Senior Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult

Air Travel Tips and Tricks

Flying is often the quickest and most convenient way to travel, but it can be stressful and confusing. Here are a few things you can do to make the experience easier and more pleasant:

1. Ask about senior discounts.

Some airlines offer reduced fares for older adults, although they might not widely advertise such fares. For instance, Delta has a senior discount in some markets, but it’s not available online; you can only get it by calling the reservations department. United Airlines offers special senior fares on some routes. However, you may need to call and ask what’s available (and be sure to check if it’s any cheaper than the normal adult rate). Notably, Southwest Airlines has a senior discount in the form of reduced Anytime fares for adults over age 65. These senior fares are refundable and can be booked either online or by phone.

2. Check in online if possible.

Most airlines allow you to check in for your flight through their websites or mobile apps up to 24 hours in advance. In most cases, it’s better to check in online rather than at the airport. Some budget airlines, such as Spirit, charge a fee to check in at the airline counter. Plus, checking in from your computer or phone lets you save time at the airport. You can bypass the ticket counter and go straight through security to your departure gate if you only have carry-on luggage. (However, you might have to check in at the airport counter if you are requesting a wheelchair or other airline personnel assistance.)

One of the biggest advantages of checking in online is being able to select your seat. To take full advantage of this, you should check in early for your flight. That’s because the earlier you check in, the more seats you will have to choose from. So if you’re hoping to sit near the front of the plane or avoid the middle seat, it’s a good idea to check in online as early as you can.

Keep in mind that Southwest Airlines does things a little differently. It assigns boarding positions rather than specific seats. Depending on what type of fare you purchase and when you check in, you will be assigned to A, B, or C zone, with a number between 1 and 60 (where A1 gets on first and C60 gets on last). Your place in the queue determines when you get to board; once you are on the plane, you are free to choose any available seat. So on Southwest, checking in sooner will not get you a specific seat, but it will get you a better boarding position.

3. Print your boarding pass.

Technically, if you check in online and have a smartphone, you don’t need to print a boarding pass in most cases. You can simply show the agent the electronic boarding pass that was sent to you when you checked in. (Note that an e-ticket is not the same as a boarding pass.) However, it’s wise to have a paper copy of your travel documents in case your device runs out of power, or there is some other type of technical problem.

You can print your pass on your home computer when you check in online, at the self-serve check-in kiosks in the airport terminal, or the airline’s ticket counter. The good news is that you do not have to check in twice on connecting flights on Southwest or most other airlines; you should receive all of your boarding passes at once.

4. Get to the airport early.

Even if you have checked in online, you should be at the airport at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. (Allow at least three hours for an international flight.) That’s especially important if you are checking baggage, since you will need to drop off your luggage at a designated counter by a certain time.

If you are traveling domestically and only have hand luggage, things are a bit simpler. In such a case, if you check in online, all you have to do at the airport is go through security and find your departure gate. However, you never know how long the security line will be, so it’s still wise to arrive early. And if you have mobility issues, be sure to allow for extra time so that you’re not rushed.

5. Speed through security.

Older travelers can get a bit of a break when it comes to security screening. For instance, if they’re over 75, seniors do not have to take shoes off at airport security (although the shoes may still be swabbed for traces of explosives). They can also leave light jackets on.

Medically required liquids and gels are not subject to the same size restrictions as other carry-on liquids. However, they need to be screened separately, so you can speed things up by packing them in a Ziploc bag that is separate from your other liquids. Keep the medications in an easily accessible part of your carry-on bag. Tell the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer about them when you get to the checkpoint.

If you have a disability or medical issue, you may want to fill out a TSA Notification Card so you can communicate your condition clearly and discreetly. For example, if you have a metal hip implant, you can note it on the card so that the officer will know that you are likely to set off the metal detector. In that case, you would be subject to a pat-down or screening via a full-body scanner.

Travelers of any age are eligible for TSA PreCheck, which gives them the privilege of not removing their shoes, belts, jackets, laptops, or liquids during screening at participating airports. To get TSA PreCheck, you must apply online, go through a short in-person appointment involving fingerprinting and a background check, and pay the $85 fee. (Some credit cards cover this fee or allow you to use frequent flyer points to pay for it; check with your credit card issuer.) If approved, you will be covered for five years.

If you travel internationally, Global Entry works just like TSA PreCheck, with the added benefit of expedited lines for customs and immigration upon re-entering the U.S. It costs $100 for five years.

6. Try to get expedited boarding.

Being one of the first to board a plane lets you get settled in your seat sooner and avoid being shuffled along in a long lineup of people. It also gives you a better chance of finding space for your bag in the overhead compartment. In some cases, boarding earlier can also mean securing a better seat.

Here’s how you can try to make sure you take your seat early, depending on the airline you use:

United

Older adults with disabilities can get on the plane during preboarding. You can also avoid long lines by purchasing Priority Boarding, which lets you board ahead of other economy passengers. However, you cannot buy Priority Boarding if you purchase a Basic Economy fare (i.e., the cheapest one).

American

You can ask to be in the preboarding group if you need assistance due to a mobility challenge or other type of disability. American divides its regular boarding into nine different groups. First class, business class, and elite status customers get on first. However, you can opt to pay for Priority boarding, which gets you on with group four. As with United, Priority is not available to passengers on Basic Economy tickets.

Delta

On Delta, seniors who need extra time or help to board can take their seats during preboarding. Otherwise, you can pay $15 per flight to ensure your spot in the Main Cabin 1 group. Main Cabin 1 boards after families with young children, upper-level elite passengers, and Delta-branded credit card holders, but before most economy customers.

JetBlue

Passengers with disabilities are eligible to preboard the plane. Alternatively, you can choose to pay for an Even More Space seat, which comes with a few inches of extra legroom and lets you preboard. Even More Space also lets you use special security screening lines in participating airports.

