Accompany a passenger airside at London Stansted

I need to find a way to accompany an elderly non-English-speaking relative to the gate at London Stansted Airport. Can I buy a ticket to get through security, walk the relative to the gate and then exit back to land side? I need to understand if this is legal, or if I would be given a fine.

Best Answer

Typically, airlines will give you a 'Security Pass' (instead of a boarding pass) that allows you to go into the security area for that reason, up to the gate door. At the check-in, ask for it, together with the person needing your help. If you want to be sure that it will work, call them and confirm the process now, but I have done that before.

Note you will need your ID with you, and the 'Security Pass' will be printed with your name. It looks similar to a Boarding pass, but has no flight info on it.

Here are two examples that confirm this:

http://lifehacker.com/5809860/family-going-on-a-trip-you-can-walk-them-all-the-way-to-the-boarding-gate-if-you-ask

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/practical-travel-safety-security-issues/1211383-can-person-no-boarding-pass-get-guest-pass-go-thru-security.html (there are lot of people that recommend buying a ticket, that is not needed. Check for 'Orion' and 'noname's post)

P.S. It is free.

Pictures about "Accompany a passenger airside at London Stansted"

Accompany a passenger airside at London Stansted - Free stock photo of adult, architecture, buildings

Accompany a passenger airside at London Stansted - Free stock photo of architecture, buildings, bus

Do you have to pay to pick someone up from Stansted?

There is a free pick up point at Stansted, signposted as 'Free Set Down'. Located inside Stansted's Mid Stay car park, you are allowed an hour's free parking, with a small \xa32 charge for up to 2 hours. Your passengers can catch the free shuttle bus the rest of the way to the terminal.

Can you sleep in London Stansted Airport?

While London Stansted Airport does have an airport lounge, it does not have designated sleep rooms or rest areas. If you just want to relax in a comfortable environment, check out our London Stansted Airport Guide for details.

Do I need transit visa for London Stansted?

Re: Do I need UK transit visa for Stansted airport-London? No, you can't stay airside at Stansted. You will have to go through UK immigration. Therefore, if you require a visa you will have to get one.

What can you do on arrival at Stansted Airport?

After passport control, arrivals signs will direct you to the baggage reclaim area where you can check the information screens to find the correct carousel for your luggage. Baggage trolleys are provided in the reclaim hall and require a \xa31 coin to operate.

How to get from Stansted Airport to Central London

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Petra M. Greening, MART PRODUCTION, MART PRODUCTION, MART PRODUCTION