Walking Mom to the Gate at MCO??

[Bill From PA]

Mom will be along on our next WDW trip, but will leave us mid-week. She'll be 79 by then, has had both knees and a shoulder replaced but doesn't yet need a wheelchair. She's concerned about finding her way throught MCO to the USAir counter and on to the gate, especially as the monorail shuttle comes into play. Given security these days, would I be allowed to see her safely to the gate? What does she need to do to qualify for a ride on one of those 'golf carts' I see toting people around?

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[safetymom]

You should be able to get a gate pass at the USAirways ticket counter. Now that you mention it though I haven't seen very many of the carts at MCO like you see at the other airports.

 

[JillU-DVC]

You will NOT be able to walk her to the gate unless you also purchase an airline ticket. No one is allowed past security without a ticket, and security at MCO is set up just BEFORE the monorail.

 

[safetymom]

JillU-DVC, you are misinformed. Many airports are set up this way and you can request from your airlines a gate pass allowing you to accompany someone to their gate. They don't give them to everyone and you have to have a good reason. You do this at the ticket counter before you enter security.

From the Orlando Airport website:

Only ticketed passengers will be allowed beyond the screening checkpoint. If you have a medical, parental or other specific, verifiable need to accompany a ticketed passenger, please check with your AIRLINE to determine how they would like you to proceed.

http://www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/security_awareness.htm

To the original poster, the MCO web site doesn't mention the carts but skycaps can help with a wheelchair if you want to do that.

http://www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/disabled.htm

 

[JillU-DVC]

Sorry about that - I've seen that rule before. I've always been told that only ticketed passengers could get beyond security, and never thought about parents with unaccompanied kids (or other situations).

Thanks for correcting me!!

 

[safetymom]

Jill, not a problem. I also know people that will buy a refundable full fare ticket and after they get the person to the gate will go return the ticket. I think that is too much trouble for me. Especially since all you have to do now is ask.

 

[peg2001]

As safetymom said, just go with your mom to the ticket counter when she checks in and let her needs be known. They should be very receptive to having you escort her to the gate with a gate pass or providing a wheelchair and employee to take her to the gate. After all, they don't want to take the chance of your mom becoming disoriented and confused or worse yet, getting knocked into and causing a fall.

Good luck!
Peggy

 

[sammi]

We were at MCO last month in the departure lounge waiting for our flight to arrive and there were 2 elderly people with another younger woman waiting for them to board. As they were boarding the younger lady was hugging them and saying her goodbyes. She then left the departure lounge on foot. SO I would ask as this seemed to be allowed in this situation.