Travel Tips

Booking Flights

When booking your flights, consider comfort and convenience as much as cost. Smaller airports, such as the John Wayne airport (SNA), are easier to manage than the Los Angeles airport (LAX). In addition, the service personnel will often be more accommodating and friendly. Make sure you have extra time in the big airports such as Newark (EWR) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) when making connections and going through security.

Southwest has a “Customers of Size” policy that allows individuals who have difficulty in fitting in one seat to purchase a second seat in advance. After completion of the flight, they will reimburse you for that second seat. They want you to be proactive and comfortable.

Recently, some airports have been adding a Reserve program to jump the security line during rush times even if you do not have TSA pre-check or Clear. At the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport (MSP) you can go online to MSP RESERVE and sign up for a slot to go through security within minutes of arriving at the airport. Simply type the airport code and the word Reserve. The Denver International Airport (DEN) discontinued the DEN Reserve security program on June 27, 2026 because upgrades to the East and West security check points reduced average wait times to 5 minutes or less.

Seating

It's nice to fly first class, but a good alternative is booking a seat in Bulkhead or as close to the front as possible. You can use the first-class bathrooms. It's easier to stand up and transfer a senior if there is no seat in front of him or her. Alternatively, the first row after bulkhead works well because it usually has aisle armrests that lift. I recommend that the senior have the aisle seat for mobility, and window for quiet. If you are buying economy, you can call the airline (ASAP) and let them know you are with a (mentally or physically) disabled person. In compliance with the Air Carrier Access Act, the airlines have systems to accommodate a disabled person with a specific seat, even if they say you can't book it in advance. Plan to be the first people on and the last people off the plane.

Luggage

Where possible, just bring a carry-on and a purse or briefcase. You avoid lost luggage issues and waiting at baggage claim. If you don't want to put your carry-on in the overhead compartment or there isn't enough room for it, you can gate check your bag and it will be outside the door of the plane when you disembark. However, be aware that many airlines charge for carry-on luggage. It is sometimes less expensive to pay for a large, checked bag than a carry-on. Check the airline's policies. If you have a direct flight, you generally don't have to worry about losing your luggage. Also, consider packing an extra, empty duffel or other bag along for additional purchases made on the trip.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

What to pack in your carry-on or purse/briefcase:

  • identification (license and/or passport)
  • medications (enough in a pill box to last the trip plus extra days in case of a delay)
  • a change of clothes (accidents have been known to happen – i.e., spilled food or beverage, incontinence, etc.)
  • an empty water bottle (you can fill it up at the water fountains after moving through security and prior to boarding)
  • something to read or watch, plus earbuds or earphones (flights that have screens for viewing movies, etc., will typically provide earbuds).
  • a micro-fiber towel (it packs small and doubles as a blanket, wrap or pillow)
  • an eye mask and earplugs (such as Mack's AquaBlock ultra soft plugs), especially good for international flights and noisy hotels
  • currency local to your destination (Wells Fargo customers can get popular currencies at the teller or pre-order unusual currency) so that you don't have to find money after a weary flight
  • snacks to include mints and gum (chewing helps minimize ears popping).

Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids

If you have your own wheelchair or walker, I recommend checking it at the gate. Get a bag tag from the gate agent before you board. If you plan to use the airport wheelchairs, notify the airline when you book. If you can't do it easily online, call the airline's special needs line. Airlines also have "aisle chairs" for individuals who can't walk onto the plane at all. Know how to transfer your senior, have plenty of time to do so, and let the airport personnel know if there is a special procedure for your particular senior.

Airport Wheelchair Assistance

If you want to use an airport wheelchair, some airports require that you use their wheelchair assistants, some don't. For those that do (often the big ones, for example, ORD/Chicago), have your driver drop you at the handicap entrance closest to your airline and inside you will need to show your boarding passes for assistance. The aide stays with the airport wheelchair you are using all the way to the gate. On arrival, the aide will often take you all the way to baggage claim and/or the curbside. Bring small bills so that you can tip the helper.

TSA Resources

TSA Cares (855) 787-2227 is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a Passenger Support Specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance. Use the number, above.

Go to TSA.gov/travel for relevant information about getting through security, such as Special Procedures for those with disabilities and medical conditions, and for a copy of a TSA Notification Card, and Security Screening for what you can expect going through the checkpoint. If you have an experience with TSA that you want to share, go to www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/complaints.

STEP

STEP stands for The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. It is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The website is www.step.state.gov. You can check the website to see if there are any concerns you should have about traveling to a certain country, such as if the terrorism threat level is high or certain areas are deemed dangerous. The notices they send out about what is required to travel outside of the country is invaluable.

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