Gate Passes

[matt's mom]

Even though some of us have been able to do this, this was just sent to me by my Matt. It is great news


The Transportation Security Administration has issued a directive pertaining to military passengers at U.S. airports. According to Security Directive 1544-01-10w, families of military members may be granted access to sterile concourse areas to escort the military passenger to the gate or to meet a military passenger's inbound arrival at the gate.

The family member can go to the airline that the military member is flying on and receive a pass to go to the gate. They will be required to have a pass and a photo ID to get through the security checkpoint. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to stay with the departing military member longer before they depart, or to be able to greet them at the gate upon their arrival. This is a wonderful change, spread the word.


Hope everyone takes advantage of this

[Kristie]

I posted over on NP that each time that Brandon has come home and then gone back we have been able to go back to the gate and sit with him till he get on the plane....it is such a blessing to be able to do that....

In fact the first time I took him to the airport at Christmas for him to go back he was in uniform and the lady at the ticket counter looked at me and asked me if I wanted to go back to the gate with him.....that was very nice...

[momofssa]

I think it's wonderful they will do this for us. We got to go to the gate with Sean when he flew to A-school. Unfortunately, not all airlines at all airports are willing to do this. Some of them will say it is only if your service member is being deployed. Sometimes it depends on who's working that day. This is the link to that page on the TSA's website:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1880.shtm

My suggestion is to print up the page and take it with you. Ask for a supervisor if the person at the counter says you can't go.

Beth - PNM of Sean

[Mommadukes]

Beth,

Just print out the first page? If so, I'm doing it...there is nothing that can keep me from Matt....even my family knows that! lol

Thanks

Dawn

[momofssa]

Dawn - the link should take you to the page concerning military passengers. About half way down, is the info you are interested in. I printed the whole military page. I didn't need to use it but I was ready for 'em if anyone tried to get between me and my kid!! I see your son's PIR is only a couple of weeks away. You are going to love it. If you can, get a seat on the top row of your section. You will be sitting there for a long time before anything really good happens and you will be glad that you could rest against the wall. It's hard sitting without anything supporting your back. And on top of it all, we had a 5 year old we had to entertain all that time!

((((HUGS))))
Beth - PNM of Sean