Elderly Airport Screening: A Dignified, Secure Process

Air travel can be challenging for elderly passengers, who may face mobility issues, reduced stamina, or difficulties understanding airport procedures. However, airports and airlines offer various assistance services to help seniors travel more comfortably and safely. These services can include wheelchair support, priority services, clear communication, and escort services to help seniors navigate complex airport environments and procedures. To access these services, it is advisable to contact the airline or airport in advance and provide details about the type of assistance required. This enables staff to mark itineraries with special assistance requested and make the necessary preparations to support elderly travellers.

Elderly airport assistance services

Airports can be stressful and confusing places for elderly travellers, with their complex layouts, signage, and long queues. Thankfully, many airports and airlines offer elderly assistance services to make travelling easier, faster, and more comfortable for seniors. Here are some of the services available:

Meet and Greet Services

Multilingual airport greeters can meet travellers at the airport with a personalised name card, escort them through the airport, and assist with various formalities. This type of service can be especially helpful for elderly travellers who may be more likely to get lost in large, complex airport environments.

Wheelchair Assistance

Most airports offer wheelchair assistance to help elderly travellers with mobility impairments move through the airport. This service can be requested from the drop-off point all the way to the departure gate. It is recommended to call the airport at least 48 hours before the flight to request a wheelchair, although some airlines allow you to select "Add special assistance" when booking your trip.

Special Screening Procedures

The federal Transportation Safety Agency provides special accommodations for travellers over 75 years old when going through security. However, those with wearable medical devices or equipment may experience delays as these items need to be checked separately.

Preferred Seating

Seniors often prefer to sit near the front of the plane, which provides easier access to the bathroom and shortens the trip during boarding and deplaning. Early boarding can also be requested to allow more time to get settled. While specific seats cannot always be guaranteed, it is worth asking about these preferences when buying tickets.

Food Service

On long flights, airlines may offer specialty meals that cater to the dietary restrictions of senior passengers.

In-Flight Medical Assistance

While airports and airlines will assist senior travellers as much as possible, they are not able to provide extensive personal assistance during the flight. For elderly travellers who require constant care or help with managing medication and other medical needs, it is recommended to have a family member, friend, or flight nurse accompany them on the flight.

Security checks and special assistance

Security checks at airports can be challenging for elderly passengers. Long queues, complex layouts, stressful environments, and unfamiliar procedures can cause elderly travellers stress and fatigue. It is recommended to plan ahead, pack carefully, and arrive early at the airport to allow enough time for the screening process.

Passengers with limited mobility can request to be seated during screening, and those who cannot stand can be screened while seated through other methods. Elderly passengers do not need to remove hearing aids or cochlear implants, but a security officer may inspect these devices if they set off a metal detector. Similarly, surgically implanted devices such as artificial joints, pacemakers, and aneurysm clips may require special consideration during security checks. Caregivers can notify security officers of any internal medical devices using TSA notification cards, which can be printed and filled out in advance.

To request special assistance, it is advisable to contact the airline directly and explain the type of assistance needed. This may include help with check-in, boarding, luggage, wheelchair assistance, and navigating security. Some airlines and airports also provide special rooms and services for passengers with disabilities. It is important to provide clear and detailed information about any special needs or medical conditions to ensure proper preparations can be made.

In addition to assistance from the airline and airport staff, elderly travellers can benefit from meet-and-greet services, multilingual airport greeters, and gate assistance. These services can provide a personalised escort through the airport, helping with formalities, terminology, and directional signs. Overall, advance planning and clear communication are key to ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for elderly travellers during security checks and throughout their time at the airport.

Boarding and deboarding the plane

Boarding and deboarding a plane can be a stressful experience for elderly passengers, especially when dealing with complex airport layouts and long queues. Here are some tips to make the process smoother and more comfortable for senior travellers:

Boarding the Plane:

• Request Special Assistance: Most airports offer special assistance for elderly passengers, including wheelchair services. It is recommended to call the airport at least 48 hours before your flight to make the necessary arrangements. Informed the airport and airline staff about any specific needs will enable them to provide better support throughout your journey.
• Gate Assistance: If your elderly companion requires help navigating the airport, you can request gate assistance. This service provides an escort to the departure gate and ensures a smooth boarding process.
• Boarding Order: While it is common courtesy to board according to the designated groups, consider boarding window seats, followed by middle seats, and then aisle seats. This method, suggested by various studies, can make the process more efficient and less stressful for elderly passengers.
• Carry-On Luggage: If the elderly passenger has carry-on luggage, offer to stow it for them in the overhead bins. This simple act of kindness can alleviate their burden and speed up the boarding process.

