What is a Dementia-Friendly airport?
A dementia-friendly airport - working definition:
A dementia-friendly airport accommodates the needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners in a way that enables them to safely and comfortably navigate the procedures required to travel by plane by:
1. Enabling persons living with dementia and their care partners to make use of the amenities and resources of the airport (food, lavatories, waiting areas, shops, transportation to gates and terminals, etc.) by providing:
2. Having procedures (i.e.: check-in, baggage check, security) in place that help persons living with dementia and their care partners navigate the airport, board, and deplane in a timely and low-stress manner.
3. Having airport personnel, TSA/security staff, volunteers, vendor employees and airline employees who are trained and experienced in supporting the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners.
4. Being capable of managing emergencies in a competent and caring manner utilizing readily available staff that are trained in resolving dementia-related crises.
5. Providing family or assistance lanes to accommodate passengers with hidden disabilities, which provide a less stressful security screening experience.
6. Never separating people living with dementia from a care partner/friend/accompanying person in the airport, especially during security search. Prior to a security search, security staff must explain what screening will take place and make any necessary adjustments.
7. Encouraging airlines to accommodate the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners while on board.
8. Participating in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to provide discrete assistance to people who self-identify as someone living with a hidden disability.
9. Providing Airport Rehearsal trips: Opportunities for people with early stage dementia (or other hidden disabilities) and their care partners/travel companions to visit the airport before travel for information and practice navigating the airport. Workshops would include representatives from the airport, airlines, TSA, and a local dementia travel advocacy group to share information and tips while answering questions from family members of those with dementia and care providers. Volunteers would lead tours through the airport to assist potential travelers in navigating the airport, including identifying TSA security lines, accessible bathrooms, quiet spaces, a mock airplane cabin, etc.
Model programs:
Sources:
Updated October 30, 2024
A dementia-friendly airport accommodates the needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners in a way that enables them to safely and comfortably navigate the procedures required to travel by plane by:
1. Enabling persons living with dementia and their care partners to make use of the amenities and resources of the airport (food, lavatories, waiting areas, shops, transportation to gates and terminals, etc.) by providing:
- Detailed information about accessibility services at the airport
- Clear signage and wayfinding
- Minimizing visual and auditory stimulation
- Quiet areas (either dedicated rooms or seating away from the hustle and bustle)
- Quiet routes through the airport (example: bypassing the retail area)
- Readily accessible toilets and adult changing tables
- Attention to floor surfaces and lighting where possible
2. Having procedures (i.e.: check-in, baggage check, security) in place that help persons living with dementia and their care partners navigate the airport, board, and deplane in a timely and low-stress manner.
3. Having airport personnel, TSA/security staff, volunteers, vendor employees and airline employees who are trained and experienced in supporting the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners.
4. Being capable of managing emergencies in a competent and caring manner utilizing readily available staff that are trained in resolving dementia-related crises.
5. Providing family or assistance lanes to accommodate passengers with hidden disabilities, which provide a less stressful security screening experience.
6. Never separating people living with dementia from a care partner/friend/accompanying person in the airport, especially during security search. Prior to a security search, security staff must explain what screening will take place and make any necessary adjustments.
7. Encouraging airlines to accommodate the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners while on board.
8. Participating in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to provide discrete assistance to people who self-identify as someone living with a hidden disability.
9. Providing Airport Rehearsal trips: Opportunities for people with early stage dementia (or other hidden disabilities) and their care partners/travel companions to visit the airport before travel for information and practice navigating the airport. Workshops would include representatives from the airport, airlines, TSA, and a local dementia travel advocacy group to share information and tips while answering questions from family members of those with dementia and care providers. Volunteers would lead tours through the airport to assist potential travelers in navigating the airport, including identifying TSA security lines, accessible bathrooms, quiet spaces, a mock airplane cabin, etc.
Model programs:
- DFAWG member Jan Dougherty organized “Dementia Friendly Air Travel”, a 2-hour workshop at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
- Navigating MSP, monthly desensitization events primarily for people on the autism spectrum at MSP Airport. Experience TSA security screening procedures, explore the terminal, board a plane and meet a pilot, prepare for takeoff.
- Kansas City Air Travel Experience Room gain experience with check-in, security screening, boarding and flight procedures, all in a calm and controlled atmosphere. Users are guided through every step of the air travel experience inside a section of an actual Airbus 321 fuselage, with working overhead storage bins, seat belts, tray tables and non-functioning lavatory.
- Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® provide an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols for people living with autism spectrum, intellectual and development disabilities, and their families.
Sources:
- CAP1411: CAA guidance for airports on providing assistance to people with hidden disabilities (pdf)
- CAP1629: Supporting people with hidden disabilities at UK airports (pdf)
- CAA Guidelines for Making Air Travel More Accessible for Passengers with Hidden Disabilities
Updated October 30, 2024