Travel for Thanksgiving and other winter holidays can be stressful enough without worrying about getting through security, stashing your stuff in that too-small overhead bin, and being crammed into a middle seat like stuffing in a turkey or goose. This goes double for family caregivers who have the added stress of hoping Mom or Dad is OK en route. Relax.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost airlines try to accommodate you when you ask, so don\u2019t be shy about requesting,\u201d says Arik Anderson, president and CEO of the Americas for Executive Travel Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n We asked travel agents to share their tips for working with airlines to get the accommodations and assurances you need to fly without incident or injury.<\/p>\n Whenever your budget and schedule allow, ask for non-stop or direct (one stop, but no plane changes) flights. \u201cIt\u2019s much less stressful for the traveler and the family members,\u201d Anderson notes. \u201cIf you have to connect, avoid tight transfers and you\u2019ll avoid anxiety! And book early in the day, since morning flights typically divert or delay less often.\u201d You may need more legroom, easy restroom access or and aisle seat to be comfortable and safe. A note from your doctor showing medical necessity can make it easier for agents to accommodate you.<\/p>\n PRO TIP:<\/b> If you\u2019ve got special needs or want maximum control over your situation, work with a travel agent or a reservation agent with the airline of your choice. They do a lot of the legwork and you can easily confirm that your special requests have been recorded.<\/p>\n Most airlines have standard menu items that meet common dietary needs like gluten-free or vegetarian. However, it\u2019s smart to ask about dietary options when you book, especially for long flights, and to pack a few snacks just in case.<\/p>\n Airlines and airports provide wheelchair assistance from check-in to the gate from the gate to baggage claim. \u201cThat only costs a tip and you get through the airport faster and safer than you might otherwise,\u201d Anderson notes. Some larger airports have gate-to-gate cart service for connecting passengers who need assistance, so ask about especially if you\u2019ve got a tight connection or have to change terminals. Make these arrangements when you make your reservation and confirm at check-in.<\/p>\n PRO TIP:<\/b> \u201cMost Airlines have a customer service phone number\u00a0specifically for making arrangements for special services like wheelchairs, so look on the their websites,\u201d says Jacquie Whitt, owner of Adios Adventure Travel<\/a> in Virginia Beach, Va.<\/p>\n Every major airline has a free app, for smartphone users. The apps help you check in; stay on top of flight and gate changes, status and connections; and keep track of boarding documents and checked baggage.<\/p>\n Note for Caregivers:<\/b> You can download the app to track your parents\u2019 travel en route.<\/p>\n Even though it may cost extra, checking bags is a smart investment. \u201cHaving fewer things to carry can reduce stress of traveling and worrying about keeping track of possessions,\u201d Whitt notes. \u201cIt makes it easier to move around on foot or in a wheelchair, and easier to board and get seated. It also eliminates the need to stand in the aisle and use overhead bins and possibly impede other travelers.\u201d Most airlines have baggage trackers as part of their mobile apps \u2013 just another reason to download them.<\/p>\n PRO TIP:<\/b> Choose a carry-on that’s just big enough for your medications and accessories, wallet, tablet or book, and travel documents. Double-check the dimensions for under-seat stowage on each flight. Make sure you can easily lift the bag over your head if you plan to stow it in the overhead bin.<\/p>\n Security can be anxiety producing for seniors with medical devices and mobility aids. \u201cWork with the TSA to get a special card<\/a> that describes an elderly persons health conditions and disabilities,\u201d suggests Sheryl Hill, executive director of Depart Smart<\/a>. \u201cIt helps navigate security.\u201d Showing the card (or a doctor\u2019s note) to a TSA officer entitles you to special consideration, like sitting down in the checkpoint area, different screening procedures, etc. <\/i><\/p>\n Learn more about TSA rules for seniors over 75 or with disabilities, mobility aids or special needs<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n Note for Caregivers:<\/b> You can accompany your parent through security and to the gate, and ask for special assistance from the TSA if necessary.<\/p>\n When you arrive at the gate, tell the agent you need a little extra time to get down the jetbridge and settled in your seat. This is especially important if you\u2019ve got mobility issues or need help hoisting your bag to the overhead bin.<\/p>\n Note for Caregivers:<\/b> You can make this request for your parent when you\u2019re traveling with them or accompanying them to the gate.<\/p>\n If this feels like too much to manage on your own, there are more two ways to make senior air travel safer and easier: hire a chaperone and work with a travel agent.