[mistyreed73]

I went yesterday to pick up my minor child who flew alone from BWI to DFW. I went in through baggage claim of where she was supposed to be. I went up to the attendee and asked where I was supposed to go because I have a minor child flying alone and needed to get a pass to go in and meet her at the gate. She looked up the flight and told me it was on time and starting talking to her associate. I again asked how do I get a pass to go in and get her at the gate. The lady said you are in baggage claim and proceeded to talk to her friend. I asked her where do I need to go to get a special pass? She said go around the corner to check-in and they can help you.

I walked around the corner and got in the first line. I patiently waited until the customers in front of me was done and walked up to the lady behind the counter. Her name was Valencia. I explained my situation to her. She rudely demanded to know if it was first class. I explained that it wasn't and was told that she couldn't help me. She said this is First Class!!! I asked her where do I go then, and she pointed to another line with a guy in it. I walked over to the guy and asked if this was coach. He said yes. So I get in line behind him and asked if they could have been any ruder. He said that he had been in line for 30 minutes and had not been helped yet. I explained that I needed to talk to someone about a minor child. The agent turned his head as to avoid any eye contact with the man in front of me.

I then walked up to the kiosk attendent named Fredrick. He looked up and very rudely asked if he could help. I explained my situation to him. He then went into this 15 minute tirate about minors flying alone. I explained to him that when I made my reservations that I had given the airline two names of people authorized to pick my daughter up. One was myself and the other was my brother at her destination location. Frederick then proceeded to lecture me some more. I explained that I only needed a pass to get to the gate to escort her. He went through a song and dance that if He (meaning my child) was over 12 then they are perfectly capable of getting themselves from the gate to the baggage claim area for pick-up. I said, "So basically, you can't help me. Where do I go to get the pass?" He then gave me a dirty look and pointed me back to where the gentlemen had been patienly waiting for 30 minutes.

I never did get the pass. I walked back to baggage claim and talked to my daughter via cell phone to get her to back to me. I was fit to be tied and could not believe the treatment I had received. I have already lodged a complaint this morning with AA. I have told my story here and then I will see where else I can go.

[Ombudsman]

Did you pay AA an additional fee for unaccompanied minor service? How old is she?

[mistyreed73]

No, I didn't pay the extra $100 each way for the service. When I made the reservation, they told me that I would still be able to get the pass and asked for the names of the people that are authorized to pick her up. She is 12 years old.