My parents are coming to visit by air, and they're in their 80's. Worried about how they'll manage through the airport. Any suggestions?

My parents are coming to visit by air, and they're in their 80's. Worried about how they'll manage through the airport. Any suggestions? - 1

Added (1). https://www.seniorsafetyreviews.com/tips/19-ways-seniors-travel-safely/

They should be okay, it is pretty easy going through airports and that. Especially seeing at that age they will have experience, there are also staff around to help. It is not too difficult and there's always help if one gets lost or whatever

Age is meaningless. How well do they move and are they mentally all there?

I'm sure they will manage. Most if not all airlines offer free assistance to elderly and disabled people.

I see people in their 80s manage airports every day. Get specific. What airport? Changing planes or just getting in and out? Do your parents have any disabilities, or some reason to think it would be difficult? Consider talking to your parents about it. My parents were frequent fliers until each was well over 80.

Get a skycap both ends.

Contact the airline your parents are flying with to have skycaps available to assist them for both legs of the trip.

In addition you can also contact TSA to have a PSS (Passenger Support Specialist) available to give a helping hand for your parents through security. See link.

https://www.tsa.gov/...er-support

Whoever is taking them to the airport, should be able to get a pass to go through security with them.
When you pick them up, you should be able to get a pass to meet them at the gate of the airplane instead after security.

This is what we do with my granddad. He's completely mentally and physically ok but airport security he just doesn't grasp
= empty your pockets means - EMPTY your pocket, even that penny in the bottom of the pocket needs to be removed
= 3.2oz is 3.2oz, not the costco size of shaving cream etc.

It's actually an on-going joke now what TSA rules he won't follow. There's no way that TSA wants to deal with Mr. Stubborn:-)
I think this is why TSA no longer requires individuals over age 70 to not remove their shoes.

Parents coming to visit. Very nice.

Worried about how they'll manage through the airport. Simple WHY are you worried?

Do they have physical difficulties walking hundreds of yards? Can they carry their own luggage? What is the worry?

There's help available IF YOU ASK FOR IT.

How will your parents get to departure Airport?

Can a friend help them? They have to get near the check in area to get the Airline help.

There are people around to assist with luggage. Look for a skycap or porter. Often wearing a red hat.
YOU CONTACT the AIRLINE ask for the special needs Agent and explain HONESTLY what your parents can do for themselves and what they need help with. Airline can't guess if your parents can walk a long distance, use a walker are in a wheelchair or whatever.
YOU TALK with the Agent and make the appropriate arrangements for your situation. Maybe they need a cart to take them to gate, maybe they need use of a wheelchair, maybe they need help with their stuff. SHALL EVERYONE GUESS what they might need.
Maybe they need a special meal. YOU ARRANGE IT in advance. It could be they just need items cut up so they can eat with one hand.It might be some special thing for an allergy. NO ONE CAN GUESS what your parents MIGHT NEED for assistance.

As they might need extra help it is a good idea to get to the Airport earlier than others.It is a very good idea they use the toilet at the Airport before getting on the plane it is much more comfortable and easier to do.

If they have an electric wheelchair do you have a way to recharge it after they arrive? Every chair does not use the same thing.
Language issues? Oxygen? Physical Mobility? NO ONE CAN GUESS.

The airliner they fly with can arrange airport transport for them. Usually this is an electric machine operated by a driver. They can sit in this along with a few other people and be driven from their arrival point to exit to meet you and etc.

You'll need to contact their airline about this. You can also arrange for them to have wheelchairs waiting if they prefer.

I had a serious case of gout returning to UK last summer my holiday company arranged a series of chairs for me. No problem.

Age is no problem and airlines are well versed in helping people who need it. Worry not.

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