Senior on board. What should you remember when planning a plane trip?

Air travel is the perfect solution for seniors – fast, convenient and allowing you to reach even the other side of the world in a short time. Regardless of whether the goal is to visit new places or visit loved ones abroad, airlines today offer a wide range of amenities for older passengers. Assistance at the airport, support when boarding, a special diet or medical assistance – these are just some of the services available to seniors. With proper preparation, air travel can be not only safe for seniors, but also enjoyable. Check out how to plan the perfect flight for people 60+.

Consultation with a doctor

Age-related changes and possible chronic illnesses can affect your ability to travel safely. Before planning a trip, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor to assess your overall health and get recommendations for safe travel. Your doctor can adjust treatment plans, suggest appropriate precautions, or advise you to avoid travel if your health condition does not allow it.

Airlines make sure that all passengers, including the elderly, travel in the most comfortable conditions possible. When buying a plane ticket, it is worth paying attention to whether the seat you choose on the plane is easily accessible, provides adequate legroom and seat comfort.

LOT Polish Airlines offers passengers who need assistance at the airport and on board their planes three types of services, which you just need to select in the booking form when purchasing your ticket. It is important to report such a need no later than 48 hours before departure.

• Assistance at the airport when travelling longer distances
• Assistance when boarding/leaving the aircraft (in the absence of a jetway), use of specialist equipment (e.g. elevator)
• Assistance from the plane door to your seat on board

The national carrier also offers a wide range of special meals on long-haul flights and selected medium-haul flights. If, for health reasons, a passenger wants to use an individual menu, it is enough to inform the airline no later than 24 hours before departure. On PLL LOT flights from Warsaw, meals are available, for example, for diabetics, gluten-free, with low lactose content and those adapted to individual dietary needs, taking into account the elimination of specific allergens.

For each flight, as well as for regular travel by other means of transport, you should prepare in advance. It will be necessary to make a list of necessary things for the trip, which will guarantee that you have not forgotten anything. In the case of older people, it is also necessary to pay special attention to purchasing appropriate insurance. You should make sure that the selected health insurance covers all necessary costs of treatment in the planned place of stay. It is also worth checking in advance the nearest medical facilities and writing down the emergency number for the insurer's contact.

Every senior citizen should make sure before travelling that they have enough of all the necessary medications for the entire duration of the trip and additional supplies in case of unforeseen delays. It is best to pack all medications (commonly available and prescription) in a separate bag or cosmetic bag, retaining their original packaging and leaflets. Remember to take prescriptions and medical certificates with you, as the security officer may ask you to confirm the authenticity of the medications you are carrying.

Elderly people whose health condition may require the support of cabin crew should always warn the crew that they may need assistance during the flight. Airline crews always treat this type of person with great concern and provide them with the necessary care.

To ensure maximum comfort in your flight, you should prepare comfortable clothing. Appropriate clothing and stable footwear are particularly important for long, intercontinental flights. It is worth choosing loose, comfortable fabrics that will not impede proper circulation. However, clothing cannot be too light either, as temperature fluctuations occur on board. It is also important to change position frequently during the flight and drink plenty of fluids. You cannot forget about the right travel companion either. Your favorite book, a magazine dedicated to your passion or a set of crosswords will certainly help you relax during the journey and make each flight much more pleasant.

Air travel for seniors requires special care, but with proper preparation, seniors can enjoy discovering new places or spending time with family living even on the other side of the world. By following a few simple steps, we will increase the chance of a pleasant and peaceful flight. The world is within reach for everyone, regardless of age - it is worth taking advantage of the available opportunities that traveling in the clouds gives us.

The material was created in cooperation with PLL LOT