Tips for Travelling in the Golden Years
A Guest Post by Joie Red – ChangingPaces.com
“We are saving up to travel in our golden years.”
So many times, upon retirement, when folks sell their homes, is often when they have the time and money for travel. Let’s take a glance at the process.
Book On Your Own?
When it comes to booking a flight, a computer savvy individual will have it covered. One search on the Internet and all the airlines pop-up, giving a plethora of options. Only book an afternoon connecting flight unless there are two hours or more between flights, as delays might cause a missed flight. If traveling with a group, or numerous seniors with mobility aids, best to hand over the booking to an expert travel agent to save yourself lots of worries.
Book with a Licensed Travel Agent
For those who are not computer friendly or even those who are – a travel agent is always a good option. In Ontario, the travel industry is governed by TICO, or the Travel Industry Council of Ontario. This is an organization mandated by the Ontario government to administer the Ontario Travel Industry Act. In the province of British Columbia, the Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) is only available if you booked with a licensed agent or wholesaler, and can be a source of compensation. Every province offers something different, so check first before booking. Always make sure to use a licensed travel agent, in any case for the best peace of mind.
Yes! Get that Cancellation Insurance.
Which ever booking option you choose; it is wise to pay a little extra for the cancellation insurance. Better to be safe than left with no way to get a refund, especially if seniors are traveling.
Luggage Tips
There will be guidelines to follow from each airline regarding packing luggage. It’s important to note that all medications, identification, proof of health coverage, list of emergency contacts and valuables should be always kept on your person. Airport staff usually asks for most food items to be discarded so it’s best not to bother bringing any.
Before Your Flight
Check in on the day before your flight. Be sure to know exactly how early to show up for the pre-boarding procedures. Ask specifically what is required. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the screening process is lengthy and ever-changing. Be sure to find out what currency is accepted on the plane. Remember to let your bank and credit card holders know you will be travelling so you won’t have a problem using your cards.
Senior with Mobility Issues?
Wear comfortable clothes, like a track suit and closed toed shoes. Dressing this way is good for you and makes the security check simpler. Be prepared to endure a long waiting period (sometimes up to two and half hours in line). Understand that there is a fair amount of walking involved, airports are huge. Most senior travelers are able-bodied, yet for those with mobility issues, the airports have supports in place to make their flights accessible.
If you already have a mobility aid or need assistance with the long walks or lines-ups, it’s best to make those arrangements during the booking process. Having this prearranged will make it go much smoother for you the day of, especially if you need to use one of the airport wheelchairs, as they do have a limited supply.
If a traveller has a support person and utilizes a mobility aid of any sort, they have the right to these supports. Firstly, they could expect their support person to be allowed to accompany them through the entire process at the airport. When it comes time to board the plane, the traveller has their own help to transfer into the seat if needed.
Crutches and canes may be brought onto the plane. Any other mobility aids such as walkers, and wheelchairs are usually stored in cargo. If you don’t use a mobility device regularly, but have found yourself unable to stand in line for an extended period, or that the walk is too long, don’t be shy to ask for assistance. The staff are there to help. They have motorized carts available and wheelchairs for travellers to use.
To make the security check go as easy as possible, remove any items from your bag, such as phones, computers, medications, and place them on the conveyor belt.
Straight from the Pilot’s Mouth
The last tip I have for you comes from a frequent flyer who is also a pilot. He stated, “Air travel is the safest mode of travel. But in case of an emergency, you want to know where you are in the plane at all times. So, when you board, count how many headrests you are away from the emergency exit.”
Whether traveling to visit a loved one or for pure adventure, the airport wait time is surely worth it. One last thing… Check to make sure your cell service provides quality reception at the airport and beyond without incurring a whopper of a bill!
Enjoy your travels, seniors!
About Changing Paces – In response to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Changing Paces was the first training firm in Canada to have developed, tested and implemented an Accessible Customer Service Training Program. “ACCESSIBLE AIR: Providing Services to Passengers with Disabilities” is a 2 1⁄2 hour online training program that teaches airline employees how to make the air travel experience fully inclusive for travelers of all abilities. Changing Paces clients include Sunwing Airlines, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Airports Council International, and Calgary Airport Authority.
