A lot of older people can do most things young people can, but navigating a busy airport may not be one of them. Especially if the senior in question doesnt fly much. And if the senior hasnt flown since 9/11, forget it. What to do?

GRANDMA COMES TO VISIT

A FareCompare reader named Marlene wants to fly her 94-yer old grandmother out to California from Florida for a visit. Grandma may be up there, but she can still take care of herself (she can walk unassisted, and even drives!). But she hasnt flown in 20-years and Marlene worries she could get lost in the maze of lines and screening procedures. And there are no relatives or friends in Florida who can accompany Grandma on this flight. Marlene herself could fly out, and accompany Grandma, but she simply doesnt have that kind of time, let alone money.

CAN A FRIEND/FAMILY ESCORT A PASSENGER THRU SECURITY?

If someone could get Grandma to the gate, and personally see her off on a non-stop flight, that would pretty much solve Marlenes problem. But CAN a friend escort Grandma to the gate?

The answer is a qualified no. Many airlines will give a parent a pass to escort a child to the gate, but generally airlines (including American, United, Southwest, and Delta) will not allow you to do this for other passengers. Be sure to check with YOUR airline, to be certain you understand their policies on this subject.

However, most airlines DO have their own escort programs, you know, where someone meets you at the curb or ticket counter with a wheelchair.

Butdo they always show up when theyre supposed to? Not always.

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Youre going to need to hire a limo service, enlist a friend (or pay a trusted acquaintance) and stay in close contact with the airline. Heres a step-by-step guide:

1. MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR TICKET: Make a reservation for a non-stop flight only. If that cant be done at the local airport, have Grandma driven to the nearest airport than can do a non-stop flight.

1. MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR AN ESCORT: When you reserve Grandmas plane ticket, be sure to tell them Grandma will require an escort with a wheel chair; even if Grandma is ambulatory, she may not realize how far she has to walk in most airports. BE SURE TO REQUEST THE ESCORT SERVICE FOR ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF BOTH FLIGHTS.

1. CONFIRM ESCORT RESERVATIONS: Call again, before the flight to remind them you WILL need that escort and wheel chair. And call yet again.

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