Tips for elderly travellers: how to navigate the airport with ease

 

a marhaba representative accompanying elderly woman

Travelling with an elderly person can feel like a daunting task, particularly when you need to make your way to and through the airport for a flight. 

There’s a whole host of procedures like airport security and passport checks that can be confusing or overwhelming, not to mention the physical demand of standing in queues and on public transport. 

However, by taking a few steps to prepare for a flight and making use of airport experts like marhaba, elderly passengers can enjoy a comfortable, stress-free journey. 

You can find plenty of tips for getting to and navigating the airport with elderly people in this guide, as well as for managing the flight itself. There are also several recommended marhaba airport services for each phase of the journey to further improve the travel experience for elderly people.

Pre-travel preparation: advice for elderly travellers

For elderly travellers, you can make a winning start to your journey by preparing properly before you leave the house. 

First things first, you should look to book seats that provide extra legroom, as elderly people often struggle with tight spaces and are susceptible to cramp. The bulkhead rows provide more space than other rows and will allow them to straighten their legs from time to time. Unfortunately, emergency seats can’t often be booked for elderly due to mobility. Seats near the back of the plane may also be wise for frequent toilet trips. 

Before departing, you then need to make sure that all their essentials are packed. This includes: 

  • Bulkhead rows are great if you have babies and toddlers, as they offer a bit more space than other rows – you can also request a baby bassinet if required 
  • Seats near the back of the plane are a good choice too as they’re nearer the toilets 
  • Seats near the front or directly over the wings generally experience the least turbulence – so they’re a good pick if your kids are nervous flyers or suffer from motion sickness 
  • Comfort items like neck pillows and compression socks

If you’re travelling with an elderly person who may struggle to carry their luggage, consider using marhaba Check-in Anywhere. With this service, one of our representatives will come to your home, hotel, office, or an agreed location of choice and check you into your flight remotely (subject to airline approval and acceptance). They’ll check over your documents, weigh your baggage and deliver it to the airport for you. This minimises the stress and physical load when travelling with an elderly person. 

You should make sure they’re dressed appropriately too - layers that they can put on or remove are key. Elderly people tend to struggle with temperature control, and you’ll be transitioning between warmer and colder areas when travelling. 

Make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare, as elderly people will likely move at a slower pace and rushing them will cause stress for everyone involved.

Getting elderly people to the airport smoothly

 

a marhaba representative accompanying a man on a wheelchair

Getting to the airport is the next phase of the journey, and there are further steps you can take to make this process as comfortable as possible for elderly people. 

If you’re using public transport, you should try to find direct routes or those with minimal transfers – which can be particularly taxing for older people. Allow extra time if you do need to transfer, and double check that metro stations or buses that you’ll be using are wheelchair accessible if required. Even if you’re travelling with an elderly person who doesn’t need a wheelchair, elevators mean you can avoid the physical demands of stairs. 

Elderly people should also avoid carrying much, if any, luggage on public transport. Trying to navigate crowds, steps and unfamiliar surroundings while carrying and balancing luggage is a recipe for disaster. Carry their bags for them if you can. 

The most comfortable way to get to the airport with an elderly person is via car or private taxi. If you are travelling from Dubai, you can book an Elite Meet & Greet service with marhaba to get to the airport in a luxury chauffeur-driven car. You’ll be picked up from your door in a spacious, air-conditioned car, allowing an elderly person to begin their journey in maximum comfort. It is worth noting that Elite Meet & Greet is only available for departures from Dubai – please check the services for available from your departure airport for similar transfer and public transport options.   

If you’re driving to the airport yourself, look for disabled parking spaces that allow elderly people to easily get out the car. These areas will also have plenty of room to fold out a wheelchair if it’s required. Dubai International Airport has family-friendly parking spaces that are conveniently located near terminal entrances, shortening the walking distance as much as possible. 

Dubai Airport also has several specialist parking spaces for people of determination (PODs). Guests with physical impairments will receive free parking for two hours at all terminals.

Tips for transporting elderly to the airport

There are a few more things you can do to make getting to the airport with an elderly person as comfortable as possible.

