Christine Haughney
Flying, as most travellers know all too well, can be arduous. But while some of us may grumble about cramped airline seats and security pat-downs, simply navigating an airport can be downright disorienting for elderly travellers.
Here is what you can do during the various phases of the flying process to make the next trip for your elderly friend or relative
less daunting.
BOOKING: Experts recommend making as many requests as possible when booking a flight, including requests for expedited boarding and seats with extra legroom. Some of those seats are bulkhead or other desirable seats, and that fliers should get a doctor?s note that they can present at check-in and the gate. You can?t just say, ?I have a disability, and I?m old?.
Those who need wheelchairs should ask for them when booking. Wheelchair requests at the flier?s destination should also be made when booking.
Elderly fliers who don?t need wheelchairs but have trouble walking can ask about electric carts. Delta, for example, offers carts at four airports?Kennedy, in New York; Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta; Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International; and Salt Lake City?said a Delta spokesman.
Industry experts say it doesn?t pay to book an older flier in business or first class, where flight attendants are no better trained than those in coach to deal with older fliers. Passengers will receive the same in-flight medical assistance regardless of the class they are sitting in.
GETTING TO THE AIRPORT: If you can?t drive the person, arrange it with a volunteer driving program or medical transportation company instead of a taxi, said James D. Stowe, who researches older adults and their transportation needs at the University of Missouri Hospital.
SECURITY AND BOARDING: Fliers should inform security officials about any medical conditions. He added that passengers, no matter the age, 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. If these incidents occur, he said, fliers should get the name of the official and file a complaint with the security administration.
Airlines allow elderly fliers to be escorted by one caretaker through security and to the gate as long as the escort provides his or her full name, birth date and government-issued ID, said David Vance, the managing director for airport operations for American Airlines. He added that it helps to request this at least a day ahead and that security is strict about numbers. ?They limit that to one individual,? Vance said. ?So you can?t have a family seeing them off at a gate.?
ARRIVAL: Elderly fliers are usually better off waiting for other passengers to debark so attendants can assist them with carry-ons and escort them from the plane.
A relative is allowed to meet an older passenger at the gate. A Delta spokesman suggested that relatives call 48 hours ahead to notify the airline, and arrive more than an hour before the flight does.
In general, the key to arranging a less intimidating journey for an older flier is simple: plan in advance. And, understand that airlines genuinely do want to help. The big thing is not to be hesitant to ask the crew for assistance.