Planning with a little extra effort is the key when traveling as a senior. Here are some tips:
1. Each airline will have different accommodations for assisting elderly and disabled passengers. Check with your chosen airline to see what special services are available. If you have questions about the rights of disabled passengers, contact the United States Department of Transportation's hotline. The toll free number is (866) 266-1368 (voice) or (866) 754-4368 (TTY).
2. Remember that airplane cabins are pressurized, so you cannot bring supplemental oxygen aboard. The airline will have supplemental oxygen tanks on board in case they're needed.
3. Prepare a list of current medications and important medical provider contact information. Plan to bring this information and the medications with you onto the plane. If you have trouble with incontinence and must visit the bathroom frequently, try to plan for a seat near the lavatory. If your urinary frequency is due to diuretics, consult your physician about the safety of reducing your dosage for the flight.
4. Consider purchasing travel insurance.
5. Make sure you have an extra set of glasses to take.
6. If you have a serious medical condition (like those listed below), visit your doctor for a pre-flight examination.
The Day of Travel
The myriad frustrations that can occur on travel day can drive an elder (and any of us) to distraction. Flight delays, anxiety or fear of flying, baggage handling, and walking long distances to the departure gate can add up. Consider visiting an airline lounge where you can unwind before take-off. Most airline lounges are located near departure gates and one-day passes can be purchased if you don't have regular access. These lounges are purposefully designed to provide a peaceful resting place and all have snacks and beverages, magazines, televisions and comfy chairs. Most segregate cell phone users from those who want a calm environment. Since many travel emergencies occur before take-off, you might consider an airline lounge good prevention.
In the (Thin) Air
The combination of low cabin pressure, low humidity, cramped seating, noise, "bumpy air" and inactivity all may pose problems for elderly travelers. Cabin pressure/oxygenation affects blood oxygenation in persons with cardiac problems or vascular conditions. Motion sickness from a rough flight, although not dangerous to a healthy traveler, can affect a frail elder who is also compromised from the variety of environmental changes mentioned above. Some people prefer to fly at night, choosing seats away from the airline engines, and taking advantage of low cabin lighting to reduce visual stimuli. Hearing aids can be shut off or turned down to help minimize aircraft noise.
When to Stay Home
Airlines are a very safe means of travel. However, senior travelers with health problems should check with their medical provider and consider staying home when:
1. You have an upper respiratory infection that involves middle ear or sinus problems. Wait to fly once any middle ear blockage has been cleared.
2. You have recently had eye or brain surgery.
3. You have a history of seizures and are not well controlled on medication.
4. You have an active lung infection, especially tuberculosis, chronic lung disease or are recovering from pneumonia.
5. You have recently been discharged from the hospital.
6. You are over 65 years old and intend to fly more than 6 hours on any given leg of your flight.
7. You are on multiple medications for an advanced chronic illness such as heart failure or any chronic airflow condition.
If you are traveling domestically, most medical providers can provide advice on how to minimize any risks so that you can enjoy not only the trip itself but the vacation also. If you are traveling outside of your home country, extra precautions might apply.
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