Driving yourself:

  • If you’re travelling with an elderly person who’s comfortable being left alone, use a drop-off point at the terminal to let them get out before parking up and unloading yourself – saving them the walk or shuttle bus 

  • Consider valet parking, which most airports offer, to unload at the terminal and minimise the distance elderly people need to carry luggage 

Taxis:

  • Communicate to your driver ahead of time that you’re travelling with an elderly person – they can assist with bags and potentially arrange a larger vehicle 

  • If you’re travelling with an elderly person who needs a wheelchair, make sure your driver drops you at a location where you can easily fetch one or unfold one you’ve brought  

Public transport:

  • Avoid peak hours when public transport is at its busiest 

  • Don’t hesitate to ask transit staff for help boarding – most metro stations and buses have ramps and other accessibility features on request 

 

How to get elderly through airports without a hitch

 

a marhaba representative assisting an elderly lady with her luggage

Getting through the airport with elderly people can be stressful and tiring for both you and them. 

Simply getting you and your bags from the car park or drop-off area to check-in, through security and onto the plane can be a challenge. 

To make this process straightforward and avoid placing elderly people under any unnecessary physical and mental stress, book marhaba’s Meet & Greet services at Dubai International Airport. 

These services put our expert airport team at your disposal from the moment you arrive, significantly streamlining this stage of the journey. 

With the Silver service, you’ll receive a variety of assistance to help you navigate the airport with an elderly person: 

  • Meet and greet kerbside and an escort from the airport entrance to your boarding gate 

  • Hand baggage trolleys (on request) 

  • One porter to assist with your luggage from kerbside to the check-in counter 

  • Assistance through check-in (Terminal 3 only) 

  • Fast-track immigration 

  • Buggy car transfers (where available and on request) 

With the Gold service, you’ll get everything included in the Silver service plus: 

  • A dedicated one-to-one service 

  • Multiple porters to assist with your luggage from kerbside to the check-in counter 

With the Elite service, you’ll get everything included in the Gold service plus: 

  • A luxury chauffeur-driven car to the airport 

  • A porter to assist with your luggage from kerbside to your boarding gate 

  • Exclusive access to a lounge in your terminal of travel with refreshments and à la carte dining 

Travelling through Dubai International Airport with elderly people

Dubai Airport has been designed to be an inclusive facility, meaning elderly people who need special assistance can travel freely and comfortably. 

All guest touchpoints and facilities – from parking and elevators to toilets and seating - feature inclusive designs to cater to both visible and non-visible disabilities. They also consider passengers with limited or restricted mobility, which can be the case for older people. 

There are free wheelchair services to assist guests from the kerb (Terminal 3) or check-in desks (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) to their boarding gates. 

You can also book a marhaba lounge to be sure you’ll have a peaceful, stylish place to eat and unwind once you’re through security. Having a tranquil space like this, with international cuisine, lined up ahead of time is ideal for elderly people as they can relax and replenish their energy ahead of the flight.

 

Tips for elderly passengers at the airport

There are a few more tips to keep in mind when navigating the airport with elderly passengers, particularly if you’re not using marhaba services. 

  • Allow extra time for bathroom breaks, frequent rest stops and a slower walking pace 

  • Opt for rolling luggage that’s easier to move and manoeuvre 

  • Check-in as much luggage as possible – dragging heavy bags around the airport can be exhausting for older people 

  • Even if you’re travelling with an elderly person who doesn’t need a wheelchair, make use of elevators to reduce physical strain 

  • Take advantage of early boarding to allow extra time to settle in

 

Tips for elderly people in airport security

Security checkpoints can be a difficult step in your journey with an elderly person, but there are several things you can do to make this as stress-free a task as possible. 

  • Notify security staff if the elderly person you’re travelling with has a pacemaker and show a medical card or document confirming this 

  • Consider using the special assistance lane if the elderly person you’re travelling with has limited mobility or is anxious 

  • Talk through the process before and while you’re making your way through security – these checkpoints can overwhelming and confusing for older passengers 

  • Double check you have everything once you’re through – things like glasses and medications can easily be forgotten

 

Flying with elderly people

 

a son hugging his elderly dad with a marhaba representative standing in the background

The primary stage of your journey is the flight itself, and there are a number of steps you can take to make sure any elderly passengers are comfortable throughout. 

