For the elderly and disabled, traveling can bring on a number of obstacles outside the normal stresses we all encounter when traveling. Getting to and navigating busy airports can be a daunting task. Here are some air travel tips that can help make the trip a little less hectic for the elderly and disabled:
Consult with Your Primary Physician Before Your Trip
Before booking or setting out on a trip its best to consult with your primary care physician. They have your latest medical information and can advise you if you’re healthy enough to travel. For those that need to travel with a medical device, such as portable oxygen, they will need specific medical forms signed by their doctor. In addition, your primary physician may also offer some recommendations to help make the trip more enjoyable.
Booking the Flight
If there are special accommodations needed, its best to book the flight over the phone with a representative that can personally arrange any special requests. For those with mobility issues, reserve a seat with more leg room or on the aisle. Let the representative know if a wheelchair or special medical device is needed. You can also inquire about extra assistance that may be needed in navigating security, boarding or catching connecting flights.
Carry-On & Packing Tips
Be sure to pack any medications in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage has been known to get misplaced. Keeping medications with you at all times while traveling will ensure that you don’t miss a dose. All medications should be stored in a clear, ziplock bag. Security will need to screen them separately from other items in your carry-on luggage.
Make sure that any liquids or gel toiletry items in your carry-on bags are in containers 4 ounces or less. You may encounter additional screenings if liquids or gels in larger containers are found in your carry-on luggage. Plus, airport security will make passengers throw away those items. You are able to travel with liquid medications larger than 4 ounces, but they will require special screening at security checkpoints.
Arrange Special Accommodations for Medical Devices
Alert the airline as soon as possible, preferably when booking the flight, that you require a medical device. For passengers traveling with portable oxygen, they should check with the airline and manufacturer that their specific oxygen concentrator is approved for in-flight use. When going through airport security some devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps should not be screened by a metal detector. Instead request to be screened by imaging technology or a pat-down. If you have questions about your specific medical device, check with your physician during your pre-travel consultation.
Travel Insurance
It’s not a bad idea to purchase travel insurance, especially for trips with high airfare costs and hotel or resort bookings in place. Unfortunately, the elderly and those with disabilities are more likely to have a trip interrupted or canceled due to a health issue. Travel insurance can help recover those costs.
Transportation to the Airport
Several days before your flight check the recommended arrival times. Typically passengers should arrive at least 1-2 hours prior to the flight for domestic travel and 2-3 hours prior for international flights. However, elderly and disabled passengers should inquire about pre-boarding. This option lets those passengers start boarding before other passengers. Often attendants are able to assist with carry-on luggage or help navigate the gate walkway and door to the plane.
Preparing for TSA Checks
When traveling in U.S. airports, passengers 75 years old or greater are offered expedited screening in TSA checkpoints. This means that they do not have to remove their shoes or jackets; in some cases they are moved to the front of the line. There is often a special lane for patients with medical disabilities. If you check-in at the airport you should notify the airline if you qualify for any expedited screening processes. If you check-in online, you’ll want to notify security upon your arrival. For more information on airport security screening policies and procedures visit www.ta.gov/traveler-information, or call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227.
Arranging a Patient Transport Service
Even with these tips and best practices in place, it may be a good idea to hire a travel companion or medical escort. SentinelMED’s team of qualified logistics and medical professionals are able to determine the appropriate form of affordable medical transportation services and can help manage the process from end-to-end. We specialize in door-to-door medical transports and travel companions. As a patient transport service we understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to the sick, elderly, disabled or injured patient who is away from home and in an unfamiliar environment. Please contact us if you’d like to learn more about our services and staff.
