在美国送父母坐飞机回国，很多朋友担心由于语言不通，父母在过安检、找登机口时会遇到麻烦，尤其是有些机场还要转乘小火车才到。能不能自己陪着过安检，送到登机口呢？
答案是：可能的，这里就来说如何操作。
提供 visitor pass 的机场：底特律 / 匹兹堡 / 坦帕 / 西雅图
其实在 9/11 之前，美国机场的安检比现在松很多，不需要机票可以过安检，接机也可以直接在登机口来接（是不是难以想象），9/11 之后才改了政策。
2019 年，有几家机场开始逐渐松动了政策，允许申请 visitor pass 在没有登机牌的情况下过安检，进入航站楼，本意是为了促进机场内商家的生意，不过大家都拿来送家人朋友用了。
目前有四家机场提供这项服务。
如何申请 visitor pass
西雅图机场 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, SEA Visitor Pass
- 申请页面：https://www.portseattle.org/page/sea-visitor-pass-program
- 需要提前至少 1 天网上申请，有名额限制
匹兹堡机场 Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- 申请页面：http://www.flypittsburgh.com/programs-services/programs/mypitpass
- 需要在机场 myPITpass Ticket Counter 申请
底特律机场 Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country Airport, DTW Destination Pass
- 申请页面：https://apps.metroairport.com/DTWDestinationPass/
- 需要提前至少 1 天网上申请，有名额限制
坦帕机场 Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- 申请页面：https://tpaallaccess.timetap.com
- 仅限周六，限 100 人
其他机场：与航空公司申请
其他机场怎么办呢？其实可以和航空公司申请 gate pass 或者叫做 escort pass。
在机场 checkin 的时候，带上自己的 ID，可以跟柜台直接申请，由航空公司来判断是否给 pass。
Alaska Airlines gate pass 政策
提供给儿童、需要照顾的老人
If you prefer to have a family member escort you to and from your departure/arrival gate, please remember the following policies:
- One or two adults, plus any children under age 13, will be allowed through the security checkpoint.
- Each non-traveling person must obtain a security pass from the ticket counter in order to be allowed access through the security checkpoint.
- Due to additional airport security, persons should allow up to two hours to obtain a security pass.
- Security passes may not be available when traveling to/from Canada and Mexico due to customs and immigration requirements or for evening arrivals after the airport’s security checkpoint has closed.
American Airlines gate pass 政策
提供给儿童、需要照顾的老人
To escort people to their gate
- Air carrier authorization forms for escorting people (minors, the elderly, etc.) through security are available at the airport ticket counter.
Delta Air Lines gate pass 政策
提供给儿童、需要照顾的老人
Individuals who are not ticketed for travel but need to provide assistance to a customer are allowed past security checkpoints. They must check-in at the ticket counter to receive a pass that allows them through security without a ticket.
United Airlines gate pass 政策
提供给儿童，没有提到老人，可以问问
When you’re checking in at the counter, you can get a gate pass that allows you to go through security and to the gate with your child. When you get to the gate, introduce yourself to the United representative at the desk and tell them that your child will be traveling alone. Then, you can have a seat in the gate area to wait until it’s time to board.
Southwest Airlines gate pass 政策
提供给儿童、disability、和 military service members
- An Unaccompanied Minor (children age 5 to 11 traveling alone)
- A person with a disability
- Young travelers under 18
- Family members of arriving and departing U.S. military service members who have been deployed or are being deployed
总结
四家提供 visitor pass 机场是最灵活的了，送家人朋友只要提前申请就可以。其他机场则要看航空公司愿不愿意给 gate pass，主要取决于柜台认为乘客是否需要帮助、以及当天机场客流情况。另外记得一定要带上自己的 photo ID。
你有过申请 gate pass 的经历吗？
