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

[Traveliz]

There haven't been two exits coming out of security for some time now - at first I thought that they were doing construction but the last few times ( couple of years anyway) there has been no choice as to which way to go.

Liz

 

[NotUrsula]

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.

Yep. That BIG Christmas Tree is a fountain for the rest of the year. It's huge. I suggested it because it is tall, because it is right out in the open in the middle of the landside lobby, and because we are talking about SWA.

If you are flying SWA, you arrive in terminal A, on the concourse containing gates 100-129. When you leave the tram and walk past security in that terminal, you come out through the aforementioned glass corridors, but the trick is that there are two of them, one to the left of security and one to the right. MOST people will go to the right when they come out, as the majority of us are right-handed, AND the righthand one is closest to the tram that comes from the SWA gates. The tree/fountain spot is directly in front of the middle of the security gate rank on the landside, so it is also between the two glass corridor exits.

Here's the MCO wayfinding map: http://www.orlandoairports.net/images/flash/wayfinding_maps.swf

If she is on SWA, she will arrive via the orange concourse in the upper left corner of the map. Note the dot in the top middle of the page that says fountain. If she walks out of one of the glass corridors until she can see the arrival/departures boards up high on the wall, then stops to look around, she will easily see the fountain.

It *is* possible when coming out of the 100-129 concourse to veer too far to the left before passing security, and walk into the concourse containing gates 60-99. However, it isn't very natural, and there are very few people going that way, so there is never a crowd to follow unless you walk out to the area in the middle where people are exiting Security, stop and fuss around with what you're carrying, and then get yourself turned around and get back on a tram. The cardinal rule is that she should ride only ONE tram before she sees you -- two trams is too many She should also NOT go down any stairs, nor get on any escalators, elevators or moving sidewalks before she sees you. (Those two rules should prevent even the most confused person from leaving the landside terminal A lobby once in it.)

Lastly, I offer experience. We often take my teen nieces/nephews who live in a different state than we do, and the fountain is where we always meet them when our SWA flights arrive at different times. In ten years we haven't lost one yet!

 

[Hannathy]

No offense taken!

I have a DD slightly older and one of her friends Mother is very overprotective and over the years (since 2nd gr) the other Mom's and myself have learned how to tell her all the needed info and how to word things to not get her hyperventilating! Like I said to her it would have been yes we will meet her when she gets off the plane, of course we will be waiting. All of it true but not every minute detail. We have been doing this for years, I can't wait till this August when she goes off to school wonder how many times a day she will call her?
I hope the girls have a great time.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I would meet her right AT the exit to security. Last time I arrived at MCO (January 10th, about 11am) on Southwest, the security lines for departing passengers backed up all the way across that central concourse. In that case, she'd be swimming upstream, and navigating through hundreds of people to find the fountain.

 

[bumbershoot]

Others gave you a specific map, but here is the link to general maps.

When you take your time, don't let yourself get rushed, and read the signs, airports are generally easy to figure out. I've been flying alone since I was a new 18. My first solo flight home went through O'Hare, and it was a red eye. I *still* have memories of being exhausted and having to cross the entire airport to get to my connecting flight, and going on this ages-long people mover with neon flashing all around...

I don't know if MCO has such a thing, but at many airports I've been to (San Diego and Seattle being two that come to mind instantly) there are little golf cart type vehicles that wander, giving rides to anyone who asks. That might be a nice way for her to get to the exit, if they have those at MCO.

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.

The "it's not a big deal" thing...I think that you are taking it as "don't worry, this whole situation isn't a big deal and mom shouldn't be concerned". But I think it's being *said* as "the airport directions, the way she's going to go, aren't a big deal, it's straightforward and simple".

Two ways to mean/hear "it's not a big deal". I think it's the second one.

But is basic terms it is kinda like a bank tube you really cant get too messed up.

Kae

Am now having images of Willy Wonka and the one kid being sucked up into the tube...

