Traveling with Alzheimer's - Airports & Planes

TIPS TO TRAVELING WITH SOMEONE EXPERIENCING MEMORY LOSS
• When booking your flight, work with the airline directly. Tell them about your loved one's special needs.
• We have only flown Southwest Airlines with someone experiencing memory loss. Our experience with Southwest has always been sprinkled with kindness & compassion.
• Try not to book trips with connecting flights. Fly direct whenever possible. If not possible, ensure you have plenty of time to make your connecting flight.
• Never leave someone experiencing memory loss to independently navigate plane changes and connections.
• Go online to check in and print your boarding pass in advance.
• I would encourage you to check as much baggage as you can. This will make getting through TSA and the gate process much more manageable.
• When you arrive at the airport, immediately request assistance. There will be multiple porters or skycaps available to help with your luggage.
• All of the airlines offer wheelchair assistance. However, you must communicate your need. Look for anyone wearing a red jacket.
• TSA has protocols for people with "Non-Visible Disabilities & Medical Conditions." Just communicate the Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis to the TSA agent and your loved one will be screened without being separated from you.
• Once you arrive at the gate, be sure to talk to the gate agent. Let them know that your travel partner is experiencing memory loss and that you will need assistance boarding the plane. They will not only be sure to board you in the first group but also notify the destination and let them know you will need assistance getting off the plane.
• Now, sit back and relax as you fly to your destination.
For more information, check out the Surviving & Thriving Blog Post – Traveling with Alzheimer’s
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