Senior Air Travel
Senior air travel can help you get to your senior vacation, visit family across the country or provide the means for a last minute getaway to a warmer climate. Whether you travel often or this is your first time seeking senior air travel, we have put together information to help you make your senior air travel more enjoyable.
Preparing For a Senior Trip
If it has been a while since you last took a trip on an airplane, set up a visit to your doctor to see if you are fit enough to fly; especially if you will be taking an extended flight and will be in the air for a while. At the very least, double check if your doctor feels it is necessary for you to come in, or if they have any travel advice for you before you book your tickets.
Also, if you take medication, make sure you get enough for the whole time you are away. Once you get the medication, pack it in your carry-on so you have it with you at all time. We have a whole list of senior packing tips, which includes tips on medications, which are helpful to look over before every trip – you don’t want to forget anything!
Booking Your Flight
Unfortunately, most airlines have discontinued their senior discount airfare. The ones who still carry them offer around 10% off the normal fare. If you normally book tickets online, see if you can find a senior air travel link on the site you use. Many times, you may have to call the airline you wish to use and ask if they have any senior citizen air travel discounts. Some airlines still giving senior air discounts are:
- Southwest Airlines (age 65+)
- United – enter “silverwings” when searching for flights as a promo code (age 55+)
- Delta – you have to call their reservation line at 800-221-1212 (domestic flights) or 800-241-4141 (international flights)
- Continental – (age 65+)
It should be mentioned that even with a senior citizen air travel discount, cheaper fares are usually available online to anyone. Southwest Airlines features their “Gotta Get Away” fares, which are several hundred dollars cheaper than their senior air travel discount. However, if you prefer an upgraded seat, then your senior discount will come in handy. You will have to verify your age so be sure to bring along a photo ID when you head to the airport.
At The Airport
Even if you did not request a wheelchair when you made your reservation, you can let them know at check-in that you would like one. The walks to the gate from security can take a while, so a wheel chair is a great way to make the trip easier.
Also, if you use a cane or walker, see if you can find a collapsible one for your suitcase; this will make toting it alone much easier. Places to look for an item like this are:
- Amazon
- Drug stores
- Medical supply stores
Be sure to wear comfortable, easy to remove shoes the day of your flight. You will have to remove them when you get to security to making this easier will speed up getting past the TSA. Also, since you will be riding on an airplane for a while, dress in loose, comfortable clothes to promote good circulation while on-board.
On The Plane
Finally, the moment of liftoff! Senior air travel can be comfortable if you come prepared. Pack some of these for long flights to save money and increase your level of comfort on the flight:
- Pillow
- Blanket (some airlines charge for these!)
- Headphones
- A good look
- iPod, iPad or other electronics
- Bottles of water
- Gum
- Hand sanitizer
Airplanes have very low humidity so dehydration is very common. Be sure to drink plenty of water while in the air. It’s a tough balance of staying hydrated and not using the bathroom every thirty minutes. If you must use the bathroom, be sure to use your hand sanitizer since those bathrooms are some of the dirtiest you will encounter on your trip.
Getting up and moving around a bit is good for long flights though. At the very least, you should try to stretch, wiggle or whatever you can do to keep the blood moving during the flight.
Less moving involved but still important: chewing gum as the plane takes off and lands will make your ears hurt less while you enjoy your senior air travel.
You Have Reached Your Destination
No matter your destination, we hope you get there safely and can get the most out of your senior air travel. Even if you are not able to get a senior citizen air travel discount, you should still be able to use your status to enjoy your senior vacation.
