Traveling by airplane can be both exciting and challenging, especially for seniors. Unfortunately, elderly travelers often make mistakes during their air journeys that can lead to significant issues.
Miguel Munoz, a flight attendant and cabin manager, shares valuable tips for seniors embarking on airplane travel. According to him, seniors frequently forget crucial items, potentially causing problems during the flight.
He often observes seniors forgetting what’s in their bags. “We always remind them to take out essential documents, passports, medications, or lithium batteries and store them in the cabin,” he says.
However, seniors tend to assure flight attendants that these items are not in their checked luggage. “It happens repeatedly when we land, and they come back saying, ‘Oh yes, my passport is actually in my other bag,'” he adds.
Seniors often overlook their belongings, thinking they have stored essential items in their cabin bags. When they retrieve their suitcases to stow them in the cargo, he always offers a plastic bag.
The bag is for storing personal items, especially for male passengers who usually don’t carry a handbag.
Forgetting Medications
In addition to personal belongings, seniors often forget to pack medications in their cabin bags. Although they may not need them in the air, they might require them immediately upon landing.
“This is crucial because many seniors carry medications that they can’t purchase at their destination without a doctor’s prescription.”
Under UK government regulations, passengers can carry essential medications larger than 100ml, including inhalers, liquid dietary foods, and medical equipment in their carry-on bags if needed during their journey.
Travelers should also carry proof that the medication is prescribed, which can be in the form of a doctor’s letter or a prescription copy. However, if the medication is in containers sized 100ml or smaller or in tablet form, there’s no need for additional proof. If carrying an oxygen tank during the flight, passengers must contact the airline in advance.