Air travel can sometimes feel overwhelming or exhausting — but don’t let that stop you from embarking on your next adventure. Thankfully, there are a few insider airport strategies for older adults who may need a little extra time, support, or comfort along the way. Below are seven helpful tips for navigating busy terminals, avoiding long security lines, and taking advantage of free perks and discounts.

Take Advantage of Preboarding

Seniors can preboard an airplane if they need extra time or assistance getting to their seats — in fact, airlines encourage it because it keeps the aisles less congested. Whether you’re traveling with a mobility aid or medical equipment, or simply prefer a slower pace, boarding early is available as long as you self-identify to a gate agent before boarding begins and explain that you need additional time — no doctor’s note needed.

If you need special assistance from gate staff, such as a wheelchair, be sure to ask for it before boarding begins. Most airlines allow one travel companion to preboard with you as well.

Skip the Walk with Courtesy Carts

Courtesy carts or shuttles are found in airports across the country. Airport staff drive these golf cart-like vehicles to pick up passengers who need extra assistance or have tight layovers, ensuring they arrive safely and on time at their next stop.

Policies for these carts vary widely, so check the airport’s website or call your airline ahead of time. Some larger airports offer them at no additional cost, and they can be booked by calling your airline’s customer service number. If free transportation isn’t available, some airports work with contractors to provide cart services for a fee.

Airporteo is one such service operating in more than 40 U.S. airports and many other international destinations. Their cart services can be booked online for passengers with mobility needs, those with tight layovers or terminal transfers, or those who just need a little more support.

Find Senior Discounts on Airfare

Some airlines offer special discounts for seniors, typically for those over 60 or 65 years old, though these discounts are rarely advertised.

For example, when flying with American Airlines, you can use the website’s “Advanced Search” to select “Senior (65+)” under the “Passengers” section during booking. This may trigger discounts to appear on certain routes when available. Delta, United, and JetBlue also offer senior discounts on certain routes, often ranging from 5% to 15% off. Passengers on those airlines must call customer service to inquire and book, as these rates aren’t available online.

Discounts on international travel may also be available. Air France, for example, offers a Senior Pass with benefits for travelers 65 and older, including flexible tickets, free checked baggage, and special discounts (up to 30% off) on flights around Europe and to other destinations.

Bring a Companion to the Gate

If you’re traveling alone but you’d like a little extra help from a family member or friend, you can obtain a free gate pass for someone to accompany you throughout the airport. Many major U.S. airlines — including Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, and United — offer these passes to nonpassengers assisting minors, seniors, passengers with disabilities, or military members. These passes are issued at the airport ticket counter at the TSA’s discretion.

United Airlines, for example, allows up to two people to obtain a security pass from the ticket counter. This allows your companions to go through security with you, accompany you to the gate, and wait for you to board.

As an alternative, some airports allow nonticketed guests to apply for a visitor pass online. This allows access to gate areas regardless of airline. For instance, the Philadelphia International Airport “Wingmate Pass” can be reserved online one to seven days before your visit. Nonticketed passengers must still go through security, but they can drop off or pick up a senior at the gate at no additional cost.

Check Your Mobility Device for Free

Under the Airline Passengers With Disabilities Bill of Rights, all U.S. airlines must permit passengers with disabilities to check their wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other medical devices at the gate for free. This allows you to use your own personal mobility device from airport drop-off to your boarding gate. This is in addition to the standard luggage allowance; it does not count as one of your checked bags.

If you’d rather travel light through the terminal, you may also check your personal device at the ticket counter and order wheelchair services at no cost.

For example, United’s website states that manual wheelchairs (typically 18 inches wide) are available for use at all airports the airline serves, and you can also request an aisle wheelchair at the gate for free. These are designed with a narrower seat to fit in airplane cabins, allowing you to remain seated throughout the boarding process. You can request this service when booking online, or if you have already booked your ticket, the option should appear under “My Trips” in your online airline account.

