Tools for Travel
Note: Any mention on this website is not to be interpreted as an endorsement of any product or service. This is not intended to be a complete list of all devices and applications. We do not have direct knowledge of how tracking and alert devices function inside an airport. Contact the manufacturer of the device for more information.
1. Smart Watches
Smart watch technology is evolving, including simple smart watches for children. Using a smart watch with 2-way communication and tracking capacity should reduce the chances of lost contact between a person living with dementia and their care partner/travel companion inside an airport.
Depending on the model, features include:
2. Tracking Devices
In order to avoid removing tracking devices during TSA security screening, inform the TSA agent or Personal Support Specialist that the person living with dementia is wearing a medically necessary personal tracking device and request that it be visually inspected by the agent.
3. Medic Alert Bracelets
4. Travel Companion Services
Travel companion services are available for hire to accompany solo travelers with disabilities and/or a care partner with their person living with a disability. Check with these providers to determine exactly what services are available. Services may include customized trip planning and travel escort services for vacations, family events, relocation, medical appointments, and more.
Inclusion in this list is not to be interpreted as an endorsement of any product or service.
This is not intended to be a complete list of all service providers.
5. Airport Security and Navigation Tools
6. Self-Identification Tools
7. Memory Minders: Travel Kit*
Memory Minders: Travel Kit contains detailed caregiver checklists and suggestions for safe local and long distance travel with a person living with dementia, prepared by the Roseville Alzheimer’s & Dementia Community Action Team. Airports and advocates have permission to adapt these tools to their unique needs.
8. Memory Minders: Travel Kit - Air Travel*
Memory Minders: Travel Kit – Air Travel addendum contains detailed resources to assist people living with dementia and their care partners/travel companions prepare for and engage in air travel. Topics include: ways dementia symptoms may manifest at the airport, short videos by Teepa Snow demonstrating positive ways to address dementia-related behaviors in the airport, details about the flight process, tools and tips for travel, details for TSA security screening, and more.
Suggestions for additional resources are welcome and should be sent to dementiafriendlyairports@gmail.com subject: MMKT – air travel addendum.
*Airports and advocates have permission to adapt these tools to their unique needs.
9. Traveling Safely With Portable Oxygen: Everything You Need to Know © 2023 National Council on Aging, Inc.
Helpful tips for traveling with portable oxygen by plane, car, train, bus, and ship.
Guide includes:
Suggestions for additional resources are welcome and should be sent to dementiafriendlyairports@gmail.com subject: resources
*Airports and advocates have permission to adapt these tools to their unique needs.
1. Smart Watches
Smart watch technology is evolving, including simple smart watches for children. Using a smart watch with 2-way communication and tracking capacity should reduce the chances of lost contact between a person living with dementia and their care partner/travel companion inside an airport.
Depending on the model, features include:
- 2-way communication (calling, texting, video chats)
- Camera
- GPS tracking
2. Tracking Devices
In order to avoid removing tracking devices during TSA security screening, inform the TSA agent or Personal Support Specialist that the person living with dementia is wearing a medically necessary personal tracking device and request that it be visually inspected by the agent.
- AngelSense
- Theora Connect
- Road iD
Also functions as a medic alert bracelet.
3. Medic Alert Bracelets
- 24/7 Wandering Support for a Safe Return
Alzheimer’s Association US and MedicAlert® Foundation - MedicAlert SafelyHome
Alzheimer’s Society Canada
4. Travel Companion Services
Travel companion services are available for hire to accompany solo travelers with disabilities and/or a care partner with their person living with a disability. Check with these providers to determine exactly what services are available. Services may include customized trip planning and travel escort services for vacations, family events, relocation, medical appointments, and more.
Inclusion in this list is not to be interpreted as an endorsement of any product or service.
This is not intended to be a complete list of all service providers.
- Flying Angels
For travelers with medical needs - Senior Travel Companion Services, LLC
For travelers needing non-medical travel assistance - Jet Companion
Canadian medical and nonmedical travel companions providing/escorting, International Elderly Relocations, Emergency or Scheduled Repatriation, Domestic or International Senior relocation, Unaccompanied Minor escort, and Commercial airline stretcher service - GOMO Travel
Non-medical and medical travel assistance - Silver Line Travel Companions
Providing non-emergency, concierge travel assistance with medical professionals for one-way or round-trip travel
5. Airport Security and Navigation Tools
- TSA PreCheck
With a 5-year, $78 membership, you can speed through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. - TSA Passenger Support
From the TSA website: "TSA offers screening information and assistance to travelers upon request through TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227. TSA Cares is designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions and others who may need additional assistance with screening. TSA Cares is staffed, to provide travelers information on what to expect during the screening process, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekends and holiday.
Through TSA Cares, a traveler may request the services of a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS), who can provide assistance through security screening. A PSS is a TSA officer who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities or medical conditions; and travelers who need additional screening assistance. Requesting PSS service does not exempt you from security screening."- TSA Cares is a helpline (855) 787-2227 or submit an online form
- Passenger Support Specialists
- Disabilities and Medical Conditions-Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and more
- TSA Notification card
- Screening for Passengers 75 and Older
- TSA Resource for Transgender Passengers
- GLOBAL ENTRY
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States - MobilePassport
Travelers may submit passport and declaration information via their mobile devices, then access separate, fast lanes in the inspection area. - CLEAR®
Touchless biometrics scan for identification at security checkpoint - MagnusCards®
MagnusCards are digital how-to guides for independent living providing step-by-step instructions for various activities, including navigating several airports. - Airport Butler
Airport Butler offers customized airport concierge services including meet and assist for departing, arriving and connecting passengers.
6. Self-Identification Tools
- TSA Notification card
Medical condition card to show TSA officials – fillable PDF - Sunflower Lanyards
Available at passenger assistance desks at some airports to help identify people living with dementia and other hidden disabilities. Individualized cards can be purchased inexpensively from the Hidden Disabilities Store. You can specify your photo; name; type of disability and/or assistance needed; emergency contact information.
7. Memory Minders: Travel Kit*
Memory Minders: Travel Kit contains detailed caregiver checklists and suggestions for safe local and long distance travel with a person living with dementia, prepared by the Roseville Alzheimer’s & Dementia Community Action Team. Airports and advocates have permission to adapt these tools to their unique needs.
8. Memory Minders: Travel Kit - Air Travel*
Memory Minders: Travel Kit – Air Travel addendum contains detailed resources to assist people living with dementia and their care partners/travel companions prepare for and engage in air travel. Topics include: ways dementia symptoms may manifest at the airport, short videos by Teepa Snow demonstrating positive ways to address dementia-related behaviors in the airport, details about the flight process, tools and tips for travel, details for TSA security screening, and more.
Suggestions for additional resources are welcome and should be sent to dementiafriendlyairports@gmail.com subject: MMKT – air travel addendum.
*Airports and advocates have permission to adapt these tools to their unique needs.
9. Traveling Safely With Portable Oxygen: Everything You Need to Know © 2023 National Council on Aging, Inc.
Helpful tips for traveling with portable oxygen by plane, car, train, bus, and ship.
Guide includes:
- How to plan and prepare for long-distance travel if you use portable oxygen
- A complete list of oxygen policies for each specific major air, bus, train, and cruise lines so readers can research for their unique needs
- Safety tips for using and carrying oxygen in each mode of transportation, including rental options
Suggestions for additional resources are welcome and should be sent to dementiafriendlyairports@gmail.com subject: resources
*Airports and advocates have permission to adapt these tools to their unique needs.
