Navigating to Your Gate & Boarding the Plane
1. Some airports have ground transportation available for individuals with disabilities who are uncomfortable using the airport trams.
2. Use the bathroom before boarding. Companion Care, family or unisex facilities may be available.
3. If the person living with dementia needs a quiet place, ask airport volunteers or guest services if there is a lounge, designated quiet room or somewhere peaceful to go. Some airports feature musical performers, which may provide a nice distraction. Big airports may have chapels.
4. Some airports have therapy animals available to interact with travelers to provide comfort and help relax anxious travelers
5. When at the gate, if you have your own wheelchair, get a gate check tag from the desk agent. If there are any special precautions or instructions for storing the wheelchair or other medical equipment, make sure that information is attached.
Remove the foot pedals, seat pad, and any accessories to the wheelchair or walker and bring them on board the plane so they don't get lost in transit. Each piece should always have identification. Your cane should also have an identification sticker on it and must go in the overhead bin. Fold your portable wheelchair or walker and secure it with a tie or velcro to prevent damage.
6. When the agent announces pre-boarding, go for it. If you are in the middle and aisle seats, ask the agent to board the window seat occupant before you, so they do not need to climb over you.
Items 2-3 and 5-6 adapted with permission from Carol Giuliani - Senior Travel Companion Services, LLC
2. Use the bathroom before boarding. Companion Care, family or unisex facilities may be available.
3. If the person living with dementia needs a quiet place, ask airport volunteers or guest services if there is a lounge, designated quiet room or somewhere peaceful to go. Some airports feature musical performers, which may provide a nice distraction. Big airports may have chapels.
4. Some airports have therapy animals available to interact with travelers to provide comfort and help relax anxious travelers
5. When at the gate, if you have your own wheelchair, get a gate check tag from the desk agent. If there are any special precautions or instructions for storing the wheelchair or other medical equipment, make sure that information is attached.
Remove the foot pedals, seat pad, and any accessories to the wheelchair or walker and bring them on board the plane so they don't get lost in transit. Each piece should always have identification. Your cane should also have an identification sticker on it and must go in the overhead bin. Fold your portable wheelchair or walker and secure it with a tie or velcro to prevent damage.
6. When the agent announces pre-boarding, go for it. If you are in the middle and aisle seats, ask the agent to board the window seat occupant before you, so they do not need to climb over you.
Items 2-3 and 5-6 adapted with permission from Carol Giuliani - Senior Travel Companion Services, LLC
