In the United States, an Escort Pass is a special gate pass for individuals to accompany actual travelers from terminal entry to the boarding gate through security checkpoints. US airlines issue Escort Passes to help travelers requiring assistance during departure or on arrival, like minors traveling alone, senior citizens with limited mobility, and travelers with disabilities. These special passes aim to make departure and arrival less stressful for certain groups of flyers needing support.
Is Escort Pass same as Gate Pass at US airports?
An Escort Pass is also called a Gate Pass in the USA. A Gate Pass for travelers’ assistance at US airports is no way different from an Escort Pass. Be it an Escort or Gate Pass, it enables you to accompany and assist the passenger (the elderly, the disabled, or unaccompanied minor) through airport processes until boarding.
Escort Pass vs Airport Visitor Pass
Both Escort Pass and Airport Visitor Pass allow non-travelers to enter airport terminals and go past security, but they are issued for different purposes. Visitor Passes issued by San Diego SAN, Seattle Tacoma, Detroit Metropolitan, and few other US airports, let non-travelers access secure terminal areas to see off family members, catch up with friends in transit, and hang out in the retail area. Unlike a Visitor or Guest Pass, airlines issue Escort Passes to assist specific travelers navigate US airport terminals with ease.
Non-ticketed guest or visitor passes are available at no more than 15 airports, including Seattle, Pittsburgh, Orlando, John Wayne, San Diego, and Philadelphia airports; whereas escort gate passes are available at most airports across the United States. Only select US airports can issue visitor passes to non-flying guests, while escort passes are issued by only US airlines. A Visitor Pass is more liberal than an Escort Pass in the USA, as the latter comes with limitations.
How to get an Escort Pass at US airports?
- Determine the purpose: Confirm why you need an airport escort pass – whether to see off an unaccompanied minor, help senior citizens navigate the terminal until boarding, or assist passengers with disabilities.
- Go to the airline counter: Visit the operating airline’s counter at the departure airport.
- Provide documents: You must carry a TSA-approved photo ID. Airlines may also require proof of your relationship with the traveler or your authorization to accompany him or her.
- Follow security protocol: You must go through the airport security screening along with the passenger. The pass is valid only for the specific flight and for stipulated hours.
- Stay with the Passenger: You can stay with the passenger until boarding. You may not be allowed to stay within the terminal once the passenger is onboarded.
What documents are required to get an Escort Pass
- Valid government-issued Photo ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or state ID
- Passenger’s flight tickets or boarding pass, age certificate (in case a minor), a physician’s letter certifying the traveler’s limited mobility or medical condition, a valid disability certificate for the differently-abled traveler
- Proof of your relationship with the traveler needing support at the airport, and/or a letter authorizing you to accompany and assist the traveler (as required by some airlines)
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Do non-US airlines offer airport gate passes in USA?
Only US airlines are authorized to issue airport escort passes to eligible individuals. Non-US carriers do not offer escort passes for companions at US airports. Instead, major international carriers like Air India, Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines assign their own staff to assist passengers requiring special assistance.
Can I get an escort pass at busy US airports like NY JFK, Atlanta, Dallas DFW, or Chicago ORD?
US airlines issue escort passes at major airports including their gateway hubs. However, approval is subject to the issuing airline’s policy and national security protocols.
Which US airlines provide escort passes?
Most of the US-based carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines provide escort gate passes.
