Experience 071. Silver Wings. Flying with Seniors.

In this experience we look at the realities of flying with seniors. Vinod and Geoff realize that soon enough they will be in this demographic.

As populations age, airlines will have older populations on flights and the challenges that go with it. Since some of today's seniors lived through the golden age of flying with certain levels of service, there is generational gap.

Often elderly parents are put on flights around the world - which Vinod saw in his role as a station manager. The system is not there for everyone to embrace every individual. Airports are larger, seats are closer, and there are language challenges faced while transiting through certain airports.

Some people attempt to get around this situation by booking assistance, which often means a wheelchair. The option does get abused. Vinod shares stories of trying to get large numbers of wheelchairs for certain flights, and the "miracles" of people being able to walk. 

There is a lesser used assistance code "meet and assist".

Travelling over multiple days can take a lot out of people. It helps to have a game plan ready in case something goes wrong, particularly if you are not travelling with the people flying. Seniors are different than an unaccompanied minor.

Vinod shares a story of his aunt visiting him as a child in northern Canada and the efforts to get her wheelchair off the plane in the snow and cold without a jet bridge.

Vinod shares a story of a shocking flight to Prince Edward Island, "Mid-flight something happened to a lav."

People unfortunately pass away on flights. There is one trans-Pacific route that is fairly well know.

Amidst all the challenges, there are magical moments and conversations that happen in flight. Vinod shares the experience of a black and white photo.

Be tolerant and understanding, know what kind of assistance is being provided by the airline and airport and build in extra time for connections.

If you're liking this episode experience, you may also enjoy Experience 042. "Is There a Doctor on Board? Medical Emergencies in Flight." It's available wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

Remember that sometimes long flights may not have meal service.

News Items:

• livemint.com article Singapore Airlines gets 25.1% stake in Air India group after injecting $267 million 
• simpleflying.com article United Airlines Enlists Oscar The Grouch For Sustainability Promotion Campaign  
• simpleflying.com article Japan Airlines Serves A Banana As Vegan Meal  

If you have a story about travelling with seniors, upcoming trips, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you wish to support the show financially, we are on Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/