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you can afford it, you can pay someone to fly companion-style. There are professional services who assist,\u201d she says, or you can send another family member or close friend to do the job. This gives you peace of mind that your parent is properly looked after from Point A to Point B.<\/p>\n A more cost-effective option is using a travel agent.<\/p>\n \u201cYou deserve somebody in your back pocket, who is really looking out for you,\u201d Anderson says. He provides extra TLC for senior travelers and their caregivers, developing reasonable itineraries, making special requests, monitoring flights, staying in communications and solving problems. \u201cWe can do a lot of handholding that airlines and websites can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n You can get the latest advice and requirements at the TSA website<\/a> or the TSA Cares helpline, which is specifically designed to help travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances. Try to call\u00a0or email 72 hours prior to traveling: (855) 787-2227 or TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov<\/a>. Also, get copies medical documentation outlining your situation, or a TSA notification card<\/a>. If you travel with oxygen, check first with your airline, since not all of them allow<\/b> portable oxygen concentrators on-board. Then check with the unit\u2019s maker to confirm it\u2019s safe for air travel. Also, ask your doctor if you can disconnect from the oxygen during screening or not.<\/p>\n If you need additional assistance once you arrive at the security checkpoint, ask a TSA officer to request a passenger support specialist. These people answer your questions, address your concerns and get you on your way quickly.<\/p>\n Older travelers can leave on shoes and light jackets or sweaters for screening. You might have to take off your shoes if you set off the alarm or are selected for a pat-down. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask to sit down during additional screenings.<\/p>\n Tell the TSA agent about disabilities or conditions that prevent you from standing or walking at the checkpoint. You may not be required to remove your shoes but the agent will inspect them manually. Your hands, mobility aids, medical devices and shoes may also also be swabbed for trace amounts of explosives.<\/p>\n Let the TSA agent know that your companion has one of these conditions and needs additional time or assistance getting through security. It\u2019s also important to advise the security staff on the best way to engage with your companion, particularly if a pat-down is necessary. You can stay with your companion during screening to ease their anxiety and confusion, and you can even asked to be screened in private if that makes things easier.<\/p>\n You can bring liquid, gel\/cream and aerosol medications in your carry-on even if they\u2019re more than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. It\u2019s a good idea to keep them in their original prescription packaging, though, or to bring a note from your pharmacist or doctor, to verify necessity. Pack clearly labeled medications in a bag you can easily remove at security, because these items will be inspected separately from your other luggage. Pills and solid medications go through the X-ray screener; other items may be inspected by hand. Pack and label any accessories required for these medications, like IV bags, syringes, pumps and freezer packs. See the special handling rules for these items<\/a>, and alert the TSA agent that you have them.<\/p>\n Your walker, cane, crutches or other mobility aid will be X-rayed or hand-inspected. If you use a scooter or your own wheelchair, an agent will hand-inspect them and may screen them for traces of explosives.<\/p>\n Have your medical documentation ready and tell the TSA agent the device you have and whether or not you can disconnect. If you can, you\u2019ll go through like everyone else. If you can\u2019t, an agent will test your equipment for explosive residue. Use a nebulizer, CPAP, BiPAP or APAP? Pack your gear in a clear plastic bag inside its carrying case because it must go through the X-ray screener (masks and hoses can stay in the case). Liquids used with your nebulizer are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule.<\/p>\n Work with your travel agent or airline booking agent to review security issues specific to your situation and itinerary. Then check www.tsa.gov<\/a> or contact a traveler support person to make your trip through security as seamless and stress-free as possible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Select flights and seats wisely.<\/h4>\n
Confirm dietary needs.<\/h4>\n
Request a wheelchair or cart.<\/h4>\n
Download the airline\u2019s app.<\/h4>\n
Check your bags.<\/h4>\n
Make security work for you.<\/h4>\n
Request early boarding.<\/h4>\n
If you need extra help<\/h2>\n
Help Before You Go.<\/h4>\n
Help at the TSA Checkpoint.<\/h4>\n
Special Accommodations for People 75 and Older.<\/h4>\n
Traveling with a Disability or Medical Condition.<\/h4>\n
Travelling with Alzheimer\u2019s, Dementia or Cognitive Disorders. <\/i><\/h4>\n
Medications & Security Screening.<\/h4>\n
Mobility Aids & Security Screening.<\/h4>\n
Special Considerations for Respiratory Aids.<\/h4>\n