send him off OR see him off

[Karen123456]

When we take our pen-pal to the airport and see him depart before we leave, do we "send him off" or "see him off"?

Thanks.

 

[Greyfriar]

Hello,

We see him off.

 

[Karen123456]

Thanks, Greyfriar.

Why can't we send him off?

 

[Greyfriar]

It sounds rather as if you were treating him as a parcel. As if you were glad to see the back of him. 'See him off' is much kinder.

 

[Karen123456]

Thanks, Greyfriar.