Air Travel Will Lift You Up
“Travel is the fountain of youth,” Rick Steves.
COVID made us lonely and antsy, causing many older adults to think of traveling. They may desire to spend time with distant family and friends or to see the world. Some just need a break with new scenery or something on the calendar to look forward to.
Experts tell us that travel is good for the soul. It’s part of active aging and promotes mental and physical health.
Still, the thought of getting through hectic airports and onto a crowded plane turns us back to our sofas and screens. If you are caregiving a companion with a cognitive or physical disability, air travel may seem like too big a hassle to even think about. “Fear of flying” has taken on a new dimension.
This trepidation can be reduced with a some proactive steps, but only if you know about them.
The trick is to plan ahead.
Start by determining what you need to relieve your worries. If traveling with someone who is challenged, don’t just think about them. Think about what will make it easier for you. Too much stress can ruin a trip.
Many airlines suggest traveling off-season on a Tuesday or Wednesday. These are the least traveled days and might offer some lower fares. You can also call the airline and “try” to request seats closer to restrooms or more accommodating to your needs.
When traveling in the US, there are several helpful options available. International flights require country specific research. The tip here is to speak up to advise anyone and everyone who can be resourceful about your situation. Don’t be shy!
Most US airports have dedicated staff to assist seniors and will designate “special assistance requested” on your file so those attending will know.
Wheelchair assistance is available with 48-hour notice through your airlines or the airport.
Letting the ticketing agent know that you need an electric cart will ease you through the airport. Availability seems to vary by airport, with some offered directly from airlines. Typically, electric carts are free, with tips appreciated. It’s worth checking, especially in larger airports with long treks to the gate.
Traveling with my husband, who had dementia, was made easier by using a TSA Personal Support Specialist. These trained agents anticipate traveler’s needs and are knowledgeable about handling difficult situations, including help with baggage and assistance getting through security. This service requires 72 hours advance notice. The TSA helpline (855-787-2227) will also advise how to travel through security with medications, medical devices, or other special circumstances. Their website has a great video explaining the service at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support. “You just say what you need, and that’s what we are here for.”-Video spokesperson June Forte, TSA Customer Quality Improvement Specialist. If you are 75 or older, TSA usually allows you to go through the Pre-Check security line but you need to ask for this leniency.
The good news is that US airlines have information on their website under “special assistance,” and several provide a phone number to call. This service is not only a “nice to do,” but under provisions of the Federal Air Carrier Access Act, airlines must offer air travel assistance for seniors that includes boarding, deplaning, and making connections to their next flight.
As our bodies age and our luggage gets heavier, with, as my husband said, “beauty accouterments,” baggage handling becomes a concern. While they can’t help you get the bags to the airport, US airlines are trying to be helpful.
Delta has a team of elite customer service experts called Red Coats, not surprisingly identifiable by their bright red coats. Upon entering the airport, they will offer assistance with baggage tagging and ticketing. They also have the authority to solve most problems if asked.
A passenger traveling with an oxygen tank and wheelchair asked a Red Coat representative where the closest accessible restroom was. Not knowing of one nearby, the Red Coat helped the passenger get to a convenient restroom, waited till it was empty, and then roped it off to others so her passenger could use it privately and have assistance from her husband. The story continues with the passenger receiving help with her luggage to her waiting car. Wow!
If you request “special assistance” when booking on American Airlines’ a coordinator will call to make the appropriate arrangements. This may include boarding early, better seat selection, and arranging for a wheelchair.
And then there are the things that are up to you to plan for—just in case.
I added Apple AirTags to all my bags to keep track of them. I also added an AirTag to my husband for the same reason.
Carrying my medications and bringing enough for two extra days saved me when plans suddenly changed.
Flight delays and other irregularities seem common these days, requiring backup plans to accommodate health and dietary needs.
It took one tense experience at the airport where my husband misplaced his driver’s license for me to place his license in my wallet.
What’s that saying? “Better safe than sorry.”
It’s so easy to become comfortable being comfortable that we may skip experiences that provide fond memories, open our minds, reunite us with those we miss, or introduce us to interesting strangers. The journey of a thousand air miles begins with many steps before the trip even begins. But oh, how smooth the flight will be because we took them.
