Travel Tips for Seniors: Smart Planning, Efficient Packing, and Leveraging Assistive Services

Taking a family trip is something many of us look forward to, but when you or your loved one has mobility challenges or health conditions, it can feel difficult. When it comes to travel for seniors, there is a lot more to think about and plan; you may worry about falls or having to deal with extra airport delays. 

Before your trip, spend time with senior family members to see what their physical abilities are like. Family in independent living or assisted living communities may not move about like they used to, but that doesn’t mean it’s dangerous for the elderly to fly or that you can’t have an enjoyable trip.

When planning travel for seniors, be collaborative. This way, your loved ones feel involved and you can ensure the trip is one they’ll look forward to. Multigenerational trips are becoming popular and are an incredible way to make memories. 

 

Elderly loved ones may move slower than they used to, or have more health challenges as they age. This can make travel for seniors feel a bit daunting. But there are some simple steps you can take to make your trip go smoothly.

Even if it’s not icy where you are (or you’re going), fall risks are important to take into account. One of the best things you can do to avoid increasing fall risk for your loved ones is to move slowly. Leave extra time to get to the airport —  and the destination —  so your loved ones don’t feel rushed to pack or hurry through the airport or rest stops. Schedule longer drives and layovers to allow your family more time.

For senior travel in the skies, it may be worth investing in TSA PreCheck, so you can make up time in the security line. People 75 and older can often go through the TSA PreCheck line even if they aren’t enrolled. If you or your loved one isn’t over 75, enrolling in TSA PreCheck can be worth it. 

Tips for creating a time cushion for senior travel:

• Pack the car the night before.
• Build in extra time to get to the airport or take the road trip.
• Escort your loved ones to the car.
• Be prepared to walk more leisurely than usual, or use the gate shuttle service.
• Get TSA PreCheck.
• Be aware of what needs screening (service animals, medical and mobility devices).
• Fly direct or schedule longer layovers.

Traveling during the day may help your loved one stick to a semblance of their usual schedule, which may in turn lead to a smoother senior travel experience.

Thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act, airports must provide assistance to people with disabilities. This means airlines have to provide a wheelchair to and from the gate, between gates, and also to baggage claim. Airports may also offer an indoor shuttle or cart service, to ferry seniors to their gates.

Disability assistance extends to the plane: airport staff should assist with getting seated and stowing mobility devices. You can bring their own assistive devices, like manual wheelchairs, as well. Always check with your airline ahead of time; there are some rules about which devices are allowed into the cabin and which must be stowed in cargo. Learn how to properly collapse and stow your loved one’s walkers and wheelchairs.

Tips for utilizing assistive services and traveling with personal assistive devices: 

• Request from TSA the mobility assistance you’ll need (there is often a phone number you can call during booking). 
• Call the airline one to two days before the flight to confirm they received your request. 
• Research whether your loved one’s assistive device can be brought into the cabin or if it must be stowed; check with the U.S. Department of Transportation. 
• When checking in, let the gate agent know your loved one requested assistance. The agent will call for a wheelchair. 
• Request assistance from a skycap, or airport porter, to help transport carry-on bags if you or your loved one can’t carry them. By law, the airport must provide this service. 
• Ask for a passenger support specialist to help you through security. You should make the request at least 72 hours before your departure through TSA Cares. 
• Look for companion care bathrooms. If your loved one has dementia or other health challenge that requires your assistance, these bathrooms provide more space to assist them. 
• Request early boarding for your loved one. Airlines will often allow early boarding for older people. 
• Ask for a wheelchair to be provided upon landing, if necessary. An attendant can help with deplaning and baggage claim also. 
• Make sure the hotel at your destination knows about your loved one’s mobility level. Ensure there is elevator access if you don’t have a first-floor room.

Travel for seniors hinges on staying healthy — before and during the trip. Know that neither Medicare or Medicaid covers medical costs overseas. You may want to consider travel insurance if your senior travel involves another country.

Visit the Center for Disease Control’s website, which provides updated health information of different countries. There you can find vaccine recommendations, how to receive medical care in that country, and other helpful information. 

