Navigating an airport can be an arduous and disorienting event for the elderly traveling alone.
Because of this, greet many now flying private. So, whether you have the budget to book a private jet or not and you elect to fly a commercial airline, Meridian VIP is ready to assist you at the airport as well as with the following on what you can do during the various stages of the commercial travel and flying process to make the next trip on a commercial flight for your senior friend or relative less daunting or arduous.
Booking the flight
We recommend making as many requests based on needs (e.g., medical equipment, pets, mobility, dietary as possible when booking a flight, including requesting expedited boarding and seats, such as bulkhead with extra legroom. The Air Carrier Access Act https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities provides rights to fliers with physical or mental impairment, no matter their age (passengers with emphysema, for instance, may fly with a portable oxygen concentrator).
Checking in for the flight
When there is no one to help a senior flier check in, Meridian VIP has received calls to assist by meeting passengers at the curb to help with checking bags and escorting through security to the boarding gate. Our greeters arrive at the airport up to one hour before the senior flier arrives to make sure a wheelchair if requested is available.
Security screening
For anyone traveling with a medical condition that requires medical equipment, security should be informed. TSA shares tips https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2016/11/15/tsa-shares-tips-travelers-disabilities-medical-devices-medical-conditions
Passenger rights prohibits security from inspecting medical equipment, such as colostomy bag or from requiring passenger to put a back brace through X-ray machine. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures
Senior clients like all clients at Meridian VIP are given access to a team member experienced and knowledgeable in assisting passengers traveling with medical devices, enjoy expedited boarding access, assistance with luggage and check in, and can even be waiting with a wheelchair if needed.
For more information call Meridian VIP at 1-833-TRY-MVIP (1-833-879-6847).
