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

[DISNEY FIX]

Not to go too far OT on the OP but.. What could be done if a 10 yr. was going it alone or grandma who doesn't have all her wits about her. Now this is not some indictment post. How could someone responsible for the person flying meet them at the gate or it just can't happen.
TIA.

 

[Lewisc]

It's polite to cancel a reservation you're not going to use. SW automatically issues refunds (for passengers with fully refundable tickets) if they are a "no show".

I don't think the airline is going to easily give you a gate pass for a 15 year old (unless the child has special needs). I don't think you're going to want to wait in line at the SW counter. I'll second the cell phone suggestion. Have the child call you when the plane arrives at the gate Meet the child when the get off the tram. I guess you coul have the child talk to you on the phone continuosuly as she walks to the tram but that sounds like overkill.

 

[bavaria]

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 read her comment as being reassuring.

While this isn't your teen, it is by the sounds a 15 year old without special needs.

The airline won't see this as a reason to issue a gate pass; this is FAR different than the example of a UM or an elderly person.

And I agree that involving TSA is just not an option. They are not there for that, and if she does ask she may run a real risk of being detained especially if she lingers at the exit (which is not a one way exit to the sterile area)

We understand that this isn't your teen, but it isn't a small child or elderly person either. If you offer up 'solutions' which are not viable, you will create more issues than if you simply let the person make the very easy walk/ride from the gate.

(And hopefully my response won't incur a negative response - but I think that this is being overthough and overanalyzed)

 

[bavaria]

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.

Thank you! Unless you and I missed it, I was concerned about people using this 'landmark'. It is only relevant for certain flights/carriers and just confuses the issue.

Remember too that irregular ops or other things can change the 'usual' gates so I wouldn't use this as a landmark. Just tell her to get off the tram and exit the secure area. Then meet her.

 

[TheresaNY]

If you offer up 'solutions' which are not viable, you will create more issues than if you simply let the person make the very easy walk/ride from the gate.

(And hopefully my response won't incur a negative response - but I think that this is being overthough and overanalyzed)

Well, it was an honest post looking for some experienced input. I have dealt with the incorrect use of the "TSA" reference as well as a previous post. Furthermore, I am not offering up "solutions" to the parents...yet. I am trying to get some ideas and options to best allay their fears. For some reason this is a sticking point for them. Unfortunately our daughters are best friends and we are only acquiantances. Doubt we will get friendly enough to assure them of airport issues prior to the trip. If it were MY best friend or family member I could just say "HEY! Would you just trust me and work with me on this!" but I cannot say that to them either.
I think everyone that has posted (yourself included) has been thoughtful and kind to take their time to contribute. I have appreciated everyone's idea from getting a refundable ticket to "tough love" so to speak. I have NO control nor authority to force a course of action with the parents. Perhaps time will be a friend and settle them down before we go.

 

[bavaria]

While I understand the need for concern, honestly, keep it simple.

Disregard most of what all of us have posted -including me.

Simple usually works best; overthinking or adding too much detail can just make it too confusing.

Good luck!

 

[kaytieeldr]

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?? ".

You say, "Relax, mother who's never flown! She, plain and simple, CANNOT take the 'wrong' tram, since there is only ONE tram from where her plane lands to the main terminal, and there are NO stops between the two parts of the terminal. We will wait for her in the public area JUST beyond the security checkpoints, and we will be wearing BRIGHT YELLOW* so she will be able to spot us immediately."

*Or, holding a sign with her name, or accompanied by a brass band, or whatever will calm the mother's fears

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.

Respectfully, it's not unreasonable for the/any airline to expect passengers to check anything they cannot manage to transport to the gate without assistance. Not the car seat, obviously - but other items.

Also, the OP's issue isn't helping someone leaving the airport transport items to the gate (i.e. passengers and helper entering the airport together, going to the counter together, getting the boarding passes and the gate pass together, proceeding through security and to the gate together). That really is different from this situation.

 

[Kae]

I think maybe the word Tram is a wrong one-I see that you are from the NY area so maybe when you say tram she thinks something major like subway-lots of routes. But is basic terms it is kinda like a bank tube you really cant get too messed up.