Medical tips for before and during your trip, whether traveling domestic or international:

• Schedule a doctor’s appointment 4-6 weeks before traveling to discuss any health concerns. The doctor can also determine if any vaccinations are necessary before travel. 
• Bring extra prescription medication in case of travel delays. Also bring any over-the-counter medication your loved one uses on a regular basis.  
• Keep medications in a carry-on and not in a checked bag.  
• Take at least two extra weeks’ worth of medication for international travel. 
• To avoid delays at customs, keep medication in the bottles they came in. 
• Find out the generic names for your loved one’s medications. If you’re in another country, this can help you find the medication if you need to buy more. 
• Keep important health information with you, such as blood type, a list of any allergies, and a list of medications and dosages. Bring the names and contact information of your loved one’s doctors in case of an emergency. 
• Contact the airline about oxygen use. There are rules regarding oxygen on planes. Speak with the airline at least a week before travel to make arrangements.
• Wear compression socks on the plane or when sitting for long periods. These socks help with circulation and preventing blood clots. Blood clots can form when flying or sitting for a long time. 
• Research what health facilities are close to where you and your senior loved ones will be staying. 

Clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and toiletries are a given when packing for a trip. But there are other items you want to consider for senior travel, especially if some unexpected hiccups arise. Medications and health information are crucial to senior travel, and keeping important documents with you is vital.

Preventative packing tips for senior travel:

• Gather identification like your loved one’s driver’s license and passport. Make copies to take with you and give a copy to a trusted person remaining at home. Note that some countries won’t let you in if your passport is going to expire within six months of travel. Also, find out ahead of time if a country you’re going to requires a visa. 
• Take along copies of legal papers like wills and insurance information.
• Include favorite foods in a carry-on, especially if your loved one has specific dietary needs. 
• Charge your loved one’s cell phone before traveling and pack their charger in their carry-on. 
• Bring emergency contact information of a friend or family member. 
• Pack incontinence underwear, if necessary. 
• Bring a neck pillow or lower back support pillow for more comfort on the flight. 
• Include a tracking tag in checked baggage. These tags can be helpful to track the bag while flying. They can also help if your loved one places their bag down somewhere and forgets where they placed it. 
• Pack for your loved one if packing causes them anxiety. Older people, especially those with dementia, may feel anxious when it comes to making packing decisions. 

Seniors with certain health conditions often require extra support when traveling. But having health conditions like mobility challenges or dementia shouldn’t prevent you or your loved one from taking a trip. There are a number of ways to plan ahead to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch. 

A lot of our tips are geared towards air travel for seniors, because the airline industry has more rigid rules. If you and your senior loved ones opt for ground travel, you can be more flexible. Road trips can sometimes be a favorable option for those with health conditions. You can stop at rest areas whenever you’d like. And you can pack whatever you need without worrying about TSA regulations. Train trips may pose increased fall risks so the less your loved one moves between cars, the better. 

You and your loved one may get separated. If your loved one has dementia, consider putting your contact information on a sticker on their clothing, or in a lanyard they can wear, in case your loved one can find an adult who isn’t you. That way, the person with your loved one will know how to reach you.

If you or your loved one has been in the hospital, had surgery, or had an injury, visit the doctor at least 10 days before boarding a plane, especially if your loved one has a cardiac condition. The doctor can confirm if it’s safe for them to fly. Choose airplane seats wisely; aim for seats near the bathroom or exit. Upgrade to a wider seat if possible. 

Don’t let health challenges prevent your senior loved ones from traveling. Mobility assistance is available to those who need it. Taking advantage of airport services can allow air travel to be more comfortable. And doing some extra planning can lead to a smooth trip and a wonderful travel experience for everyone.

• Alderton, Matt. (2024). Tips for hassle-free travel with older parents. AARP.org 
• Currie, Donya.  (2024).Safe travel tips for older adults. (2024). National Council on Aging
• Elliot, Christopher. (2021). Can you be too old to travel? Age isn’t as important as your mental, physical fitness level. USA Today
• Gausvik, Christian E., et. al. (2023) Elder care - A resource for interprofessional providers. arizona.edu 
• Glusac, Elaine. (2022). How to navigate the airport when you have accessibility needs. AARP.org
• Ingle, Barby. (2020) Top tips for traveling abroad with chronic pain. . internationalpain.org 
• Maguire, Cheryl. (2023).  6 steps to planning a successful trip with your older parent. AARP.org 
• Malecki, Lauren. (2022). Navigating travel with someone who has dementia. pennmedicine.org 
• Mobility disabilities, aids and devices. (n.d.). tsa.gov 
• Older adults and healthy travel. (2022). CDC.gov
• Older travelers. (2024). Travel.state.gov 
• Rental car age requirements. (n.d.) autoeurope.com 
• Screening for passengers 75 and older. (n.d.). tsa.gov 
• Traveling. (n.d.). alz.org
• TSA PreCheck. (n.d.). tsa.gov
• Wheelchairs and other assistive devices. (2023). Transportation.gov
• 6 healthy travel tips for older adults. (2024). uclahealth.org 
• 10 air travel tips for seniors. (2024). elderlifefinancial.com