The Safest Ways to Travel with Your Elderly Parents

Posted on: Dec 28, 2021 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

The Safest Ways to Travel with Your Elderly Parents

An adventure may be undertaken at any age. Regardless of age or gender, everyone may travel at any time and in any location. However, there are special concerns that spring to mind when your elderly parents travel to see the wonders of other countries. Just as travel and wanderlust have no age restrictions, so should travel insurance. Senior citizen travel insurance policies from HDFC ERGO offer coverage for senior people, enabling them to explore the globe and learn about various cultures. After all, why should the enjoyment be limited to the young?

Before you start second-guessing your choice, read these senior citizen travel recommendations to ensure a pleasant flight

● Prepare ahead of time

You may prevent complications by doing some research about the airport you'll be flying out of and the precise flight you'll be taking. Travelers with mental or physical impairments are obliged by law to be informed about their flight in advance. If you're travelling with a wheelchair-bound passenger or someone with a handicap of any type, this information is very crucial.

● Assistance for Seniors Travelling by Air

Check into senior air travel and airport help if your elderly parent is flying alone. Airlines must provide assistance with boarding and deplaning. When required, the airline must also assist passengers in making connections. The airline must continue to provide help as required while onboard, however, this should not involve significant personal services. Plan to accompany your parents on the trip if they need these more intensive personal services.

● Examine Potential Health Problems

Health concerns make flying more difficult, but anticipating medical issues enhances the likelihood of a safe trip. Before going on a journey, check with the traveler's doctor. Find out whether you have any medical issues that might make flying dangerous. Inquire about helpful hints and measures for the flight. In the event that a medical problem occurs during the journey, having a medical certificate or paperwork explaining any medical concerns is also beneficial. During travel, keep this paper with you or in the travel luggage of your senior partner.

● Best Way to Fly in a Wheelchair

When you know what to anticipate and how to negotiate the logistics, flying with a wheelchair becomes considerably simpler. Your parents may either bring their own wheelchair or utilize a complimentary wheelchair at the airport. For older tourists who can walk but have mobility concerns, wheelchair help for parents, such as the airport wheelchair option, is excellent. If your parents need a wheelchair on a regular basis, you'll most likely bring one from home to use during the trip.

● Organise Parking

You must first deal with parking before you can think about traversing the airport. Airport parking is frequently inconvenient and pricey. When you add in an elderly passenger with mobility concerns who has to move from the automobile to the airport, you've got a significant challenge on your hands.

● Make Security Preparation

At the security checkpoint, all passengers must be screened, but you may request certain accommodations for your senior person. Travelers with impairments might also undergo extra screenings to ensure that their physical requirements are met. TSA guidelines must be followed, particularly by the elderly and people with impairments. For elderly travelers, these airport security screening guidelines help the procedure go more smoothly.

● Taking Medication

Medication is often an important element of an adult's everyday routine. It's crucial to keep the medicine secure when travelling. Before passing through the security checkpoint, declare all prescriptions and medically required drinks. If your parents need to take medicine during the flight, request a reminder. Although the staff will not provide the prescription, they will be able to remind your parents to take it.

● Look for Airfare Deals

Senior flight discounts aren't as prevalent these days, but it never hurts to ask. Despite the fact that some airlines claim to provide senior discounts, the pricing is often the same as an adult ticket. If the discount applies, you may need to book directly with the airline rather than via a third-party site.

● Communication on the Airline

Contact the airline directly to inquire about any special services that will make your senior companion's travel more comfortable. Inquire about accessible seating choices for travelers with impairments. Let them know whether the passenger requires any mobility assistance or medical equipment, and inquire about how such situations are generally handled.

● Special Reserve Services

Any unique services you'll need should be scheduled or reserved ahead of time. By making a reservation, you may guarantee that your loved one receives the assistance they need as quickly as possible. Request a seat with more legroom when making your reservation. Another option that might assist older travelers settle down before the aircraft fills with anxious people is early boarding. Check out specialty dishes that fit any dietary needs for longer flights with meals.

● Make Your Flight Plans

Before you arrange your vacation, look into the flying alternatives for your elderly parents. One crucial element is the time of day. When does the individual feel most energized? Is there a certain time of day when the individual feels ill or sluggish? Is there a medicine or medical treatment regimen to take into account? If at all feasible, book the trip when your partner is feeling the best since this will make the journey more enjoyable and manageable.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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