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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.

(** indicates a policy/program that has been changed or removed by the Trump administration)
​
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. If you take daily medication at a certain time, make sure you have a watch or other device that stays synced to your home time zone schedule so that you can stay on track while you’re traveling.

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.   ​
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.
  • 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 
  • 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
  • TSA Cares (855)787-2227 is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. You may also request assistance through the TSA screening checkpoint by completing this form. Call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
  • Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) who can provide on-the-spot assistance. 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.
    Source:     https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support
  • TSA Reserve
    If you do not have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, TSA Reserve is a special virtual queue program that allows you to make a reservation on the TSA standard security screening line for yourself and your traveling companion(s), before you get to the airport (or after you arrive at the airport). The free service is available in select airports.
    TSA Reserve is run by TSA at some airports and is not the same as RESERVE powered by CLEAR, although both programs exist to let you have a dedicated time slot for standard security screening in participating airports.
  • 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
    • RESERVE powered by CLEAR:
      • Free service for all travelers. No CLEAR+ membership required.
      • You book a dedicated time slot at airport standard security checkpoints at select airports.
      • You receive a QR code to use at a special RESERVE lane during your 20-minute window.
      • This program works with standard security lines, not TSA PreCheck.
      • Standard TSA security procedures still apply, including ID checks.
      • TSA Passenger Support Specialists are available to passengers using RESERVE powered by CLEAR, and must be requested in advance through TSA Passenger Support .
      • TSA Reserve is a different program run by TSA at some airports and is not managed by CLEAR.
      • RESERVE powered by CLEAR  is available at select airports in North America and Europe. For the full list, visit the RESERVE powered by CLEAR page.
      • Link to description of the program: https://www.ifly.com/airports/security-id-customs/reserve-powered-by-clear

6. Self-Identification Tools 
  • TSA Notification card - fillable PDF
    Medical condition card to show TSA officials
  • Sunflower Lanyards
    ​    The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is the globally recognized symbol for invisible disabilities, including dementia. The wearer discretely signals to airport, airline, and security personnel that they have a hidden disability and may need additional assistance, more time or just a little more patience, and should not be separated from their care partner or travel companion. 
    • ​Free Sunflower lanyards are available at participating airports or through an airport’s website accessibility page.
    • You can purchase personalized Sunflower cards to share information about yourself and your needs. This card can be personalized with up to 5 icons to describe the assistance you may need. It also includes your photo and emergency contact information for easy access to support.
    • You can purchase the new, personalized Sunflower Extra card to share digitized personal information and reduce the amount of talking/explanation you provide to anyone. Just like the existing personalized Sunflower card you can add your photo, name, and choose from icons that show the type of support you may need, as well as adding extra information to your digital page,  all securely and privately shared when you choose. Sunflower Extra allows you to discreetly share extra details, ensuring you receive the right support instantly. The Sunflower Extra card is NFC-enabled, allowing you to instantly share key details about your non-visible disability and access needs with a simple tap. There is a renewable annual subscription fee.​

​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 [email protected] subject: MMKT – air travel addendum.

*Airports and advocates have permission to adapt these tools to their unique needs.

9. Oxygen Therapy: Traveling with Oxygen American Lung Association
Helpful tips for traveling with portable oxygen by plane, car, train, bus, and ship.

10.  If you are traveling with a service animal, make certain that you have all necessary forms for your service animal to travel with you:
Suggestions for additional resources are welcome and should be sent to [email protected] subject: resources
*Airports and advocates have permission to adapt these tools to their unique needs.

Updated 1/17/2026

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