is.... baggage was downstairs from where she will be coming from, right?

The problem is that I will have to wait to see what this girl's parents decide to allow me to do. I am hoping that they will not insist that I meet her at the gate but at the security check point instead. But I am obligated to do whatever they decide. I like the idea of a gate pass but am afraid that if the mom insists I go to the gate and I can't get a gate pass when I arrive, well then I have a big problem!

 

[bavaria]

I would NOT plan on a gate pass; as NotUrsula points out, they are intended for those with special needs, the elderly, or unaccompanied minors. A 15 year old does not fall into any of these categories and there is a good chance that an agent would deny the request. I wouldn't even offer it as an option.

The options I suggest are meet at a central location, or failing that purchase a ticket. But with cel phones and a 15 year old at MCO, meeting at a central location shouldn't be that difficult.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The problem is that I will have to wait to see what this girl's parents decide to allow me to do.

Tell them what's been recommended here - that she can follow the other passengers - and the signs - from the jetway to the tram, then board the tram, and exit it in the main terminal, and that you can meet here directly outside the security checkpoints. Have a sign with her name - like the car service drivers do - and just make sure you're standing in the correct location for her airline. Cell phones help, too. You can 'talk' her from the plane to wherever you're waiting.

 

[dudspizza]

FYI, I flew from London to Minneapolis, cleared customs with all of my baggage, then caught a connection on a 10 seat prop plane to my home town in northern Minnesota. My age....... you guessed it, 15.

Now, if was able to handle all of this, including customs and connections, a 15 year old will absolutely be fine getting off of the plane, following the signs to the tram and when they exit the tram the public side of the terminal is seriously 50 yards away. Very easy.......

Duds

 

[Traveliz]

Great! BTW, I do not remember ever seeing a fountain!! Do they shut it off and stick a Christmas tree in it during the holidays? I have only been to MCO in December the last 3 years.



I vaguely remember that as well... but I do not remember where the security check point is from the trams...it is right there right?



I don't know where the "main area before baggage " is.... baggage was downstairs from where she will be coming from, right?

The problem is that I will have to wait to see what this girl's parents decide to allow me to do. I am hoping that they will not insist that I meet her at the gate but at the security check point instead. But I am obligated to do whatever they decide. I like the idea of a gate pass but am afraid that if the mom insists I go to the gate and I can't get a gate pass when I arrive, well then I have a big problem!

By the main area before going downstairs to baggage I mean the large atrium right outside security that has the fountain/Christmas tree in it. From the plane you walk to the tram (really can't miss that), then the tram takes you to the security point where you have to walk out of the secure area (that puts you into the main area that has the fountain/Christmas tree etc). Only one way out of there so easy to catch someone there especially if you are in cell contact.

From there the people will be going to baggage claim (down the escalators) and its another good spot to catch people (at the end of the escalators).

Hope that helps refresh the picture of where things are.

Liz

Liz

 

[safetymom]

It depends on what side of the airport you come in on. If you come in on the other side of the airport you aren't going to see the fountain. You would know this ahead of time by looking at the MCO website.

 

[goofy4tink]

Okay....this young lady will get off her plane. She will follow the large group of other people to the tram area...about a 5 min walk. Then, she will get on the tram. She is on level 3 at this point. Onto the tram, with the herd. The ride will take about 3 mins. She will get off the tram, again with the herd...walking towards the security area. Then, everyone will walk past the security checkpoint, into the main terminal area. It's really very easy...all on the same level.
Baggage claim will be a level down, on level 2.

I assume that there will be cell phones for each of the girls??? Just have your dd have her friend call her when she gets off the tram....then they can find each other while on the phone.

This just isn't a big deal.

 

[bookwormde]

I agree that well briefed and with a cell phone in most cases there should be not problem, but if this is not adequate then call the airline and see what arrangements can be made, a gate pass is a possibility, and also escorts are sometimes a possibility. The airlines want your business so if you get to the right person (generally not the first level person that you first talk to) they will work something out.

bookwormde

 

[TheresaNY]

By the main area before going downstairs to baggage I mean the large atrium right outside security that has the fountain/Christmas tree in it. From the plane you walk to the tram (really can't miss that), then the tram takes you to the security point where you have to walk out of the secure area (that puts you into the main area that has the fountain/Christmas tree etc). Only one way out of there so easy to catch someone there especially if you are in cell contact.