Kae

 

[TheresaNY]

You say, "Relax, mother who's never flown! She, plain and simple, CANNOT take the 'wrong' tram, since there is only ONE tram from where her plane lands to the main terminal, and there are NO stops between the two parts of the terminal. We will wait for her in the public area JUST beyond the security checkpoints, and we will be wearing BRIGHT YELLOW* so she will be able to spot us immediately."

*Or, holding a sign with her name, or accompanied by a brass band, or whatever will calm the mother's fears

Ya know ... that is almost EXACTLY what I said to her on the phone Sunday ! I added in 'not to worry since we have been there plenty of times and I remember it like it was yesterday!'

I do NOT remember as I really have no fear of going to new or different places. I have an internal compass that has always worked well so I do not truly understand her fear of the airport BUT I DO understand her fear (as a mother) of her daughter being unchaperoned in a strange place. Whereas I have the "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger' attitude, she clearly does not. That is why I turned to all you WONDERFUL people here on the boards. I am trying to brush up on the airport and prepare some answers for her when (IF?) I hear from here next. She was suppose to call yesterday and didn't......whole nother issue!
I just want the girls to have a good time. This is my oldest DD's graduation SURPRISE present to take her friend as our guest to WDW. (OK, so the next post will be seeking her out and not letting my kids know who we are looking for.....guess the sign will give it away!). I would just like it to go smoothly since this is suppose to be FUN!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Ahhh, it's a surprise! Well, that does complicate matters a bit. What is the reason you are giving for going to MCO before the end of your trip?? Just curious. In any case, if you have a cell phone, then be sure the friend has your number, so she can call you, rather than your dd.
What a good mom you are to surprise your dd like this. I know my 16 y/o dd would be thrilled if that happened to her.

 

[TheresaNY]

Ahhh, it's a surprise! Well, that does complicate matters a bit. What is the reason you are giving for going to MCO before the end of your trip?? Just curious. In any case, if you have a cell phone, then be sure the friend has your number, so she can call you, rather than your dd.
What a good mom you are to surprise your dd like this. I know my 16 y/o dd would be thrilled if that happened to her.

Awww, schucks! Thank you so much. My bestfriend's daughter was killed in a car accident (8 yrs ago this Valentine's Day). She has drummed into my head to enjoy the time we have and take the trips we want to & spend the time we can. Thus, against my economical (CHEAP!) judgement, we are going ! My DD has been a great student, never a problem, headache or heartache, etc, etc, so we are going. We are truly blessed.

We will tell the kids (we have 2 girls 17 & 13) that we are picking up their grandparents who decided to fly down. That will be there "surprise" we are going to the airport story. Then it will be a real surprise when they see who it truly is we are picking up. Furthermore, they do not know we are going to WDW. I said that last July was our final trip for a long time. Now we have tuition, car insurance, etc to deal with so no more WDW. I am thinking of surprising them at the last possible moment with a surprise trip to Virginia to see our friends. Then we will see how far we get before they realize that we didn't stop in VA !! Of course after this trip my kids will probably never believe another word out of my mouth!!

 

[Lewisc]

Tell the parent something like you'll meet their child exactly where the airline tells you to wait for her. That sidesteps the question of a gate pass.

I don't think the airline will give you a gate pass. There is no reason to get to the airport early enough to wait in line at the ticket counter and then (in the unlikely event the airline says yes) wait in line for security. Remember the airline either give you one gate pass or (more likely) they won't give you any. You'll still need to meed the rest of your group.

 

[ironz]

Theresa...Don't recall if anyone has posted a link to a map/diagram of MCO yet.
Here is one:
http://www.orlandoairports.net/images/flash/wayfinding_maps.swf

If the young lady is flying in on SW, then she should be arriving to terminal A, in the gates 100-129 section (every single SW flight I have taken in/out of MCO has gone through this gate).
So there you have it, in the upper left corner of the diagram.

Follow the tram diagram and see where it connects to the terminal. Then there is a little icon of a phone (next to the ATM and restrooms)...that is just about where the exit from the secure area is. Like a PP said, there is a clear glass wall there and I, too, often see people waiting there for their loved ones. Personally, I would find that easier to see her as she goes through the one-way exit from the tram area, as opposed to out by the fountain or down by baggage claim, as there will be more people milling about in the center of the terminal.

