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My mother-in-law is Chinese and doesn't speak more than a couple words of English. We're planning on dropping her off at LAX to fly China Air to China.

I don't know anything about international flight, so I don't know what the passenger experience is at that part of the airport - if lack of English would be an issue getting through security and to the gate. So I was wondering if it would be reasonable to ask for a gate pass to let us accompany her.

I've only read that they do it for children or elderly people, but nothing I've read mentions a pass to help someone who doesn't speak English.

Joe Enos
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1 Answers1

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If she is 'elderly' you can

It's a bit of a game but there exclusions for the elderly and accompaniment of them. Her lack of English would not qualify. There are millions of people daily traveling in foreign lands and lack of local language is rarely met with empathy.

The elderly, however, can require assistance in these situations. You can tell her too look around and act confused. If she is elderly enough, this could very well pass muster.

Some disingenuous behavior may be required though.

Citizen
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