Travel Checklists

Preparations before booking a trip:

Determine whether the person living with dementia is required to travel with a safety assistant or travel companion.
Determine who should be travel companions for this trip.
Investigate airport(s) in departing/connecting/arrival cities.
- What accessibility services are available to the PLWD / you?
Investigate airline(s) providing service to your itinerary.
- Do they all have the same resources for travelers living with dementia and other disabilities in your travel party?
- If there are connecting flights do the partner airlines provide the services you need?
Determine if there are nonstop flights early in the day for your trip.

Actions when booking a trip:

Inform airline/booking agent of special needs for all passengers in your travel party.

NOTE: If you are booking tickets through an online service like Expedia, Kayak, etc. make certain you inform the airline of your needs/requests.

Request services needed in the terminal(s) e.g. wheelchair service, etc.
Ask about gate pass procedure/protocol, if needed for departure or arrival.
Ask about airline protocol for assistance if flight is delayed and/or cancelled resulting in extended / overnight stay in airport. Get particulars for any assistance to people with special needs.
Ask about airline participation in Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.
- Request a Sunflower lanyard for all members of your travel party.
Ask about/request services needed inflight: e.g.: request onboard wheelchair, early boarding, seating assignment, noting disability, special meals, etc.

Preparing for Trip Day:

Confirm the arrangements you made with the airline/booking agent for services you need in the terminal and inflight.
Arrange for transportation to / from airport.
Determine where you should be dropped off if you need wheelchair assistance in the terminal.
Arrange to get a ride and drop off right at departure area.
Arrange for pick up in baggage claim area.
If you are driving to the airport and will use airport parking, determine how do you get from a parking lot to the terminal?
- Is there assistance available in the parking lot for you/the person living with dementia or other disability?
Determine any other specifics about using your own wheelchair or the airline contractor wheelchair service at the airport.
Obtain and complete Identification and emergency contact cards.
- Sunflower lanyard / TSA disability card / others
Contact TSA Cares - request Passenger Support Specialist assistance for TSA screening.
- requires 72 hours advance notice
Consult TSA Checklist for details about packing checked and carryon baggage.
Prepare the person living with disabilities “favorites” for airport and flight.

On trip day:

Arrive early
Make certain your cellphone is charged. Bring a charger.
Take trip day photo(s) of the person living with dementia for identification if they become separated from travel companion.
Have the person living with dementia wear a smart watch or other tracking device, if available
- Note: some models of smart watches have a camera, text and call capacity, fall detection, location tracker; emergency contact ability.
Bring all paperwork including itinerary, medical documents, emergency contact information
Wear identification cards / Sunflower lanyard.
Bring ‘favorites’ for person living with dementia
- Favorite activities
- Snacks
- Weighted blanket
- Sound cancelling head phones
- Music playlist w headphones
- Books / games or items of interest / stuffed animal
- Extra clothing for comfort
- Extra adult diapers/ incontinence pad
Bring extra clothing