Notes for elderly people traveling by plane to have a complete journey

Just like children, elderly people who fly by plane also have certain precautions to ensure their health and have a comfortable and complete journey. Below, HoaBinh Airlines would like to share information for both elderly passengers and their family members to refer to before deciding to participate in this form of travel.

Regulations on the age of elderly people when flying

Currently, most airlines are quite comfortable with the age of people transported on flights. Specifically, people over 90 years old with good health and complete identification documents can still participate in normal flights. In cases where there is no ID card (valid for no more than 30 years), it can be replaced with an identity certificate or other documents with a photo and red stamp, such as a passport, National Assembly Delegate Card, Party member card, or ID card. Journalist, identification card of Vietnam Airlines...

Health regulations for elderly people traveling by plane

Elderly people with the following diseases are recommended not to participate in flights: cardiovascular (heart failure, heart valve disease, myocardial infarction, etc.), respiratory (bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, etc.), neurological or blood diseases, or having recently had surgery. In addition, elderly people with acute ear infections and sinusitis also avoid flying because it can cause ear pain, dizziness, and hearing loss. Relatives should take parents and grandparents for a health check-up before buying plane tickets for the elderly.

Ticket prices for the elderly to fly

According to the Ordinance on the Elderly, Vietnamese citizens aged 60 and over are entitled to special preferential policies when participating in traffic and airplanes. When purchasing airline tickets, elderly people receive at least a 15% discount on the ticket price.

The condition for enjoying privileges is to present legal documents proving age. Thus, if you buy a plane ticket online, it will be difficult to verify your age to receive support. You should contact the airline's consultant or airline ticket agent for advice.

Things to note when the elderly travel by plane

Prepare before your flight

  • Always carry special medications to prevent emergency situations, such as high blood pressure medications, asthma relievers, pain relievers, diabetes medications, etc. Family members should also ask the doctor to write down the health problems of elderly passengers, medications needed, and treatment measures. This way, flight attendants will promptly respond if an emergency occurs.
  • If passengers fly through a different time zone, they should ask their doctor about the appropriate time to take the medicine. If you are flying to an epidemic area, you need to be fully vaccinated before leaving.
  • Pay attention to the food on the flight to avoid allergies. In addition, you should also ask your doctor about foods that may conflict with the medication you are taking.
  • Before the flight, do not drink alcoholic beverages or caffeine. Bring soft drinks if the elderly have diabetes to avoid hypoglycemia.
  • Bring enough luggage that is compact and easy to move; you should only bring necessary items.
  • Elderly people traveling by plane should wear loose clothes and have extra pillows for their heads if traveling long distances.
  • Read flight information carefully to avoid confusion.
  • Ask airline staff or consultants at ticket agents about the types of medications and medical equipment that are and are not allowed to be brought on the plane. Or provide full information about your age and health status to receive accurate advice on seat location, necessary documents, and related information.
  • Don't forget to take the elderly to the airport early to have time to rest, take medicine, and have a snack before boarding the plane.

Notes on the flight

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the journey.
  • Relax and stretch the muscles in your legs to avoid numbness and fatigue. Family members can also choose seating services for the elderly to have an airy, comfortable position, especially for people with high blood pressure. Elderly people should also sit near the aisle or toilet for ease of movement.
  • Elderly people using hearing aids should turn down the volume when the plane takes off and lands to avoid damage to the fetus due to noise from the plane.
  • Elderly people traveling by plane should have a family member (younger) accompany them and sit next to them, with priority given to someone who knows their medical history and knows how to take care of them if a health problem occurs.

Some services support the elderly

Each airline has its own regulations regarding support services for the elderly. But the common point is that there is wheelchair support, language support when flying abroad, priority check-in and boarding, all for free. Even for journeys requiring transit, at transit points, the elderly are still supported with those services.

To enjoy this benefit, please ask the booking staff to fill out the elderly assistance section, because if you forget, the elderly passenger will only be served as a normal adult on the plane.

Above is some information and notes for elderly people traveling by plane. Hopefully these shares will help older passengers best prepare for their trip and have a safe, comfortable, and complete journey. To check ticket price information and book good air tickets, please contact HoaBinh Airlines via hotline: 0939.311.911 - 0913.311.911 for dedicated support.