From there the people will be going to baggage claim (down the escalators) and its another good spot to catch people (at the end of the escalators).

Hope that helps refresh the picture of where things are.

Liz

Liz

Thank you Liz....yes, it does refresh things. So then the Christmas Tree is where the fountain is. I honestly never paid that much attention to things when I have been there before because you sort of get a sense of which way to go by following the crowd, reading signs and common sense. I think in order to get her parents to agree to a meeting place I will have to describe everything in detail for them (which is understandable).

I assume that there will be cell phones for each of the girls??? Just have your dd have her friend call her when she gets off the tram....then they can find each other while on the phone.

This just isn't a big deal.

Well Diane, I am hoping that this is one of those comments that sounds a lot nastier when typed than spoken. Whereas it is not a big deal to you, or even me, as I have said before: it is NOT my child! I have been to MCO and know that she essentially cannot go wrong nor get lost and that there are plenty of TSA around to ask for assistance but it is not my child nor decision to make! They are not very comfortable with this...yet... which is why I am trying to get all the info. that I can. They have never been to MCO either so they cannot understand what I am telling them. No one in the family has been on a plane! Now if I had it MY WAY, she would let her leave 2 days earlier and DRIVE down with us and I could avoid the whole "flying alone dilemma". But I respect their decisions - whatever they end up being.

 

[Traveliz]

Thank you Liz....yes, it does refresh things. So then the Christmas Tree is where the fountain is. I honestly never paid that much attention to things when I have been there before because you sort of get a sense of which way to go by following the crowd, reading signs and common sense. I think in order to get her parents to agree to a meeting place I will have to describe everything in detail for them (which is understandable).



Well Diane, I am hoping that this is one of those comments that sounds a lot nastier when typed than spoken. Whereas it is not a big deal to you, or even me, as I have said before: it is NOT my child! I have been to MCO and know that she essentially cannot go wrong nor get lost and that there are plenty of TSA around to ask for assistance but it is not my child nor decision to make! They are not very comfortable with this...yet... which is why I am trying to get all the info. that I can. They have never been to MCO either so they cannot understand what I am telling them. No one in the family has been on a plane! Now if I had it MY WAY, she would let her leave 2 days earlier and DRIVE down with us and I could avoid the whole "flying alone dilemma". But I respect their decisions - whatever they end up being.

I sort of wondered why she wasn't just going with you - but didn't back track to see if she had some reason. I can understand your apprehension and hers and her parents. It's new, its different, its a big airport especially if you haven't even been on a plane before and are coming in from a regional airport. You just want to be prepared in advance and have your ducks in a row.

Liz

 

[TheresaNY]

I sort of wondered why she wasn't just going with you - but didn't back track to see if she had some reason. I can understand your apprehension and hers and her parents. It's new, its different, its a big airport especially if you haven't even been on a plane before and are coming in from a regional airport. You just want to be prepared in advance and have your ducks in a row.

Liz

EXACTLY !!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Thank you Liz....yes, it does refresh things. So then the Christmas Tree is where the fountain is. I honestly never paid that much attention to things when I have been there before because you sort of get a sense of which way to go by following the crowd, reading signs and common sense. I think in order to get her parents to agree to a meeting place I will have to describe everything in detail for them (which is understandable).



Well Diane, I am hoping that this is one of those comments that sounds a lot nastier when typed than spoken. Whereas it is not a big deal to you, or even me, as I have said before: it is NOT my child! I have been to MCO and know that she essentially cannot go wrong nor get lost and that there are plenty of TSA around to ask for assistance but it is not my child nor decision to make! They are not very comfortable with this...yet... which is why I am trying to get all the info. that I can. They have never been to MCO either so they cannot understand what I am telling them. No one in the family has been on a plane! Now if I had it MY WAY, she would let her leave 2 days earlier and DRIVE down with us and I could avoid the whole "flying alone dilemma". But I respect their decisions - whatever they end up being.

