[mrfixit]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

It works two ways. You can opt to have an airline employee bring the child to meet you outside the sterile zone (outside security). The problem with this is, that is the last thing they do when the plane lands. Your child and the employee will take their good old time getting out to you.

The other option is for you (assuming the paperwork is done correctly) to go to the airline ticket counter or lost luggage office and tell them you need a gate pass to pick up an unaccompanied minor. They will issue you a gate pass that will allow you through security and you can go right to the child's arrival gate and greet them. You will sign paperwork at the gate to indicate that you have received the child.

Now, when the child is leaving and you get a gate pass to take the child out to the gate, you must wait there until the airplane is actually in the air and on the way home. (I don't mean half way home, I mean, in the air)
Otherwise, if you left and the plane had to return to the gate for any reason, your child would get off and would be unaccompanied.

The airlines are really very very good about this, but stuff happens and we have to be vigilant.

Thank You Talk Host.. I appreciate your sharing this info.