Traveling can be extremely frustrating. Many complain constantly about the lines and cramped seats. However, navigating through an airport can be disorienting for elderly travelers. In addition, there are no bills that protect the rights of the elderly. Therefore, Transfer America has discovered several ways to help make this process easier for the elderly.
Though the Air Carrier Access Act does “provide rights to fliers with physical or mental impairment, no matter their age (passengers with emphysema, for instance, may fly with a portable oxygen concentrator)”. However, there are other older fliers who are not disabled but also have a difficult time navigating through an airport. Many times families of the elderly are tired of the airport treatment that they spend thousands of dollars flying their relatives on private jets.
Below are some tips on how to ease traveling for the elderly.
1. Booking: When booking a flight make sure you book as early as possible to ensure that you are able to purchase a seat with extra leg room and expedited boarding. If a wheelchair is needed, make sure to request one while booking the plane ticket. Those who do not need wheelchairs but need assistance with walking can request electric carts at the airport.
2. Getting to the airport: If they are unable to drive, make sure you set up arrangements so that they are able to arrive at the airport safely. You can either call a medical transportation company or a driving company. Those who need special care could be taken by Independent Transportation Network of America.
3. Checking In: Those who are unable to accompany an elderly flier can take advantage of free services airlines offer. For example, a Delta employee is able to help an elderly flier with their check-in if given a 48-hour notice. Other companies will greet the elderly flier as soon as they are dropped off and assist them in checking in their luggage and escort them to the closest security agent.
4. Security and boarding: It has recently been determined that elderly fliers “should not be asked by security to inspect medical equipment like a colostomy bag, or to put a back brace through an X-ray machine”. Some airlines will also permit elderly fliers to be escorted by a caretaker as long as the caretaker provides identification.
5. Arrival: When the plane arrives at its destination, the elderly fliers should wait until other passengers have left so that the flight attendants can assist them off the plane.
In conclusion, one must remember that airlines do wish to help to the best of their abilities. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask a fellow employee for assistance. But the most important step is to always plan in advance.