More help for the English gal!

Okay, American airports.

How far can you go without a ticket?

In England you check your luggage in, show your passport and get your boarding pass at the check-in desk, then you have to show your passport and b-pass as you go through into the Duty Free area. This is where there are more shops and restaraunts and it also has access to all the gates and lounges. If you have no ticket, then you cannot get into this area.

So, how does it work in america? For international flights?

I have been to America, but it was a couple of years ago and the whole thing is a bit of a blur. Can't remember.

So, just to ramble on a bit more, if you were not the one flying, but you were there to hang out and say goodbye, could you go right up to the gate? Or just the check in desk? Or the duty free? Lounge?

Detail would be appreciated.

Thank you!