Air Travel Will Lift You Up
Experts tell us that travel is good for the soul, although hectic airports aren't. The key is to plan ahead.
COVID made us lonely and antsy, causing many older adults to think of traveling. They may want 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.
Start by determining what you need to relieve your worries. If traveling with challenged people, don't just think about them.
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 proactive steps, but only if you know about them.
The Trick Is to Plan
The trick is to plan. Start by determining what you need to relieve your worries. If traveling with challenged people, 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 U.S., there are several helpful options available. International flights require country-specific research. The tip here is to speak up to get advice from anyone and everyone who can be resourceful about your situation. Don't be shy!
"Fear of flying" has taken on a new dimension, which can be reduced with proactive steps, but only if you know about them.
Most U.S. airports have dedicated staff to assist older adults and will designate "special assistance requested" on your file so those attending will know. Wheelchair assistance is available with 48-hour notice through your airline or the airport.
Letting the ticketing agent know 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 Support
Traveling with my husband, who had dementia, was made more accessible using a TSA Personal Support Specialist. These trained agents anticipate travelers' 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. "You just say what you need, and that's what we are here for," says 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 must ask for this leniency.
The good news is that U.S. airlines have information on their websites under "special assistance" and several provide a phone number to call.
The good news is that U.S. airlines have information on their websites 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 older adults, including boarding, deplaning and making connections to their next flight.
As our bodies age and our luggage gets heavier, with, as my husband used to say, "beauty accoutrements," baggage handling becomes a concern. While they can't help you get the bags to the airport, U.S. airlines are trying to be helpful.
Requesting Special Assistance
Delta has a team of elite customer service experts called Red Coats, 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 toilet, 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.
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 our plans suddenly changed.
Flight delays and other irregularities seem familiar, 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 that we may skip experiences that provide fond memories, open our minds, reunite us with those we miss or introduce us to exciting strangers.
The journey of a thousand air miles begins with many steps before the trip starts. But oh, how smooth the flight will be because we took them.
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