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HOME
  • Dementia-Friendly Airports - Details
    • What is a Dementia-Friendly Airport?
    • Current Status of Dementia-Friendly Airports
    • Regulations and Guidance for Hidden Disabilities Air Travel >
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
      • European Union
      • Canada
      • International Air Transport Association (IATA)
    • Tools for Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Airport
  • About Us
    • Members
    • Participating Airports
    • Logo
  • Projects
    • TSA Security Screening Guidance >
      • Screening Passengers with Dementia (Part 1)
      • Screening Passengers with Dementia (Part 2)
      • In the Words of an Individual Living with Dementia - What He Would Like You to Know
    • Survey
    • Interviews
  • Media
    • Local Media
    • National Media
    • Academics >
      • Presentations
      • Publications
  • Resources for Travel
    • Know Your Rights
    • Flight Process Start to Finish >
      • 1. Before Booking Flights
      • 2. Booking Flights
      • 3. Preparing for Flight
      • 4. Arriving at the Airport
      • 5. Getting Through US Security
      • 6. Navigating to Your Gate and Boarding the Plane
      • 7. Flying
      • 8. Arriving at Your Destination
    • Tools for Travel
    • Travel Tips
    • Covid-19 Air Travel Policies
  • Contact Us

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
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  • Dementia-Friendly Airports - Details
    • What is a Dementia-Friendly Airport?
    • Current Status of Dementia-Friendly Airports
    • Regulations and Guidance for Hidden Disabilities Air Travel >
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
      • European Union
      • Canada
      • International Air Transport Association (IATA)
    • Tools for Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Airport
  • About Us
    • Members
    • Participating Airports
    • Logo
  • Projects
    • TSA Security Screening Guidance >
      • Screening Passengers with Dementia (Part 1)
      • Screening Passengers with Dementia (Part 2)
      • In the Words of an Individual Living with Dementia - What He Would Like You to Know
    • Survey
    • Interviews
  • Media
    • Local Media
    • National Media
    • Academics >
      • Presentations
      • Publications
  • Resources for Travel
    • Know Your Rights
    • Flight Process Start to Finish >
      • 1. Before Booking Flights
      • 2. Booking Flights
      • 3. Preparing for Flight
      • 4. Arriving at the Airport
      • 5. Getting Through US Security
      • 6. Navigating to Your Gate and Boarding the Plane
      • 7. Flying
      • 8. Arriving at Your Destination
    • Tools for Travel
    • Travel Tips
    • Covid-19 Air Travel Policies
  • Contact Us