Usually, parents are given a pass that allows them to go through airport security and accompany their child to the gate. Children are sometimes given badges that state their unaccompanied minor status. Airline chaperones will meet unaccompanied minors at the gate and help them board.

In 2026, a parent or guardian can typically walk their child to the gate by obtaining a "Gate Pass" (also known as an Escort Pass) from the airline’s check-in counter. This is standard procedure for Unaccompanied Minors (UNMR)—children aged 5 to 14 flying alone—where the airline requires the guardian to stay at the gate until the plane is physically in the air. To get a pass, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID and pass through the standard TSA security screening just like a ticketed passenger. For children who are not flying alone but perhaps have special needs or extreme anxiety, airlines may grant a gate pass at their discretion, though it is not guaranteed. Some airports, such as Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) and Orlando (MCO), also offer Visitor Pass programs that allow any non-traveler to apply 24 hours in advance for post-security access. Always check with your specific airline's "Minor Policy" as the rules for gate passes can vary slightly between carriers like Delta, United, and Southwest.