Air Travel with an Elderly Parent: Tips and Precautions

Overview

Despite an all-time surge in cases, it remains essential for some people, especially ones away or separated from family. Elderly living by themselves in their homes or stuck at places other than their homes now find it important to travel back home. This poses more risk as an elderly is more prone to the worst of the symptoms of contracting the novel coronavirus. An elderly is at a higher risk also due to comorbidities.

Even as the coronavirus cases continue to surge, air travel domestic India has been restarted, and travellers are asked to follow stringent precautions during their air travel. Focusing on air travel, there are precautions you can take to minimize your risk of getting infected.

–Wash hands regularly– If soap and water are not available to clean your hands, use a hand sanitizer which is at least 60% alcohol for at least 20 seconds.

–Practice good hygiene– Avoid touching your own eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, as viruses most frequently enter the body through these routes.

–If you’re unwell, don’t travel– Protect yourself, and other travelers, by not flying when you’re sick

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–Cover up– Cover your mouth and nose when you cough, sneeze into your elbow and wear a facemask to protect your fellow travelers.

–Clean up– Carry antibacterial wipes to clean your seat armrest, tray table, seat-back pocket, air vent, areas and items frequently used by travelers.

–Breathe easy– Despite having HEPA filters, a window seat away from passenger foot traffic, could offer you a bit more protection.

–Upgrade– If your travel policy allows, upgrade to business class for some extra personal space and potentially less contact with other passengers.

–Stay clear of people with a cough or cold– On aircraft, the WHO defines contact with an infected person as being seated within two rows of one another.

–Counteract low humidity– Due to low humidity in cabins nasal sprays to moisturize the nose could be used.

Emoha offers assistance with air travel booking and can help make air travel domestic India easier for you.

A note on dates

This post was written in 2020, when flights were restricted during the pandemic. Rules about testing, masks and quarantine change, so check the current airline and health advice before you book. The tips below apply to any flight with an older traveller.

Before booking

• Ask the doctor if your parent is fit to fly, especially with heart or lung disease, recent surgery or oxygen needs.
• Choose convenient flights: daytime, direct if possible and with enough time between connections.
• Request help at booking for wheelchair, early boarding and an aisle seat.
• Buy travel insurance that covers medical needs.

Packing

1. Medicines in the cabin bag, with a list and prescriptions, and an extra few days' supply. 2. Documents: ID, tickets, a medical summary and emergency numbers; see emergency contact card and medical summary. 3. Comfort items: a light shawl, compression socks if the doctor advises, a water bottle and snacks. 4. Mobility aids such as a folding stick.

During the flight

Stay hydrated, walk the aisle when it is safe, flex the ankles, take regular medicines and avoid heavy alcohol. Tell the crew about any health issue.

When to ask a professional

A doctor should advise on blood clots, oxygen and vaccinations. See travel with an elderly parent: checklist and travelling with oxygen.