Contact TSA Cares for Extra Support

TSA Cares is a program that offers support to travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs — helping them and their families through airport security screenings at no additional cost. Travelers are directed to call (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before their flight for any questions or to request on-site assistance.

After you make a request, a TSA passenger support specialist (PSS) will be assigned to you and meet you at a designated area at the airport. They will assist with your luggage if needed and stay with you throughout the screening process. Whether you are traveling with medical equipment, have hearing or mobility issues, or simply need extra time or support navigating the terminal, a PSS is a great tool to have at your disposal.

Hire an Airport Concierge

If you’re seeking premium, personalized assistance throughout your airport travel, consider hiring an airport concierge. Often used by seniors or those traveling with young children, a concierge will streamline your airport travel itinerary, offering support with baggage, lounge access, and even priority security checkpoints.

Several private companies, as well as airlines, offer this service for a fee. United Airlines offers its Signature Service at several major U.S. airports and more than a dozen international locations. The service features all the benefits of a personal concierge, plus access to the United Club and Group 2 boarding. You can book this service online up to 24 hours before your flight. Similarly, CLEAR Concierge offers assistance from airport drop-off to takeoff, with all the perks and amenities needed for a smooth and predictable journey.

Air traffic controllers play a vital role in aviation safety, but how much do you really know about what goes on in the control tower? The people who do this job ensure the position of each plane doesn’t impact the flight path of another at any time and organize takeoffs and landings so that our airports can work as efficiently as possible. We spoke to air traffic controllers to go behind the scenes and find out what a day in their life is really like.

The Role of Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers focus on keeping aircraft safe during takeoff and landing, and while taxiing or in the air. It’s their responsibility to ensure safe separation of aircraft, instructing pilots about where a plane needs to be and adjusting flight patterns as a response to unexpected events and emergencies. 

As Nicky Patterson, tower and approach controller at the U.K.’s busy Manchester Airport, explains, “Think of it like this — a pilot is paid to get their passengers from A to B as fast and as safely as possible, and a controller is paid to ensure that as many planes as possible get from A to B safely. We bring order and efficiency to the skies. It is a team effort.”

Structure and Organization

You might assume all air traffic controllers work in the control tower you can see as you transit the airport, but that’s not always the case. In fact, some airports have a remote setup in which controllers are not physically present on site at all — their jobs are done from an off-site facility relying on cameras.

Broadly speaking, air traffic controllers work in three areas: tower, departure and approach, and en route. Each looks after the plane within a defined area, formally passing responsibility over to the next controller at its limit. On a long-haul flight, the pilot will liaise with many different air traffic controllers and experience many handovers as the plane continues its journey.

Air traffic controllers are employed by aviation authorities such as the FAA. In the U.S., there are 22 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), which control aircraft at cruising altitude in precisely defined airspace areas. Within approximately 30 to 50 miles of the airport, air traffic controllers at TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) facilities guide departures and arrivals. They hand over planes to ATCs in the airport control tower, who get the flight safely on the ground and around the airport. 

Across the pond, the setup is similar but more fragmented, with multiple aviation authorities involved. For instance, NATS (National Air Traffic Services) is responsible for civil aviation traffic in the U.K., regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, while the pan-European Eurocontrol is one of more than 40 bodies that cover the continent’s airspace. 

How It All Works

A single air traffic controller can deal with as many as 30 to 40 aircraft at cruising altitude at once. Each is identified by its own unique call sign, the aircraft type, route, and altitude. Traditionally this has been done using paper strips, but upgraded EFPS and EFS (electronic flight progress strips and electronic flight strips) are replacing the low-tech method. This is already in place in much of the U.K. and Europe, as well as some centers in the U.S. (part of the FAA’s ongoing NextGen modernization program). 

At the airport, the control tower houses a visual control room that gives air traffic controllers a 360-degree view of the airfield, though at larger airports — or when visibility is reduced (such as at night or in foggy weather) — it may not be possible to see everything. In such situations, surface movement is tracked by a combination of radar, multilateration, and satellite data. Known in the U.S. as Airport Surface Detection System Model X (ASDE-X), this tool helps prevent potential runway incursions and conflicts. 

