7 Airport Hacks for Seniors
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.
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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.
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