Southwest

Seniors can board early on Southwest in certain cases. For instance, if you need a particular type of seat due to a disability or need someone to assist you during boarding, you may get on the plane during the preboarding process. If you just need a bit of extra time to get settled, you will be permitted to board between the A and B groups.

You can also pay for Early Bird Check In to have Southwest automatically reserve a boarding position for you 36 hours before departure. While you do not have to check in yourself with Early Bird Check In, you can get your boarding pass by going online no sooner than 24 hours before your flight leaves, clicking “check in,” and printing your pass. It’s not crucial to do this at a certain time, since your spot in the queue will have already been assigned. Early Bird Check In does not guarantee A group boarding. However, it does boost your chance of securing a better boarding position. Some people believe Early Bird Check In is worth it if you have strong feelings about where you sit and don’t want to stress about having to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight.

7. Don’t be afraid to bring a mobility device.

Most airlines allow you to bring canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and even electric scooters along for no extra cost. If you can’t walk to your seat, you can transfer from a wheelchair into a special aisle chair that is narrow enough to fit down the aircraft’s aisle.

Depending on the size of your device, you can bring it right into the cabin and store it in an overhead bin, under the seat in front of you, or in a separate storage area. If it doesn’t fit in any of these places, the airline will check it as cargo for no additional fee. When you reach your destination, the device will be brought to the aircraft door for you unless you request to pick it up at baggage claim.

8. Get convenient and durable travel gear

Having gear that can safely, conveniently, and durably hold your belongings will help make your trip easier. Here are some good examples of travel essentials, which are available for purchase through the following Amazon affiliate links:

• A secure and easy-to-use passport holder or travel pouch to keep essential belongings, like ID, credit cards and cash, safe and close by. One that can be worn around the neck may be especially handy for those who can be forgetful.
• Durable, lightweight luggage that’s easy to identify, pull, and carry.
• A suitcase marker to help identify your bag from everyone else’s and make it easier and quicker to pick up your belongings from luggage carousels.
• A waterproof toiletry bag to store your personal care essentials and protect your other belongings if something containing liquid/gel/cream breaks or opens during transit.
• Durable luggage tags to identify your checked bags if the airline tags come off, and to identify your carry-on bag in case it’s misplaced or needs to be stowed after you board the plane.
• A travel pillow and blanket can help make the trip a lot more comfortable. Planes can be cold, and the seats can be difficult to nap in. So a small pillow and blanket can help make the trip more restful and enjoyable.

How to Arrange a Trip for an Elderly Parent

It can be challenging to work out the travel details for an aging parent. There is no age limit for flying alone. However, it can be dangerous for elderly people to fly by themselves if they aren’t prepared. Here are some tips to help you get your elderly mom or dad from Point A to Point B safely and comfortably:

1. Choose travel times and routes carefully.

It’s best to go for the shortest and most direct route, even if it costs a little more. Your goal should be to keep things as simple as possible, so the fewer connections, the better. And pay attention to the type of aircraft your mom or dad will be on: Some airports do not use jetways for smaller planes and instead require passengers to climb a set of stairs to board. (However, federal law stipulates that planes with at least 19 seats must have mechanical ramps to assist with boarding.)

Also, try to arrange travel times for when your parent is most alert and energetic. That might mean avoiding early morning or late afternoon departures if possible.

2. Make special requests by phone (and follow up).

You can book a trip online. However, it’s sometimes easier to make special requests like wheelchair assistance, bulkhead seats with extra legroom, or expedited boarding if you speak to a human being. Proper arrangements can be especially important if your parent will need help getting to their seat rather than just to the plane.

Airlines are required by law to provide wheelchair service for free to any traveler who requests it. If your loved one has challenges with walking but doesn’t need a wheelchair, ask if they can ride on an electric cart through the airport.

If your mom or dad uses portable oxygen, find out if the airline requires any medical documentation to transport it. Also, be sure to let the airline know of any special dietary restrictions your loved one has.

Don’t forget to reconfirm all arrangements as you get closer to the travel date. The extra effort is worth it for your peace of mind.

3. Pack appropriately.

It’s a good idea to encourage your parent to pack as light as possible. Your loved one may be able to avoid checking in luggage and waiting for it at the baggage carousel if everything fits in one carry-on-sized roller bag. If they check a bag, remind them not to put any important documents or medications in the checked bag. Those should go in hand luggage. Also, all liquids should be easily accessible for security screening.

If your senior has a cell phone, make sure it’s programmed with your contact information, as well as any emergency contact numbers they may need. If your parent does not have a cell phone, consider getting a prepaid one for the trip. If necessary, show him or her how to place and answer a call. You might also want to write down the steps he or she should follow to get in touch with you.

4. Arrange transportation to the airport.

If you cannot drive your parent to the airport yourself, you could book a taxi or arrange a ride with a service like Uber or Lyft. Organizations like ITN America and Papa offer transportation services specifically for seniors. Another option is to contact a volunteer driving program in your parent’s local area.

5. Get your parent to the gate.

Did you know that you can accompany your elderly parent to the gate if you obtain an escort pass? To request a pass, go to the airline check-in counter with your parent and present a government-issued photo ID. (It sometimes helps to call about a pass a day or two before the flight.) An escort pass lets you take your parent through security and to their departure gate.

If you can’t be at the airport with your parent, talk to the airline about arranging free assistance. You could also choose to hire a concierge service like MUrgency or Royal Airport Concierge Service to help your senior manage luggage, check in, and get through security screening. And if you’re willing to spend more for a dedicated escort, Flying Companions can provide full-service travel assistance, including a companion who will accompany your parent from their home to their final destination.