At the TRACON center, instructions are relayed to departing and inbound aircraft, including important positioning information such as headings to fly, levels to ascend or descend to, and permitted speeds during this part of the journey. This is what enables planes to line up and land in a controlled fashion, reaching the runway at safe intervals one after the other. Technological tools are utilized where available, but direct verbal communication via radio is also crucial.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for an air traffic controller starts with a briefing. Those beginning their shifts will be brought up to speed on anything that might impact flights, such as weather forecasts, local fireworks displays, runway or taxiway closures, or planned industrial action that might temporarily close airspace. 

Shift patterns vary from airport to airport and from country to country. Ryan Lupton, watch supervisor at London Southend Airport, the U.K.’s fastest-growing airport, is contracted to work 50 hours over five days, followed by three days off. 

“We cannot do more than two hours before a break of at least 30 minutes, though it’s more common to work 1.5 hours and have an hour off,” Lupton says. “We can’t work at all during a break; instead we read a book, play video games, or go for a walk — whatever we find restful.” 

However, he confirms that the air traffic controller role is highly regulated wherever you work. Rest periods are strictly enforced because it can be a stressful job that requires intense concentration. In the U.S., for example, ATCs may not work more than 10 hours during a shift (including breaks), and must have 9 hours of rest before their next shift. 

ATCs are different from flight dispatchers, who work for an airline and take various steps to ensure a safe and efficient flight, such as reviewing the crew, calculating fuel requirements, and putting together a flight plan that takes into account factors such as weight, altitude, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions. 

Priority in the Skies

No matter where in the world it flies, Air Force One — the name of any plane the U.S. president is traveling aboard — has top priority over everything except an aircraft broadcasting a mayday message. In the U.S., airspace must be temporarily cleared to all other traffic to allow the president unhindered passage. In other circumstances, air ambulances, search and rescue teams, police helicopters, and flights carrying royalty or government officials can also take priority over scheduled passenger services or privately owned light aircraft.

Active military areas can impact the work of an air traffic controller managing civil aviation, too, particularly where these are located close to a large, busy airport. Though significant buffer zones are employed to keep aircraft around 1,000 feet or 5 miles apart, sometimes active communication is necessary to avert an incident.

Qualifications and Skills

In the U.S., the role of an air traffic controller is open only to citizens, and you’ll need to be younger than 31 years old if you’re just starting out. Becoming an air traffic controller is a multistep process. First, apply and qualify; next, pass an aptitude test (the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, or ATSA), then clear medical and background checks. Once you’ve reached that stage, you’ll receive an offer and be able to begin your academy training.

Though a solid grounding in math and English are essential, higher-level qualifications such as a university degree aren’t a prerequisite. You don’t even need to be interested in aviation, though it’s an asset for any air traffic controller working in an airport tower to be able to identify the type of aircraft they’re handling. Being a team player is a must, however, as is the ability to communicate effectively. And as conditions can change rapidly, the ability to stay calm under pressure and think on your feet are also vital attributes of any air traffic controller. 

Most travelers go through airport security without much of a second thought: laptops and liquids out, pockets emptied, jackets (and sometimes shoes) off. But on the other side of the conveyor belt, screeners are performing the difficult task of spotting prohibited items in a quick glance while keeping lines moving.

Since its founding after the 9/11 attacks, the Transportation Security Administration has grown into a workforce of about 61,000 officers, who have screened over 906 million passengers. But have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work as a TSA officer? From the physical toll it takes to the surprising ways passengers actually help fund the system, here are a few of the lesser-known realities of life behind the checkpoints.

The Job Can Take a Major Physical Toll

From the outside, it might appear that being a TSA agent is rather routine or stationary, but on the contrary, the role can be quite physically demanding. In the agency’s early years, screeners had one of the highest rates of job-related injuries among federal employees.