 

[dudspizza]

OP, click here for an exact description of the procedure for getting from the gate to the main terminal.... if the mom sees it, she may be able feel more comfortable with the process.

http://www.orlandoairports.net/arrive/index.htm

 

[Traveliz]

Wow that is awesome - although I have never seen that few people at the airport LOL

Liz

 

[TheresaNY]

OP, click here for an exact description of the procedure for getting from the gate to the main terminal.... if the mom sees it, she may be able feel more comfortable with the process.

http://www.orlandoairports.net/arrive/index.htm

THANKS ! That is very nice ! I will show her.
I also found my photo from our previous trip.... is this why I never found the fountain???? Unfortunately, I do not remember exactly where I was when I took this. I think it was right before we went into the security checkpoint to return to New York. Can anybody verify that?

 

[Traveliz]

Yes that is the atrium area of the hotel and right near where you enter security and exit.

Liz

 

[ironz]

Yep. That BIG Christmas Tree is a fountain for the rest of the year. It's huge. I suggested it because it is tall, because it is right out in the open in the middle of the landside lobby, and because we are talking about SWA.

If you are flying SWA, you arrive in terminal A, on the concourse containing gates 100-129. When you leave the tram and walk past security in that terminal, you come out through the aforementioned glass corridors, but the trick is that there are two of them, one to the left of security and one to the right. MOST people will go to the right when they come out, as the majority of us are right-handed, AND the righthand one is closest to the tram that comes from the SWA gates. The tree/fountain spot is directly in front of the middle of the security gate rank on the landside, so it is also between the two glass corridor exits.

Here's the MCO wayfinding map: http://www.orlandoairports.net/images/flash/wayfinding_maps.swf

If she is on SWA, she will arrive via the orange concourse in the upper left corner of the map. Note the dot in the top middle of the page that says fountain. If she walks out of one of the glass corridors until she can see the arrival/departures boards up high on the wall, then stops to look around, she will easily see the fountain.

It *is* possible when coming out of the 100-129 concourse to veer too far to the left before passing security, and walk into the concourse containing gates 60-99. However, it isn't very natural, and there are very few people going that way, so there is never a crowd to follow unless you walk out to the area in the middle where people are exiting Security, stop and fuss around with what you're carrying, and then get yourself turned around and get back on a tram. The cardinal rule is that she should ride only ONE tram before she sees you -- two trams is too many She should also NOT go down any stairs, nor get on any escalators, elevators or moving sidewalks before she sees you. (Those two rules should prevent even the most confused person from leaving the landside terminal A lobby once in it.)

Lastly, I offer experience. We often take my teen nieces/nephews who live in a different state than we do, and the fountain is where we always meet them when our SWA flights arrive at different times. In ten years we haven't lost one yet!

With all due respect, TSA now has barriers up that prevent one from going to the left, so the part I bolded is no longer true. They've been up my last couple of trips, most recently Jan. 7, 2010. I know, because I would prefer to go to the left, as it is a slightly more direct route to DME.

 

[safetymom]

There haven't been two exits coming out of security for some time now - at first I thought that they were doing construction but the last few times ( couple of years anyway) there has been no choice as to which way to go.

Liz

I have been through MCO many many times in the last few years. Unless they have it blocked off depending on which tram you are on you you will either turn left or right when you reach the main terminal.

If you are on the right hand tram coming in you go out the security exit on the right, if you are on the left hand tram you go out the left.

This is the same on the A and B side.

 

[NotUrsula]

With all due respect, TSA now has barriers up that prevent one from going to the left, so the part I bolded is no longer true. They've been up my last couple of trips, most recently Jan. 7, 2010. I know, because I would prefer to go to the left, as it is a slightly more direct route to DME.

I stand corrected then (I haven't been through MCO since November 1st, '09), and that's all to the good, because it eliminates one possible avenue of confusion.

The only thing I see as a "gotcha" with the advice to catch her coming out of the glass exit corridor is that at any given time there are a lot of people moving through that rather narrow point. It's a bit harder to spot a moving target than one that is standing still, but that isn't a place where you would want anyone to try to stand still.

I suppose telling her to look to her right and scan for her party looking through the glass would work, as long as she knew not to stop, but to exit the corridor and circle immediately around the glass to the right in order to meet them.

 

[Traveliz]

I have been through MCO many many times in the last few years. Unless they have it blocked off depending on which tram you are on you you will either turn left or right when you reach the main terminal.