I apologize if you mistook my comment as being 'nasty'..nothing could be further from the truth!! I have a 16 y/o dd...so I can well understand the parents being nervous. I meant that it just isn't that big a deal..that it is very straight-forward. Getting around MCO isn't difficult..especially when everyone is headed in the exact same direction. It would be next to impossible to take a wrong turn when heading to the tram, and then when getting off the tram, headed to the main area. That was my point. I most certainly didn't intend for it to sound mean or nasty.
Perhaps this family can call the airline themselves...that might make them feel better. That way, they can get first hand info. They can ask if it would be possible for their dd to be met at the gate, and if not, what other options they might have. Just a suggestion.

 

[kaytieeldr]

and that there are plenty of TSA around to ask

Nooooooooooooo!!!! Aside from there not actually being 'plenty' of TSA around, the ones that are there are concerned with and concentrating on debarking - not arriving - passengers and either can't or (in my experience) won't be helpful. She can ask the Gate Agents (people behind the counter when she exits the jetway into the terminal) for help; or if there happens to be nobody at that desk - unusual - then a nearby counter; or anybody in a uniform pushing a wheelchair; or a clerk in a not-busy shop; or a uniformed airport security (different from TSA) person... but not the TSA.

 

[TheresaNY]

I apologize if you mistook my comment as being 'nasty'..nothing could be further from the truth!! I have a 16 y/o dd...so I can well understand the parents being nervous. I meant that it just isn't that big a deal..that it is very straight-forward. Getting around MCO isn't difficult..especially when everyone is headed in the exact same direction. It would be next to impossible to take a wrong turn when heading to the tram, and then when getting off the tram, headed to the main area. That was my point. I most certainly didn't intend for it to sound mean or nasty.
Perhaps this family can call the airline themselves...that might make them feel better. That way, they can get first hand info. They can ask if it would be possible for their dd to be met at the gate, and if not, what other options they might have. Just a suggestion.

No problem... I understand. Again, I agree that it isn't that big of a deal because I have done it a number of times at various airports even as a 14 year old. But they are very nervous and unsure since Mom and Dad haven't been in an airport before either. When I mentioned how easy it was from the plane, to the tram to the security checkpoint where I would be waiting I could tell I was sending her off the deep end! "What TRAM?? A tram?? Where is it? How long? What if she takes the wrong one?? ". I have been spending a lot of time trying to pacify which is why I am at the point of "Forget it...I will try to meet her at the gate myself!" Personally, I know the girl can do it. But God forbid if anything were to happen....they have cleared or locked down JFK or LaGuardia not terribly long ago (they remembered..not me!). "Then what?" . I am even contemplating changing our dates so that I can just drive her down with us!

Nooooooooooooo!!!! Aside from there not actually being 'plenty' of TSA around, the ones that are there are concerned with and concentrating on debarking - not arriving - passengers and either can't or (in my experience) won't be helpful. She can ask the Gate Agents (people behind the counter when she exits the jetway into the terminal) for help; or if there happens to be nobody at that desk - unusual - then a nearby counter; or anybody in a uniform pushing a wheelchair; or a clerk in a not-busy shop; or a uniformed airport security (different from TSA) person... but not the TSA.

Yeah, I know. I meant airport staff in general!

 

[mom2austin]

Without reading the thread, I will tell you SW in Orlando is the easiest one to get a companion pass from to get through the gate.

Until my mom moved to Georgia, I was flying from Florida to California once a month with my son, who was under 3 at the time. I had a hard time getting all his stuff, plus my stuff, to the gate by myself and SW in Orlando never gave us a problem with letting my husband through security (companion pass) to help me. Delta, Airtran and US Airways always made a big deal out of it.

And it's really SW in Orlando, I think, because it's family friendly. SW in Orange County, California told me originally that my sister could not help me, if I needed help then I needed to check his carseat. Well, no, because I paid for a ticket for him in his own seat and he's sitting in that carseat, thank you very much! It was a huge hassle and a supervisor had to come and help.

Now, having said that, if there was any airport that I wouldn't mind having a 15 year old navigate themselves through, it would be Orlando. It's really a very simple airport. Get off the plane, go to the monorail, follow the crowd to baggage claim, and you can be waiting as she comes down to baggage claim and help her from there.