My step-mom is supposed to fly from Arizona to Boston in ~3 weeks time. I don't think there's any way she could or should be doing this without a companion. My father isn't allowed to fly that far and will not be traveling with her. I thinks it's an insane idea but dad isn't listening to me. Part of his denial process at this stage of her disease. Does anyone know if the airlines have rules about people with dementia flying solo? I suggested he talk this over with her physician, but that was also shot down. She's incontinent and starting to wander. I'm envisioning a news story about a flight diverted because of an elderly confused passenger. Any thoughts?
1 - is the flight non-stop? - direct only means you don't need to get off the plane not there are no stops - only non stop so that she doesn't get off at wrong place/city
2 - there is a service for unaccompanied minors [UM] - I have seen those kids as young as 6 flying on their own but there is a hand off procedure when the UMs change from ground staff to air crew & back to ground staff - see if there is a similar service for your step-mom - might be a charge but the wheelchair service might work out for this
3 - how far will she be accompanied by family/friends within the airport at each end?
4 - is this trip really necessary?
5 - make sure she only carries a big purse but she may be a target to some bad people so all valuables should be left at home
6 - buy her a silver ID bracelet with contact info in case she gets lost [she should have this anyway]
7 - write out travel info & place a copy in her pants' pocket
You sound like a caring person to be so worried about her - GOOD ON YOU!
The airline policy is if a person cannot safely evacuate during an emergency they should not travel alone.
As an airline employee we are limited in the type of questions we can ask to ascertain a passenger's ability to travel.
You should be very concerned if you think your loved one isn't capable of traveling alone, especially if it isn't a non-stop flight. Yes, planes do divert if a passenger is ill, disruptive, or if for any reason the flight crew determines that comfort and safety of passengers is compromised. And some airlines pass the cost of the diversion on to ill passenger!
Personally, I have seen it happen too many times; family members putting an elderly person on a plane who is incapable of flying alone and easily confused in unfamiliar surroundings. I think it's elder abuse!
My mom has flown one time in the last 16 years and was with my dad and sister. It was so difficult my dad said never again! Mom was agitated and confused.
I certainly hope you can prevent what could be a crisis!
Having traveled throughout this world much of it on my own, my career allowed me to have those adventures. Now is the time to acknowledge I can't do it anymore on my own, for the safety of others. End of point.