If your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, traveling by air may present a few challenges. Airports can be overwhelming and confusing for someone with dementia with the cacophony of noise and light, sea of unfamiliar faces, and abrupt break from their usual daily routine. Here are some helpful tips on how you can ease the stress levels for both yourself and your loved one while flying.
Travel Planning
– Choose a direct flight whenever possible to keep your travel time to a minimum and to avoid possible delayed or cancelled connections.
– Request a wheelchair at the time of booking with the airline, even if your loved one has no mobility issues. This will make getting around the airport much easier for you and will put you at the 
front of the line for security. You should be able to request a wheelchair at check-in, but many airlines prefer that you let them know in advance so the wheelchair will be ready.
– A window seat may not be the best option if you think your loved one might be resistant to leave the plane (and the interesting view!) upon landing.
– Plan to travel around the time of day when your loved one is most content. If he or she is prone to sundowning, for example, you’ll want to choose a morning flight to avoid unnecessary agitation and discomfort.
– Print a copy of your itinerary and make sure you have triple-checked flight times and dates. Also make sure those meeting you at your destination have a copy.
– Bring a copy of your loved one’s pertinent medical history or records, a list of her current medications, doctor’s information, and insurance information.
– Bring copies of advanced medical directives, such as living wills as well as power of attorney, etc.
– Make sure you have your loved one’s ID in a safe place. Keep in a sealed folder with the above documents so that nothing slips out, or perhaps on a lanyard to wear around your neck for quick access.
– Consider that you will need extra time for everything, so pad your schedule accordingly!
Prepare for All Possibilities
First, make sure everyone (yourself included!) is wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. Plan to check everyone’s bags and have a special backpack or crossbody bag for your loved one that you can carry hands-free. Consider packing the following items:
– Jacket or sweater, as it could be very cold on the flight
– Protective undergarments such as Depends and wet wipes
– Extra change of clothes in case of accidents
– Magazines or puzzles if appropriate
– Favorite snacks
– Current medications
– A tablet or smart device with your loved one’s favorite music, tv shows, and movies pre-loaded
– Pocket photo album of the people you’ll be visiting
– Any favorite small item that may offer comfort
Airport Advice
– Let the airline know in advance (and again when you check in) that you are traveling with someone who has dementia.
– Also let security know your loved one has dementia to try and speed up that portion of your day.
– Offer your loved one a delicious shake or smoothie after you get through security! It’s filling, keeps him or her occupied and distracted from the activity around him or her that could be agitating, and will take some time to drink (which makes it a perfect snack choice while you wait).
– Request pre-boarding and boarding assistance when you check in at the gate if you need it.
– Trade the wheelchair for an aisle chair when it’s time to board (ask for this at the gate) if they have trouble walking. This special narrow wheelchair can easily fit down the aisle. Let the flight attendant know that you’ll need a wheelchair at the gate when you arrive.
In Conclusion
You know your loved one best, so some of these tips may be more or less applicable depending on the particular stage of the disease. Traveling with someone who has dementia can be tricky, but with a bit of planning and a little extra time in your itinerary, your trip can be enjoyable and relatively stress-free!
