Preparing for Flight
1. Arrange ground transportation to the departing airport so that you arrive at least 1 – 2 hours before the flight under normal circumstances. Uber or Lyft can be pre-booked.
2. Make sure the person living with dementia has identification. A Passport or Real ID (or both) is best. It’s best not to rely on assurances that the ID is in hand. Touch the ID yourself, and keep it with you if there is any chance of losing it. Have an alternative ID on hand just in case you get to the airport and the ID is missing. A Social Security card, Medicare card, face sheet from the facility administrator with a photo and/or a bottle of pills may work.
3. Pack responsibly. A carry-on saves time and hassle over checked bags. No liquids over 3.4 ounces are allowed in a carry-on unless it’s medically required. Bring a chux pad or a seat protector if incontinence is a concern. Dress comfortably. Have a jacket or sweater, but do not overdress. A microfiber towel works great as a small blanket, bib, or seat protector in a pinch. Bring noise-cancelling headphones with favorite music, a favorite pillow, or other special items that can be comforting.
4. Attach luggage tags to carry-ons, purses, backpacks or any bag going through the scanner. Make sure tags are legible, and have current identification including cell phone number and email address.
5. Have medications in your carry-on, plus extra days’ worth in case of delays. It is a good idea to bring along prescriptions and doctors’ orders for any medications you bring.
6. Read about other people’s experiences. A go-to guide is “Travel Well With Dementia” by Jan Dougherty.
7. Find out if the airports you are traveling through have an urgent care medical clinic available to travelers.
8. If you are traveling with a service animal, check airport websites to identify Animal Relief Areas (indoor and outdoor sites, disability accessible, etc.) and other important details on traveling with animals.
9. If you are flying internationally, you should contact the international airport about their policies and procedures for assisting persons living with dementia and their traveling companions.
10. Some airports host rehearsal trips for people with special needs to familiarize them with the airport, and the process of security screening, navigating to the gate, boarding and taking a seat on an airplane. People can participate in these rehearsal trips numerous times, until they become desensitized and feel more comfortable with air travel procedures. Participation in rehearsal trips also help you to identify the locations of family restrooms, quiet spaces, restaurants, and other services available in the airport. Contact the departure airports you will be using, to determine if and when rehearsal trips are available to the public.
11. Complete a TSA Notification card with information about the person living with dementia to help advise officials about their medical condition and any tracking devices or medical alert devices they may be wearing at the airport. Companion cards may also be a helpful way to notify people that the person living with dementia is being accompanied by a carepartner, and that you are traveling with a person who is living with dementia.
12. Contact TSA Cares 72 hours before your flight, if you or the person living with dementia have disabilities, medical conditions or other special circumstances that require additional assistance during the security screening process. You may need to complete a form requesting assistance. At the airport, you may receive assistance from a TSA officer or supervisor, or a Passenger Support Specialist.
Items 1-6 adapted with permission from Carol Giuliani - Senior Travel Companion Services, LLC
2. Make sure the person living with dementia has identification. A Passport or Real ID (or both) is best. It’s best not to rely on assurances that the ID is in hand. Touch the ID yourself, and keep it with you if there is any chance of losing it. Have an alternative ID on hand just in case you get to the airport and the ID is missing. A Social Security card, Medicare card, face sheet from the facility administrator with a photo and/or a bottle of pills may work.
3. Pack responsibly. A carry-on saves time and hassle over checked bags. No liquids over 3.4 ounces are allowed in a carry-on unless it’s medically required. Bring a chux pad or a seat protector if incontinence is a concern. Dress comfortably. Have a jacket or sweater, but do not overdress. A microfiber towel works great as a small blanket, bib, or seat protector in a pinch. Bring noise-cancelling headphones with favorite music, a favorite pillow, or other special items that can be comforting.
4. Attach luggage tags to carry-ons, purses, backpacks or any bag going through the scanner. Make sure tags are legible, and have current identification including cell phone number and email address.
5. Have medications in your carry-on, plus extra days’ worth in case of delays. It is a good idea to bring along prescriptions and doctors’ orders for any medications you bring.
6. Read about other people’s experiences. A go-to guide is “Travel Well With Dementia” by Jan Dougherty.
7. Find out if the airports you are traveling through have an urgent care medical clinic available to travelers.
8. If you are traveling with a service animal, check airport websites to identify Animal Relief Areas (indoor and outdoor sites, disability accessible, etc.) and other important details on traveling with animals.
9. If you are flying internationally, you should contact the international airport about their policies and procedures for assisting persons living with dementia and their traveling companions.
10. Some airports host rehearsal trips for people with special needs to familiarize them with the airport, and the process of security screening, navigating to the gate, boarding and taking a seat on an airplane. People can participate in these rehearsal trips numerous times, until they become desensitized and feel more comfortable with air travel procedures. Participation in rehearsal trips also help you to identify the locations of family restrooms, quiet spaces, restaurants, and other services available in the airport. Contact the departure airports you will be using, to determine if and when rehearsal trips are available to the public.
11. Complete a TSA Notification card with information about the person living with dementia to help advise officials about their medical condition and any tracking devices or medical alert devices they may be wearing at the airport. Companion cards may also be a helpful way to notify people that the person living with dementia is being accompanied by a carepartner, and that you are traveling with a person who is living with dementia.
12. Contact TSA Cares 72 hours before your flight, if you or the person living with dementia have disabilities, medical conditions or other special circumstances that require additional assistance during the security screening process. You may need to complete a form requesting assistance. At the airport, you may receive assistance from a TSA officer or supervisor, or a Passenger Support Specialist.
Items 1-6 adapted with permission from Carol Giuliani - Senior Travel Companion Services, LLC
