Airport Assistance for Seniors
Navigating an airport can be frustrating even to the young and limber; it can become a huge hurdle as your body ages. But never fear. Help is available. All you have to do is ask. There are lots of things you can do to make your travel easier, even if you feel safe travelling alone or as an older couple. Most of them require a phone call, even though your actual ticket may be booked online.
Here are our top three tips for making airport travel easier as a senior:
1. Have a loved one escort you to your flight
Anyone elderly can be accompanied to their gate, or met at the gate of their destination, by an assistant, family member, or friend, even if the helper does not have a ticket. They just have to show a government issued ID at the ticket counter. That way you can be sure that Grandma gets on her flight to visit your sibling. This is limited to just one person, so don’t expect the family to be allowed to see her off. You may phone the airlines the day before the flight to arrange this. There are even companies that provide this service, from helping check baggage at the curb and getting her to her gate, all the way to taking the flight with her and helping every step of the way – for a fee.
2. Breeze through the security line
Persons aged 75 and older can go through security without removing shoes or jackets and may have a special line. If you use oxygen, check with your airlines; some require a document signed by your doctor to allow it to be brought onboard. Be sure that liquid medicines are separate from your toiletries. You can bring more than three ounces of liquid medicine, but know that it will be screened separately. Call the Transportation Security Administration (855-787-2227) if you have questions about passing through security. Fliers with special needs can ask to have an airport contact meet them at the airport when they fly.
3. Take advantage of mobility devices
Don’t hesitate to ask for a wheelchair. You may not need one every day, but if you have to connect with another plane in a giant airport then don’t be so proud. This makes it their responsibility to get you to the gate on time. Let them know if you are able to walk onto the plane by yourself; if you cannot, then this requires another level of assistance. Don’t forget to ask for a wheelchair at your destination and at any airports in between where you have to change planes.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to ride in a wheelchair, ask about an electric cart. They are cruising around almost every airport but you can’t take a chance on them picking you up if you don’t reserve in advance by phone. I learned from travel with my mother that your companion gets to ride along on the electric cart, even if they aren’t disabled. I got early boarding, too, for those who need extra time to get on the plane. Trains also allow early boarding. Don’t be too shy to take advantage of it. Even hotels sometimes have a wheelchair to help you to your room. Take advantage of the respect and help that your graying hair has earned you!
SeniorAdvisor.com Staff
Senior Advisor's knowledgeable writers blog about senior care services, trends and more.
5 Comments
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You are talking about the happy path of assisting a senior through the check-in process… What about “Assistance” typically required for an incontinent senior passenger traveler? Can we get nursing help in airports between flights? Like Diaper Change, cleaning bathing help (I am not asking for free)… Any airports providing these kinds of services on-demand would be awesome… Honestly, with 90% of travelers traveling economy… Those Gucci, Armani and the Duty-Free Shops are a nice change for folks but have ZERO utility for most passengers… LIke for example, traveling between gates can take 10 minutes or longer and those DFS shops provide nothing for your tiring body… It is unfortunate that no thought process has been expended to make lives of seniors (or anyone) and folks who require ‘assistance’ easier…
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I travel between Miami and Cordoba (Argentina) 3 – 4 times a year. I get picked up at the curb by wheelchair and they take me through security in a whisper and then to the plane, and the same happens when I change planes. Upon arrival, another person takes me through customs and immigration and luggage and to the outside transportation (either a taxi or a relative). It is difficult to believe, and your attendant is a well trained and educated person. It is a breath of fresh air traveling like that and it is all free and no hassle. It is good to tip the wheelchair driver.
I hope the service does not go away. -
I need assistance to go to Germany. I have cancer and anxiety.
I need someone to show me where my aircraft will be.
What do I have to do -
I am fling from San Francisco, Ca. USA to Barcelona, Spain in late July. How do I ask help from the curb to the plan?
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I am my wife will be traveling from San Diego to Austin early morning June 19th. We are both 89+ years old have not flown in 10 years, My wife has Memory Loss, what help is available to us?