If you are on the right hand tram coming in you go out the security exit on the right, if you are on the left hand tram you go out the left.

This is the same on the A and B side.

I was misreading and was thinking about right where you exit security - not exiting the trams. I have a head cold and should just stop trying to think.

Liz

 

[uva185]

I cannot believe this thread is 5 pages long.

It's really not that complicated, either the girl can follow signs to "Baggage Claim" (which any 15 year old should be able to do) or you buy the refundable ticket and meet her at the gate.

 

[Chelley00]

You can meet her as an unattended minor. I did it last October when my son was 15. I had to go to ticketing, tell them my son was flying in alone. They asked his name, checked the flight, then gave me a non-flyer security pass. I went through security and met him at the gate as his plane landed (flying Southwest)

I did the same thing when he left on Southwest. I got the non-flyer pass, went through security with him and sat at the gate with him until he boarded.


You have to have their flight number, name and your license or passport. You have to go through security screening just like any other passenger.

 

[TheresaNY]

I was misreading and was thinking about right where you exit security - not exiting the trams. I have a head cold and should just stop trying to think.

Liz

Sorry you are not feeling well, but I sure do appreciate all of your input !!!

You can meet her as an unattended minor. I did it last October when my son was 15. I had to go to ticketing, tell them my son was flying in alone. They asked his name, checked the flight, then gave me a non-flyer security pass. I went through security and met him at the gate as his plane landed (flying Southwest)

I did the same thing when he left on Southwest. I got the non-flyer pass, went through security with him and sat at the gate with him until he boarded.


You have to have their flight number, name and your license or passport. You have to go through security screening just like any other passenger.

This would be my #1 choice !! I like this idea...hope it works but will have a back up plan.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Note that if you (can) do that, it's entirely likely they will only allow ONE person to get the non-flying security pass and proceed to the gate. There's no legitimate reason why multiple persons would need to meet a fifteen-year-old right where she exits the plane.

This can actually work to your advantage for the surprise. Leave your daughter (and anyone else) in the atrium and go meet the friend. When you get back to where they are, you can tell your daughter/s "Grandma and Grandpa couldn't make it - but look who I found instead!"

Also, please note that - while I do NOT doubt Chelley00's experience in the least, there's a very good possibility that you will not be able to get to the gate area - which is where having a backup plan comes in handy.

 

[TheresaNY]

Note that if you (can) do that, it's entirely likely they will only allow ONE person to get the non-flying security pass and proceed to the gate. There's no legitimate reason why multiple persons would need to meet a fifteen-year-old right where she exits the plane.

This can actually work to your advantage for the surprise. Leave your daughter (and anyone else) in the atrium and go meet the friend. When you get back to where they are, you can tell your daughter/s "Grandma and Grandpa couldn't make it - but look who I found instead!"

Also, please note that - while I do NOT doubt Chelley00's experience in the least, there's a very good possibility that you will not be able to get to the gate area - which is where having a backup plan comes in handy.

That is exactly what I was hoping to do if I am able to meet her at the gate !! Otherwise I was going to meet the friend at the security point while we stand there waiting and looking for "Grandma and Grandpa" and see how long it takes them to notice her....all the while she slowly inches over toward my daughter. I have my fingers crossed about just me getting to the gate though !

 

[goofy4tink]

I cannot believe this thread is 5 pages long.

It's really not that complicated, either the girl can follow signs to "Baggage Claim" (which any 15 year old should be able to do) or you buy the refundable ticket and meet her at the gate.

Kind of uncalled for, don't you think?? EVeryone here is having a nice discussion...trying to make a mother feel better. What's the big deal??? No one is forced to open any thread.

 

[TheresaNY]

Kind of uncalled for, don't you think?? EVeryone here is having a nice discussion...trying to make a mother feel better. What's the big deal??? No one is forced to open any thread.

Thank you Diane!! That is exactly what I thought as well. I am so truly appreciative of everyone's reponses of suggestions, ideas and personal experiences. I feel a lot more assured that I will be able to comfort this girl's mom and make her feel confident that all will be well and that there are a couple of different options. It is so nice of everyone to take their time to respond and help me. So thank you all for that !