Hopefully the mom will be convinced. It should be a grand adventure for her daughter! The girl and you having cell phones to get in contact is also a good idea.

Good luck...this sounds like a lovely surprise for your daughter.

 

[safetymom]

Just keep in mind that there are two exits from security on the A and B side.

 

[TheresaNY]

Just keep in mind that there are two exits from security on the A and B side.

TWO EXITS !!??!!

Just kidding ! But seriously, do you mean that you can exit on either side of the passengers that are going in through security? Wouldn't she (again this is from my memory) turn right out of the tram and stay to the right to exit the secure area?? Also, when we drive in - does the "arriving passengers" area by the baggage claim take you right near the tram for SW (Termiinal A) or is it easier and closer if I get dropped off in DEPARTING Flights for SW??? I can't remember if one was closer or just different floors (levels). I think I keep confusing the 2 times we took ME and had to walk clear across the main terminal area. Is that possible?

 

[Hannathy]

Tell the parent something like you'll meet their child exactly where the airline tells you to wait for her. That sidesteps the question of a gate pass.

I don't think the airline will give you a gate pass. There is no reason to get to the airport early enough to wait in line at the ticket counter and then (in the unlikely event the airline says yes) wait in line for security. Remember the airline either give you one gate pass or (more likely) they won't give you any. You'll still need to meed the rest of your group.

I agree.

See IMO where you went wrong was giving the Mom, just like when dealing with kids, more information than she needed!!! She only needed to be on a "need to know" basis. She doesn't fly she doesn't know what airports are like, she doesn't know MCO has a tram, so you should have just said we are thrilled "Becky" is coming and of course we will be waiting on her when she gets off her plane. Which of course you will be. End of story no explaining and then to the girl you tell her to simply follow the signs and meet you____.
She is a big girl and I'm sure fully aware of how overprotective her Mom is and would have just gone right along with it.
If you can backtrack a bit I would quit going into detail with Mom and say again of course we will be waiting for her when she gets off ! then quickly change the subject to something else she can worry about like swimming without a life jacket or something similarly over-protective!

 

[robinb]

It seems like an awful lot of bother for a teen who in most state can be driving with a permit, but can't walk thru an airport.

I agree. Plus, she is probably going to get to her gate at the home airport alone because of the same age limitations.

 

[TheresaNY]

I agree. Plus, she is probably going to get to her gate at the home airport alone because of the same age limitations.

She is driving back with us.

Respectfully to Hannathy (nice name btw), I also do not believe that the Mom be kept on a "need to know" basis. It is her daughter, not mine and her decision not mine. I would never want someone to keep info. from me regarding my kids. I appreciate your point though.

Mom is not going crazy or anything. She is just unfamiliar and concerned and unfortunately has no experience in airports. That's all. This is snow balling a bit and making the poor woman seems unreasonable. So far she has not been. Just nervous. My original post said : "She (and I) does not like the idea of her walking alone from gate, tram, through concourse to finally meet us." She said she would feel better if we could meet her at the gate. I said I would find out if that was possible. Ta da. That was all.

 

[ironz]

TWO EXITS !!??!!

Just kidding ! But seriously, do you mean that you can exit on either side of the passengers that are going in through security? Wouldn't she (again this is from my memory) turn right out of the tram and stay to the right to exit the secure area?? Also, when we drive in - does the "arriving passengers" area by the baggage claim take you right near the tram for SW (Termiinal A) or is it easier and closer if I get dropped off in DEPARTING Flights for SW??? I can't remember if one was closer or just different floors (levels). I think I keep confusing the 2 times we took ME and had to walk clear across the main terminal area. Is that possible?

From the SW gates...she will stay to her right as she gets off the tram.

TSA actually has it blocked so that you can't go to the left...that is new since a couple of years ago. (I know, because I used to go to the left because it was a quicker shot over to DME.)

There is only one way she can go.

Not sure where would be best to park.

 

[TheresaNY]

Not sure where would be best to park.

We are not going to park. Will have my husband drop me and the kids off and wait in the cell phone lot like we usually do.