As the COVID vaccine continues to be administered to hundreds of thousands, and soon millions, of citizens around the United States, the economy is going to start opening up and, thankfully, our way of life will slowly return to normal. This also means, happily, that people will start to travel again in greater numbers, especially by plane. In this article, Assisting Hands Home Care of West Austin is please to present 7 tips for airline travel safety with seniors, in anticipation of a growing number of people traveling in 2021.

Flying — while an amazing marvel of modern technology — can be stressful: uncomfortable and cramped airline seats, long walks in between airport terminals, glacially-slow security lines. These are exhausting and annoying to anyone, but especially so for seniors. And while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in conjuction with most airports, have worked to ease this burden on travelers and make their journey more pleasant – especially for older adults and those with disabilities – a little pre-planning and knowledge can make the travel experience for you or your loved one even healthier and more enjoyable.

1. Remember and plan for Medication. This is crucial to have set well in advance of your journey. You should talk to your doctor and discuss your travel plans to see if they have any precautions you should take. They may ask you to come in for a checkup before your trip. This goes for anyone traveling, not just seniors – always keep your medication with you in your carry-on bag in case your checked baggage becomes lost. It’s important to keep up with your regular medication regime. Also, prepare ahead of time if you need to take medication in-flight, or if crossing multiple time zones to ensure the right medicines are taken at the proper times. It’s a good idea to bring a doctor’s note and other medical information with you; it’s sometimes not enough to declare your age or medical situation verbally.
2. Save money by planning ahead. You probably already know to buy you tickets well ahead of your scheduled travel date, as you can get better prices and choose less-popular travel days. We recommend signing up for some online services that can alert you about travel deals as well, especially during the holidays. For example, the day before Thanksgiving and the following Sunday are the busiest travel days, and some careful pre-planning can help you avoid traveling by air on those days, if possible. Flying on Black Friday will almost guarantee that you avoid the crowds because most people will be shopping!
3. Pre-flight planning. For the flight, make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Make sure you know exactly what you need to bring and how to pack it properly. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or caregiver for help with this if you need it. Again, make sure your medication is in your carry-on and not in your checked bags. Check your baggage before you board, taking a minimal amount through security and onto the plane with you. You may also consider requesting priority boarding to enter the plane in the first group before everyone else, especially if you need help getting to your seat, or help with stowing your carry-on. Finally, if it’s at all possible, try to request an aisle seat that will allow you to move about during the flight and make it easier for you to get to the restroom.
4. Allow the airport staff to provide assistance.When you arrive at the airport, ask at the check-in desk for assistance getting to the gate by way of a cart or wheelchair if you have trouble walking long distances. You can also ask for assistance at security, where you may be able to go through a shorter line. The TSA has made several changes in recent years to make the process easier for seniors and those with disabilities. Trip advisers recommend that senior travelers declare any medical issues they have before going through the security gates or checkpoints. If you have a medical device like a pacemaker, you should request a pat-down at security rather than going through a scanner. Airlines will also allow one escort to assist seniors through a security checkpoint as long as they show an official ID, however, it’s critical to make this arrangement in advance of your departure. If you are 75 or older, you can leave your shoes and a light jacket on when going through. Passengers in wheelchairs who are unable to stand or walk will be accommodated accordingly.
5. Stand up and stretch. One of the most critical risks for senior travelers is DVT (deep vein thrombosis). It can cause death during and after a long flight simply because a person did not move about or stretch often enough. When you are cramped in an airplane flying for many hours, it’s critical to stretch, stand, and even move about when you can. Even if the seatbelt sign remains on and you aren’t permitted to get up, you can stretch your toes up and down motion and roll your feet in a small circular motion all while remaining in your seat.
6. Travel Aids. Noise-reducing headphones and a travel pillow can help make your flight more restful. Check with your doctor to see if it is suggested that you wear compression stockings which can help reduce the risk of blood clots. Once you arrive, you’re generally better off waiting for other passengers to exit the plane first, that way attendants can then assist you. If arrangements are made ahead of time and it’s not against policy, a relative (with proper ID) can meet you at the gate. The key to arranging your trip is quite simple – plan in advance! Understand that there is help available to make your journey less tiring and difficult. This will help make your visit with family a more pleasant and relaxing experience.
7. Keep healthy snacks on hand and available. Not only is the flight itself probably pretty long, but all of the preparations and airport activities will take time, making any air travel a half, or full day experience – so don’t let yourself get too hungry. Pack a snack bar, nuts, or fruit in anticipation of unexpected flight delays. Unless you have a particularly long flight, airlines serve only a small snack. This is important if you are on medication to manage chronic health issues such as diabetes. Purchase bottled water once you pass through security and keep it handy during the flight to prevent dehydration and jet-lag.

We here at Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin cannot wait to start traveling again, and we know you feel the same — but we want to make sure it is safe and enjoyable for Everyone. hopefully these tips can have given you some ideas for what to do the next time you’re about to get on a plane. Stay Healthy!