Comments on: NOT flying? TSA may let you go to through security anyway

By: TierFlyer

TierFlyer — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 23:49:16 +0000

“the boarding pass and ID check are effectively useless”

Uh, no, that check will just move (back) to the gates.

I would say that they recognize/belive that they can catch the baddies on the way in, or that they believe that they can spot the transfer of the bits needed for the bomb/gun.

Or they’ve made a terrible error in judgement.

-TF

By: Brad H

Brad H — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 16:05:26 +0000

An Escort pass can be obtained, as Andy mentioned. These are ’standard’ if you are accompanying a minor or an elderly person to the gate, or meeting them. And I’ve been able to talk a gate agent out of an Escort pass when I simply wanted to meet my wife at her gate, but my status with that airline helped in that situation.

There’s an easier way to do it. Simply arrive at the airport and buy a same-day nonrestricted (in other words, refundable) ticket from any airline that uses the terminal you want to enter. Make sure it’s for a departure that is a few hours after you desire to be behind the gate, and you don’t need to mention that you’re only buying it to get into the secured area. You then have a boarding pass to go through Theatrical Security Association’s security line like any other traveler. When you’re done meeting your loved ones at the gate (or meeting your friends in the Red Carpet Club for drinks, or whatever) just go back to the counter and tell them your plans have changed and you want your ticket refunded. There’s nothing illegal or shady or risky about it, other than having the funds on your credit card tied up temporarily.

By: Andy

Andy — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 04:43:21 +0000

Last time when I went past security is by asking the gate agent for a one-time pass. I was escorting my wife and kids…

By: Joe

Joe — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 17:47:55 +0000

So it’s really about money. The airside restuarants and news stands are hurting for business, so they’re going to allow non passengers inside the terminal.

Anything for security, except when it stops someone from making a buck or two.

What a stupid plan the TSA is proposing.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 15:29:06 +0000

I know it is going to be a very very very small amount of people, but what about wait lines. Is anyone worried that lines are going to become even longer especially during peak times of the day and the year?

By: Joe Hass

Joe Hass — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 14:37:05 +0000

However, you must be a guest at the airport hotel to be allowed to take advantage of this rule, so there will be an extremely small amount of people who can take advantage of this policy.

I’ve felt, since the implementation of the rules in 2001, that there should be windows of opportunity to allow non-passengers through security (i.e. during non-peak travel times, and with the stipulation that TSA can impose a traveler-only rule at individual times if the need arises.) I think the “fair” tradeoff would be to severely restrict what non-travelers can bring into the sterile area.

Bottom line: this is a good first step.