5 golden tips when flying with an elderly traveler

Rudy De Kort / 22 June 2022

Taking a commercial flight with an elderly traveler might be a regular occurrence for some families and caregivers, while others face certain age-related challenges for the first time. I am happy to share a few tips from a professional travel companion standpoint!

1. Lean packing for elderly travelers

Make things easier for yourself. Reserve the space in your carry-on luggage for valuable items and items you’ll need during the journey. Use side pockets for things that need to be accessed easily, for the airport security check or during the flight. Keep gels and small bottles of liquids in a zip lock bag, as well as any medication. Use your larger compartments for stuff that don’t need to come out during the flight. Keep your passports and boarding passes close by until you are seated in your aircraft, as you will have to show them a few times.

2. Take care of basic needs before boarding

As a flight paramedic, I quickly learnt to do as much as possible prior to boarding, and as little as possible during the actual flight. As soon as you are in th air, space and options are limited. Doing a number 2 in a cramped lavatory, or eating from a small tray table will be challenging if your traveler has a tremor, vision problems, a weak grip or numbness in the fingers. So try to use the washroom shortly before boarding, and find out in advance which restaurants are open in the airport terminal so you can grab something to eat while waiting for the flight. Rely on an airline meal, only as your last option, but do bring a bottle of water from the airplane with you if you have to spend some time in the terminal waiting for your next flight.

3. Airport lounges as part of your care plan

Contrary to popular belief, airport lounges are not always restricted to holders of certain credit cards or travelers who fly business class. Ask if you can buy a daypass, and if the answer is “no” ask if there are other lounges in the terminal that do offer the service. A lounge does not only give you access to a quiet and comfortable place to rest, and wait for your flight, but it also includes drinks and more meal options, private washrooms and even shower facilities. The lounge can be pretty empty outside of peak hours, offering some privacy to take insulin or change a dressing, but the same place can quickly get busy and crowded when multiple flights are scheduled to depart.

4. Dealing with impatience from fellow passengers

If your senior traveler is acting confused or needs extra time and space to move around and go the lavatory, most other passengers will quickly understand what’s going on. In my experience, random people onboard airplanes tend to do be very helpful and understanding. For the few who will give you a dirty look or make a salty comment: you don’t feel obligated to offer an explanation. You are there to take care of your senior traveler and you don’t need the extra stress of having to deal with the opinion of other passengers. Keep in mind that not everyone can always be pleased.

5. Caregiver stress

Like your senior traveler, every caregiver has his own limitations. Caring for someone in an airplane cabin is nothing like homecare or working in a nursing home. You’ve got to factor in stressors like limited space or NO space, having the full attention of strangers in a cramped cabin and the time pressure when things don’t go as planned, boarding is in progress and your gate is still a mile ahead. Fatigue is also a big one! Don’t underestimate the effects of traveling into other time zones on your own circadian rhythm! Ask yourself: is it reasonable to take the responsibility of flying along with my senior traveler, or is it a better idea to hire a professional travel companion?

EVERY MILE WE FLY IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF REUNITING PEOPLE OR BRINGING THEM TO SAFETY