Gone are the days when you could walk with someone to their gate and leave them with a kiss. This hasn’t been the case for decades now, especially after increased security measures following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Now, you can’t really go that far when you drop off a loved one at the airport unless you have a ticket. Here’s what to expect when you are dropping off someone at the airport, including how far you can go.
Key Takeaways
- Due to increased security measures, you can only accompany someone to the security checkpoint when dropping them off at the airport.
- To make the process as smooth as possible, park in the short-term parking lot, accompany your loved one to the customer service desk, and say your goodbyes before the security checkpoint.
- If your loved one needs special accommodations or has special needs, you can request assistance from the airline or airport to ensure that they have a comfortable and safe journey.
What To Do When Dropping Someone Off At The Airport?
If you’re driving someone to the airport and want to accompany them inside, you’ll want to park in the airport parking lot. There are short-term parking lots that you can pay for that you should use. Do not use temporary lots or park near the departures. You will get a ticket or towed if you leave your car unattended, so it’s best to pay the fee to save costly issues down the road.
Next, you can go inside the airport with them. Make sure they grab all their belongings from the car. Locate their airline customer service desk. This is where you can check in, check your bags, or print your boarding pass if necessary. If they are only carrying on and have a digital boarding pass, then they do not have to check in with customer service.
Following that, you can accompany them up until airport security begins. Step to the side before they get to the person who checks the boarding passes and say your goodbyes. You are unable to accommodate them further, and you don’t want to be in the way of other passengers who simply want to get through security quickly.
You can talk to your loved one once they pass through security. Also, if you are worried about them travelling on their own, you can always request special accommodations. A member of their airline or airport customer service team can make sure they get to their gate on time. You simply have to ask for help.
You also don’t want to buy a ticket simply to help someone through the airport security line, as this could cause issues down the line when you’re not on the flight you were intended for but checked in throughout the airport.
What’s Next?
Once your loved one is safely going through security, you’ll want to return to your car and leave the airport. Depending on how long you were at the airport, you may not have to pay a fee upon exit. As soon as the person has gone through security, they are free to call you, though depending on the length of the security line, this could take a while, so don’t panic if you don’t hear from them right away.
If they’re nervous about flying, instruct them to go to their gate first or ask for help if they can’t find it. Stay on the phone with them until they find it. After they’re close, they can get food, use the facilities, or do anything else they’d like to do until they get on the plane.
So How Far Can You Accompany A Passenger?
You can only go with them to the security checkpoint, but that doesn’t mean you can’t support your loved one throughout the entire travel process. They cannot be on the phone to pass through security; however, afterward, you can talk to them about whatever they need.
Additionally, if they require special accommodations, you can always request them from their airline or the airport. While you can’t accompany them to the gate, you can do your best to make sure they feel supported throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I walk my loved one to their gate at the airport?
No, you can only accompany someone to the security checkpoint when dropping them off at the airport due to increased security measures.
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Where should I park when dropping someone off at the airport?
You should park in the short-term parking lot to ensure your car is safe and avoid getting a ticket or being towed.
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Can I check in for my loved one at the customer service desk?
No, your loved one will need to check in themselves at the customer service desk. However, you can accompany them to the desk to provide support.
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Can I buy a ticket to accompany someone through the airport security line?
No, buying a ticket to help someone through the airport security line is not recommended, as this could cause issues down the line when you’re not on the flight you were intended for.
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What should I do if my loved one needs special accommodations or has special needs?
You can request assistance from the airline or airport to ensure that your loved one has a comfortable and safe journey. An airline or airport customer service team member can ensure they get to their gate on time.
