Travel Tips for Seniors: Smart Planning, Efficient Packing, and Leveraging Assistive Services

Without a plan in place, traveling with an older loved one may feel overwhelming and create some anxiety for friends and family. However, if companions plan for multigenerational family trips in advance, pack methodically and efficiently, and use available assistive services along the way, they can feel adequately prepared throughout their journey. With less to worry about on the travel day, friends, families, and seniors can focus on enjoying the trip together.

When traveling with an older family member, make sure to arrive at the airport four or more hours ahead of your departure time. Consider requesting a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expedited screening option and assistive services at the airport to help with safely navigating to, from, and between planes. 

Check that you have important medications and medical information accessible and that your loved one wears compression stockings to prevent blood clots. Research the necessary regulations if you are bringing an oxygen concentrator on your journey. 

• Leave Extra Time To Arrive: Older loved ones may move more slowly than they used to or have additional health challenges as they age. Leave extra time to get to the airport and destination so your loved ones don't feel rushed to pack or hurry through security checks. Schedule longer drives and layovers to provide your family with more time.
• Avoid Fall Risks: Even if it's not icy at your current location or destination, always take fall risks into account. Avoid increasing fall risks for your loved ones by moving slowly and escorting them to and from the car.
• Request Expedited Screening: The TSA offers screening for passengers 75 and older who can stand and walk without assistance, which is faster than standard TSA screenings. Inform the TSA agents of your loved one's disabilities or medical conditions. The TSA has different screening procedures in these circumstances. Airlines often allow early boarding for seniors at the gate.
• Use Assistive Services: Airlines have to provide a wheelchair or shuttle service upon request. Call the airline a few days before the flight to confirm they received your request. Even if the airline knows you will need assistance, they will not know exactly when or who to assist unless you tell them. After entering the airport, you will need to inform airline staff that your loved one requested and needs assistance. 
• Organize Medications and Health Information: Keep medications in carry-on luggage rather than in a checked bag. Bring extra meds in case of travel delays, and keep important health information with you, such as blood type, a document detailing any allergies, and a list of medications and dosages. Bring the names and contact information of your loved one's doctors in case of an emergency. 
• Wear Compression Socks: These socks improve circulation and help to prevent blood clots, which can form when flying or sitting for long periods. 
• Check With the Airline About Respiratory Equipment: Check with the manufacturer of your oxygen concentrator to see if it is safe to use during a flight. Some airlines do not allow portable oxygen concentrators, so it is important to ask about airline regulations before purchasing your tickets. Oxygen tanks are not allowed while traveling on planes in the United States. Compressed oxygen must be provided by the airline, but only some airlines offer this service.

Common items to pack include clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and various toiletries. Still, there are other items to consider for senior travel, especially if some unexpected issues arise.

Pack for your loved one if packing causes them anxiety. Older people, especially individuals with dementia, may feel anxious when making packing decisions.

*Some countries won't let you in if your passport is set to expire within six months of travel

Thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act, airports must assist people with disabilities, including providing wheelchairs between gates and baggage claim. Airports may also offer an indoor shuttle or cart service to assist seniors in reaching their gates.

Disability assistance also extends to the plane. Airport staff should assist with getting seated and stowing mobility devices. You can bring your own assistive devices, like manual wheelchairs, as well. Always check with your airline ahead of time; there are some rules about which devices an airline allows in the cabin and which must be stowed in cargo. Plan ahead to know how to properly collapse and stow your loved one's walkers and wheelchairs.

Consider the following list of tips for utilizing assistive services and traveling with personal assistive devices. 

• Request mobility assistance through your airline when you book your flight. Call the airline two days before the flight to confirm they have a record of your request. 
• Some air carriers need a minimum of 48 hours' notice for certain accommodations, such as respirator hook-ups or bringing electric wheelchairs onto aircraft.
• Ask for a passenger support specialist to help you through security. You should make the request at least 72 hours before your departure through TSA Cares. 
• Research whether you can bring your loved one's assistive device into the cabin or if it must be stowed in the cargo hold. Check with the U.S. Department of Transportation. 
• When checking in, let the gate agent know your loved one requested assistance. The agent will call for a wheelchair. 
• Request assistance from a skycap or airport porter to help transport carry-on bags if you or your loved one cannot carry them.
• Let personnel at the boarding gate know if you need assistance with pre-boarding, carrying luggage onto the plane, or moving within the aircraft. 
• Ask for a wheelchair to be provided upon landing, if necessary. An attendant can help with deplaning and baggage claim.

Traveling abroad requires some additional precautions for your loved one, especially regarding medical care and potential vaccinations.

• Schedule a doctor's appointment 4-6 weeks before traveling to discuss any health concerns. The doctor can also determine if any vaccinations are necessary before travel.
• Take at least two extra weeks' worth of medication for international travel. Check that your medicine is permitted in your destination country and if a prescription or medical certificate is required. 
• To avoid delays at customs, keep medications in their original bottles. 
• Find out the generic names for your loved one's medications. If you're in another country, this can help you find the medication if you need to buy more. 
• You may need a doctor's note if you must take controlled substances or injectable medicines.  
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control's website, which provides updated health information for different countries. This site offers vaccine recommendations, how to receive medical care in that country, and other helpful information.

• Complete important tasks in advance of your trip, such as visiting the doctor for vaccinations, medications, and paperwork you may need. Request mobility assistance from airline staff when purchasing your plane tickets.
• Request TSA checkpoint assistance within three days of your trip and confirm airline assistance at least two days in advance. Make sure you know which assistive devices can come on board and which devices you must store beneath the plane. Pack compression socks and medications in carry-on luggage.
• Leave for your flights early so you have time to move carefully and wait for the assistance you need. Remember, there are professionals available in the airport and on the plane who will help you throughout your journey. For more traveling tips for seniors and their families, read our Travel and Lifestyle resource hub.

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