If you’ve taken advantage of marhaba’s Elite Meet & Greet services, boarding the plane will be the point at which our friendly team leaves you.

Tips for elderly passengers on planes

  • Keep essential medications in an easy-access bag that can be removed from your bigger bag and kept at your seat 

  • Neck pillows and lumbar cushions are great for maximising comfort 

  • Bring or request a light blanket – elderly people tend to feel the cold more and air-conditioned planes can get chilly 

  • Noise-cancelling headphones can be useful to reduce anxiety and discomfort from noise 

  • Encourage ankle circles, leg stretches or brief walks every hour or two to keep blood circulating and reduce the risk of cramp 

  • Consider compression socks for improving circulation 

  • Make sure they’re drinking enough water – dehydration is common at altitude, especially for older people 

  • Set reminders for time sensitive medications – do this before boarding to avoid time zone confusion 

  • When disembarking, wait until the aisle is clear to minimise the risk of trips or falls

 

Travelling with elderly people can be a breeze (especially with help from marhaba)

 

Flying with elderly people can be feel like an arduous task for both you and them – but only if you don’t prepare. 

By considering the unique needs of elderly people when getting to and navigating the airport, you’ll be sure to have a straightforward, comfortable journey. 

Use tailored services like Check-in Anywhere to minimise physical and mental stress and continue that theme by getting to Dubai Airport in in a luxury, chauffeur-driven car with Elite Meet & Greet. 

With Meet & Greet, you’ll also be treated to specialist assistance at the airport, meaning elderly people don’t need to carry any bags from kerbside to the boarding gate, will receive check-in help, fast-track immigration and more. 

Booking an exclusive marhaba lounge at Dubai Airport will also guarantee a pleasant pre-flight experience with international cuisine in peaceful surroundings – perfect for elderly passengers. 

Use this guide and the support from marhaba’s airport experts to make travelling with older people a breeze. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Airport travel with kids

 

1. Who can assist elderly people in airports?

You can request dedicated assistance for elderly people at most airports and marhaba Meet & Greet services, which are available at many locations around the world. 

With these services, you’ll be met kerbside, get help with your bags and fast-track immigration. You’ll be guided through the airport to the check-in desks, and you’ll even get assistance going through security and reaching your departure gate if you book the Elite service. 

This tier grants you access to lounges, among several other benefits, making the airport experience a pleasure for older people.

2. Is flying hard on the elderly?

Flying can be hard on elderly people due to medical conditions, reduced mobility and strenuous journeys through the airport. 

However, taking advantage of special airport assistance like marhaba airport services makes flying much less mentally and physically taxing. Luxury transfers to the airport and getting help with your bags all the way to boarding makes travel far more accessible for elderly people. 

Elderly people are also particularly susceptible to travel-related issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but these can be mitigated by stretches, frequent walks down the plane cabin and medications.

3. What is the age limit for senior citizen flights?

There’s no age limit for flying, but elderly people may want to seek a doctor’s advice before travelling for peace of mind. 

Some airlines may request medical clearance if you have a pre-existing health condition that could be exacerbated by flying. 

Travel insurance will generally be more expensive and harder to find for elderly people, especially those with existing medical conditions, but there are several specialist providers for older people.

4. Does Dubai Airport have wheelchair assistance?

Yes, Dubai Airport provides free wheelchair assistance. 

If you’re departing from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, you can get wheelchair assistance from kerbside to your boarding gates. If you’re flying from Terminal 3, you get wheelchair assistance from the kerb to the check-in desks.  

Wheelchairs must be booked with the respective airline of travel. If you are using marhaba Meet & Greet Services then there is a check box for this to be confirmed during your booking, after you book the wheelchair and confirm with your booking, our Meet & Greet staff will assist you with the wheelchair.