Have you ever flown as a companion to an elderly, frail person?

[Stinky The Clown]

My aunt is in great shape for a person her age. She's 99 years old. She's forgetful and sometimes a little confused, but mostly her brain is sharp, considering her age. She's fully mobile, albeit frail, and sometimes needs to Depends on others . . . if you get my drift.

There is a reason for her to make a trip of about 500 miles. A car or train trip is out of the question for her, but flying is not . . . or at least we think it is not.

Has anyone ever flown with such a person? What does the airline do to accommodate?

I *think* I know the answers, but my knowledge isn't current. What can you add?

[applegrove]

1. I have flown to Nova Scotia with my grandmother and with my parents. You can get a wheelchair

at Departures - or a buggy ride. Call your airport and ask.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. A few years ago I flew with my dad

who was pushing 90 and had some trouble getting around. But he wanted to visit some old friends in Chicago for a day, and at the time I was an airline employee who could get him a free trip (employees' parents could get free passes). But since he'd be flying standby, to ensure that he could ride at my pass level (and to help him with the process), I went along. His friends would meet him at the other end, and I would fly back to ORD later to pick him up. The flying part wasn't a big deal. He was able to get down the jetway and onto the airplane, although a little slowly. What's harder on people with mobility problems is getting through the airport, but most big airports have those little electric carts to transport people who can't or don't want to walk. Security wasn't a big hassle, either, but YMMV depending on the airport. It worked out fine, my dad had a good trip with no significant problems. But it was the last time he ever flew.

They will usually have passengers with mobility problems board first. If a wheelchair is necessary on arrival the airline/airport will supply one to get the passenger up the jetway and to wherever they need to go in the arrival airport. Enroute, the crew notifies the arrival station that a wheelchair or some other passenger assistance will be necessary, so that help should be waiting when you get there. Most airlines do what they can to help older or disabled passengers board and disembark - usually it's the flight attendants, but on one trip I saw the captain help an elderly lady get on the plane and find her seat. However, someone else should go with your aunt because the crew obviously can't look out for everyone at all times.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. I have a fair amount of experience flying with or seeing off frail elderly people, including

a father with Parkinson's Disease, a stepfather with mild dementia, and a grandmother aged 92 at the time.

As the people above said, the airlines will gladly provide a wheelchair at both ends and allow them and you to pre-board, and you can summon one of those "chauffered" electric vehicles to carry you down the endless passageways of the airport.

If it's only a 500-mile flight, make sure they use the bathroom beforehand.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. Thank you all for your answers

Each was helpful.

[trof]

5. Would she consider wearing Depends?

It took my 88 year old great aunt forever to get down the aisle to the rest room.
And my wife had to go in with her to help.
I still can't imagine both of them in that confined space.
Good luck.

[Major Nikon]

6. There's one thing about flying that most people don't realize

Most airliners only pressurize to about 8000' at best. So when you take people who are acclimated to near sea level and within minutes take them to greater than Denver altitudes, it can be very stressful to some. If your aunt is not on oxygen, it might be worth it to put her on it just for the trip. It's something to think about anyway.

[Flaxbee]

7. Excellent suggestion

[Flaxbee]

8. Is a car trip only out of the question because she doesn't drive?

Or if someone took a road trip with her, with lots of stops, would that be OK?

Might be less stressful than managing airports, check in, security, etc.

My mother is in her late 70's, but I think she prefers road trips because we can pack the car with pillows (she has arthritis and needs cushioning if she sits too long), the seat can recline so she can rest her back, she can see the scenery ...

Just a thought.