Back injuries from lifting heavy luggage are among the most common issues, but they’re far from the only risk: TSA screeners can also suffer cuts from sharp objects inside bags, as well as bumps, bruises, or even broken bones from shifting or falling luggage. Many transportation security officers (TSOs) are also on their feet most of the day, which can take a major toll on the body.

However, TSOs do move around frequently during their shift, switching from checking tickets to operating the X-ray machine to helping with traffic flow at security checkpoints. Officers can shift locations as often as every 30 minutes to help avoid employee fatigue that may lead to errors.

TSOs Undergo Regular Testing

Becoming a certified TSO requires lengthy training that involves both classroom instruction and weeks — sometimes months — of supervised on-the-job experience. The training focuses heavily on the core requirements of the job: recognizing prohibited items, operating screening equipment, and following security procedures under real-time pressure. But because technology and protocols continue to evolve, TSOs are required to complete annual proficiency reviews and evaluations to maintain their certification.

These reviews often include image recognition tests, such as spotting dangerous items in X-ray scans, as well as any procedural updates. Officers who fail the review will be allowed additional testing attempts and will also be supervised on the job until they’ve received sufficient coaching and have completed necessary testing.

Restricted Items Aren’t Always Caught

Even with advanced scanners and layered screening procedures, prohibited items do occasionally slip through security. In 2015, the Department of Homeland Security sent undercover agents armed with prohibited items into some of the busiest airports in the U.S. In 67 out of 70 tests (about 95% of the time), weapons and mock explosives were missed in screening. 

However, the TSA provided further context that these tests were designed not for the average passenger, but to defeat the system using highly advanced concealment methods. Nonetheless, the TSA responded by strengthening training, increasing manual screening measures, and making sure equipment was up to standards.

Random Searches Aren’t Always Random

It’s probably no surprise that the random extra screenings we sometimes get from TSA aren’t actually always random. Officers themselves acknowledge that the process can be a little mysterious — even for them. According to one former agent’s account, passengers might receive a bag check or pat-down not just for security reasons, but for the simple reason that they were rude in line. 

Some selections are, of course, genuinely random, while others are triggered by factors like having booked a one-way ticket, paying with cash, or anomalies in identifying information. If your boarding pass gets marked with an “SSSS” (Secondary Security Screening Selection), it’s usually due to one of these factors. 

The Price of Your Airfare Helps Pay for the TSA

You may not have realized it, but every time you book a flight, you’re actually helping to fund airport security. That’s because there’s a passenger fee known as the September 11 Security Fee included in your ticket price. The charge (like the TSA itself) was introduced after 2001 to help cover the cost of regular passenger screening. 

As of 2026, the fee is set at $5.60 per one-way trip for a flight originating at a U.S. airport, and it’s capped at $11.20 for a round trip. The airlines collect this fee when you book a ticket before passing it along to the government. A portion goes to TSA operations, with a portion also diverted to the U.S. Treasury. 

They’re Looking for Some Weird Stuff

In addition to the list of standard prohibited items, TSOs are trained to catch some strange and very specific things: Reborn baby dolls, prosthetic pregnancy devices, coin knives disguised as currency, and even novelty items like a burning Bible or walking weights that double as pepper sprayers have appeared as items to watch for in TSA training materials. In 2024 alone, agents seized snakes from a man’s pants, illegal substances hidden inside a pair of crutches, and a firearm inside a boot inside a Lego box.

Despite this, TSA officers maintain that they are not looking for drugs such as cannabis. Unless it’s a real threat, the agency maintains, marijuana and other contraband aren’t part of the daily scan. If it is identified, however, the TSA is required to notify law enforcement.

They Don’t Keep Your Confiscated Items

Whether they’re accidentally forgotten or surrendered for security reasons, checkpoints accumulate a lot of left-behind items — upwards of 90,000 to 100,000 items per month, according to the TSA. While some prohibited items such as gels and aerosols are disposed of, many are turned over to the state. 

