6 Secret Airport Tips All Seniors Should Know

6 Secret Airport Tips All Seniors Should Know

May 18, 2020 0 By ISF.com

Wanderlust kicks in late for some, more so, we get time to unravel the World of experiences only after we have taken care of our primary responsibilities and work. As more senior citizens are choosing to travel to places to meet friends and family, and also for exploring purposes, the government and the service providers are also taking care of their unique needs. Even airport authorities and airlines are leaving no stone unturned. As a senior traveler, you may benefit from one or many of such facilities.

Here are our best six airport tips that will make your navigation easy.

wheelchair

1. Request a wheelchair at the airport.

The 1986 air carrier access act states airlines must provide a free wheelchair to any person who requests it. Also, it must be so without any documentation requirements. Self-identifying as a person who needs assistance is enough to avail of the wheelchair at the airport facility. To request a wheelchair, you will need to get in touch with your chosen airlines so that they can make arrangements. You can make a call, forty-eight hours in advance, and talk about your requirements. 

Commutation in a wheelchair is easy, especially if you have a folding electric wheelchair if you wish to carry your wheelchair, you can inform your airlines beforehand. Most of the airlines have an arrangement of accommodating your mobility aids free of any charges. You can ring them up for your needs and keep on following up for the same so that there is no hassle at the time of check-in.

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2. Request for an escort pass. 

At the time of booking with the airline, you can ask for a non-traveling escort person. These escort people can guide and help you through security and check-in queues.  Your airlines might not charge you any extra for this, however, you can tip the person for their services. If there is no escort person available, any person with a mobility issue can also request an escort pass for someone from their family or friends to accompany them to the departure gate. The person escorting you needs a photo I’d and will have to go clearance and security check like usual passengers and can help you ease out the formalities at the airport. Though you can rely on the internal commutation system at the airport provided by your airlines, you can also have a loved one by your side to save you from travel troubles.

3. Opt for concierge services. 

To minimize the stress of the travel you can opt for third party concierge services, these service providers take care of everything from portering the luggage to getting a custom clearance. You can also book a travel buddy or a flying companion for you if you are not that comfortable with the idea of traveling alone. You can get in touch with a good servicing company and avail of the various services as per your needs. Remember, the charge of their services may vary from one place to another depending upon the country and airport you choose. Luckily, if you are wishing to spend some amount on easing the travel part for yourself, then all these services can come handily and can be booked over a phone call only.

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4. You can take your medication with you.

Security clearance can be difficult at airports, specifically, if you are on some medication and they are in liquid form. But it does not necessarily mean that you will have to stay without them or pack them away from you. Even if your luggage is under screening, you may need easy access to it all the time. To ease this out, you can pack your medicines in a separate clear zip-lock bag, and take them in your handbag. You can get a TSA notification card to understate your medical conditions and needs so that all your medication and other amenities can go right through the security check without much trouble.

medication with you

5. Take advantage of expedited screening. 

Any passenger above the age of 75 may go through a screening process easier, you may not even require to remove your jackets and shoes. There are also special screening procedures for passengers who have difficulty standing up so that they can pass through the system while staying seated. Also, some airports have separate lanes for people with difficulty and mobility issues, you can always check for the navigation systems that are much less daunting and time-consuming.

6. Check for senior fares.

Before making any travel bookings make sure you check with the airlines for any discounts that they might be offering for senior citizens. Many airlines such as American Airlines offer a discount on domestic flights, while others may give you an overall discount on your booking irrespective of your destination country. Many third-party applications such as travel agencies or your bank also provide a discount for seniors and elderly travels. 

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Going through various formalities at an airport is a tiring experience for anyone. Gladly, due care is being taken care of, as senior people share a  substantial percentage of travelers across the globe. It is good to keep all the information handy, the designated staff is there to facilitate your travel and make it an experience worthwhile.