Deboarding the Plane:

• Patience and Courtesy: Deboarding a plane can be frustrating, especially with passengers rushing to the front. Remind your elderly companion to patiently wait for their turn and not be intimidated by others. Encourage them to seek assistance from flight attendants if needed.
• Efficient Deboarding: Similar to the boarding process, deboarding by column (aisle, middle, and then window) can significantly reduce deboarding times. This method allows passengers in the aisle seats to retrieve their bags without blocking the line.
• Multiple Door Deboarding: If the airport configuration permits, deboarding through multiple doors can reduce the time it takes to exit the plane. This method is especially useful for larger aircraft and can enhance the overall experience for elderly passengers.
• Airport Lounges: If the elderly passenger needs to rest or requires a comfortable waiting area, consider utilising airport lounges. These spaces can provide a tranquil environment before their journey or during layovers.

Remember, effective communication with airport and airline staff is key to ensuring a positive travel experience for elderly passengers. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance and provide clear and detailed information about any special needs or requirements.

Travelling with medication

Firstly, it is important to check the regulations of your destination country. While rules vary, many countries allow a 30-day supply of certain medicines, but also require travellers to carry a prescription or a medical certificate from their health care provider. Some countries may require medication to be labelled in a certain way. It is also worth noting that medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over the counter in one country might be unlicensed or considered controlled substances in another. As such, it is recommended to check with your destination’s embassy and embassies of countries that you have layovers in to make sure your medicines are permitted. If your medicine is not allowed at your destination, consult your health care provider about alternatives, and ask them to write a letter describing your condition and the treatment plan.

Secondly, it is important to prepare a travel health kit with all the items you may need, especially those that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. It is recommended to pack medications in a carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labelled containers, and ensure that they are clearly labelled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines, and leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill. If you plan to be gone for more than 30 days, talk to your health care provider about how you can get enough medicine for your trip.

When you arrive at the airport security checkpoint, inform the officers about your medical device and any other equipment prior to screening. If you have an insulin pump, glucose monitor, or other medical device attached to your body, inform the officers where it is located before the screening process begins. Although not required, you can provide them with a TSA notification card prior to screening to discreetly describe your medical condition. If your medical condition requires it, you are allowed to travel with a juice box or other liquid over 3.4oz., but be prepared for the liquid to receive additional screening. If you have any questions or concerns at any time during the screening process, ask to speak to a supervisor.

Airport terminology and directional signs

Airports can be complex and confusing places, especially for elderly travellers. Directional signs are essential for helping travellers navigate the airport and find their way to the correct gate. These signs come in various forms and serve different purposes:

• Taxiway Direction Signs: These signs provide directions for aircraft taxiing on the taxiway. They have a yellow background with black text and arrows, indicating turns or exits from a runway.
• Runway Exit Signs: These signs direct aircraft exiting a runway, often located at intersections or junctions. They have the same colour scheme as taxiway direction signs, with black text and arrows on a yellow background.
• Inbound and Outbound Destination Signs: Inbound destination signs guide aircraft from taxiways to major airport locations, such as terminals or gates. Outbound destination signs provide directions to specific runways, listing the runway number and featuring an arrow pointing in the direction of travel.
• Location Signs: These signs are crucial for pilots to navigate taxiways, ramps, and aprons. They have yellow inscriptions on a black background and are often placed near intersections or mandatory instruction signs. Location signs help pilots identify their position and provide context for their current location.
• Runway Boundary Signs: These signs indicate the boundary between the taxiway and the runway. They are less common than other signs and are typically found near holding position markings.
• Runway Holding Position Signs: These signs denote where aircraft must stop before entering a runway if they do not have clearance. They are usually paired with pavement markings and are important for maintaining safety and preventing unauthorised runway incursions.
• ILS Critical Area Boundary Signs: These signs indicate the holding position for Instrument Landing System (ILS) critical areas, which are designated areas where aircraft can safely operate during low-visibility conditions.
• No-Entry Signs: Found at the entrance of restricted areas, such as one-way taxiways or closed sections. Aircraft are prohibited from entering these areas without specific permission.
• Information Signs: These signs convey important information to pilots and travellers. They typically feature black text on a yellow background and can be found anywhere in the airport as needed.

By understanding these airport terminology and directional signs, elderly travellers can better navigate their way through the airport and reach their gate in a timely manner. It is important to note that assistance services are also available at most airports for elderly individuals who may require additional help.

Frequently asked questions