From there, items often end up for sale on auction sites such as GovDeals, where everything from tools to jewelry to unopened toiletries can find a second life — and often at a great price. Of course, before surrendering an item, passengers are given choices. They can leave the item with someone who may be at the airport with them but is not traveling, return the item to their vehicle, or go to the airline ticket counter and have the item checked. TSOs are prohibited from taking items left behind by passengers.

They’re Watching More Than an X-Ray Screen

Airport security isn’t just about what shows up on a scanner. TSA officers also closely observe passenger behaviors both subtle and obvious: Nervous fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or even sweating may warrant extra attention, as could aggressive or overly talkative passengers.

This approach, sometimes referred to as behavior detection, is meant to add another layer of security beyond physical screening. But it hasn’t been without controversy: Critics have raised concerns about its ineffectiveness and the potential for making unfair judgments, but the TSA maintains that officers are trained to focus on specific, observable behaviors rather than any kind of personal characteristic. 

These days, most travelers make hotel reservations with a few simple clicks online and then simply show up at the front desk on the date of their reservation. But there are a few reasons why it might be worth it to call or email the hotel shortly before you arrive. It’s not to simply confirm that they have your reservation on file. (But if you’re arriving late at night, it’s a good idea to let them know you’re not a no-show.) Instead, it’s about customizing your upcoming stay and ensuring your needs are met. Discover some common scenarios when it’s helpful to contact the hotel in advance.

Accessibility Requests

Whether you book directly with the hotel or using a third-party service, you can typically request ADA-compliant accommodations. And while the odds are that the hotel knows to set one aside, for added peace of mind, it’s in your best interest to confirm that with a quick call or an email, according to the New York City tourism bureau. That way, if there’s a mix-up, you won’t show up only to be told the hotel mistakenly gave away all the ADA-compliant rooms before your arrival. Checking in with hotel staff a few days before your reservation allows ample time for the hotel to fix any potential snags, and gives you time to cancel your booking and find another hotel if necessary.

Another practical reason to contact the hotel is if you’re traveling with a baby and require a crib, or have an extra guest who requires a cot. Cribs and cots are limited at each hotel and typically assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Contacting the hotel early may help you secure one before check-in. That way, you won’t have to worry about showing up the day of your booking and finding out that they already gave all the cribs and cots to other guests.

Special Requests

If you’re planning a trip for a special occasion — for example, if it’s someone’s birthday or an important anniversary — it can work out in your favor to let the hotel know. If you give them a few days notice, they may be able to leave, say, a complimentary bottle of Champagne or some chocolates in the room as a token of their hospitality. On the other hand, if you wait until you arrive to tell them, they may not have time to arrange such a gesture.

Furthermore, it never hurts to share your preferences, according to a hotelier interviewed by Reader’s Digest. You may be able to request a high floor or a quieter room, or even a more spacious suite that would otherwise remain unoccupied, if available. Doing this earlier than the day of your check-in is helpful, as it gives the hotel plenty of time to see if they can fulfill your request.

Who To Contact and When?

Importantly, you should always contact the hotel directly, even if you made your booking using a third-party site. Try reaching out at least two to three days before your arrival, as it allows ample time for the hotel to prepare for any request you make. If there’s an issue, this is also enough time for you to cancel the reservation and find a hotel that can meet your needs.

Typically, the best way to get in touch with the hotel is over the phone, as you’ll end up speaking with someone directly. However, many hotels also have dedicated customer service email accounts, so you can check the website to see if there’s an email address to contact. Lastly, many hotels have official apps that allow guests to message staff and make requests there. If you’re staying at a major hotel chain, download the app and see if you can message them there.

For all requests related to the room itself (e.g., a room with a view, reserving a cot) contact the front desk. They’re best suited to handle those requests promptly and efficiently. However, if your request is more experiential in nature, contact the concierge instead (if the hotel has a concierge on staff). The concierge should be able to handle matters such as booking a spa day or locking down a dinner reservation to celebrate a big occasion. You can typically reach the concierge by calling the front desk and asking to be transferred, or by using a dedicated email listed online.