If I pick someone up at the airport can I meet them at their gate?

[lucyanna girl]

This may be a dumb question but I don't know where to ask other than here.

We are renting a villa for two weeks in Orlando. One of our sons and his family are flying in for the second week. They have an active 18 month old. I had planed for them to rent a car and meet us at the villa. Now I wonder if I should pick them up at the airport so I can help with my brand-baby. If I do, can I meet them at their arrival gate or do security rules prohibit that? If I can't meet them at the gate where can I?

DS has a bad back and DIL will have to do the majority of the baby packing, etc.

Thanks,

Penny

 

[slmjam]

You won't be able to meet them at the gate, but you could meet them in baggage claim. If you don't want to park your car, some airports have cell phone lots you can wait in and then head over to the airport to pick them up.

 

[lucyanna girl]

Thank you. I was afraid of that.

Penny

 

[bumbershoot]

Outside of security or in baggage claim. Really lowers the "oomph" of arriving at the airport...but at the same time the arrivers get a chance to go to the bathroom and freshen up!

You'd still be a help with your grandbaby, by the way, if you meet them there. You can hold him or her while others get the luggage.

 

[lucyanna girl]

And, I get all those sweet baby kisses!

Thanks

penny

 

[uva185]

If you really want to go through security and meet them at the gate you have two options. The first is to ask any airline agent for a gate pass to meet your friend. Not all agents will do this for you but some will. The second option is to buy a refundable ticket, get your boarding pass then call to cancel your ticket. It sounds sketchy but it's really not and very easy to do. I did the latter many times this summer to meet some friends after work in the Crown Room Club (free drinks)

If you do the latter make sure you book a flight somewhere crappy so you're not tempted to board the plane