A trip with grandma? It’s my son’s dream come true.
As multi-generational travel increases in popularity, so does the need to address the specific concerns of all members of the family – from age two to seventy-two. In the past, I’ve concentrated on screening tips for families and children. Today, with the help of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), I’m sharing ways to make airport screening a breeze for seniors.
1. Pack large liquid containers in checked baggage. When packing your carry-on bag, remember that only liquids, gels and aerosols of 100 mL or less in a one-litre clear, resealable plastic bag are accepted. Larger items like shampoo, toothpaste, creams, shaving cream, perfume and suntan lotion over 100 mL must be packed in your checked baggage.
2. Keep your medication with you. The 100 mL limit on liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on doesn’t apply to medication — whether it’s prescribed or over-the-counter. Just be ready to present them separately to the screening officers for inspection.
3. Arrive early and ask for help, if needed. The more time you have to go through security, the less stress you’ll feel. If you have difficulty lifting or carrying your bags, advise airline staff when you check in.
At the checkpoint, look for the family/special needs line if you need more time or assistance to move through security. Have your boarding pass ready to present to the screening officer and place your cell phone and other small electronic equipment, coins, keys and small metal items in your carry-on. Be sure to let screening officers know if you have any medical devices or metal implants.
For more information on how to breeze through security visit catsa.gc.ca or call 1-888-294-2202.
Asking for help would be the most difficult, as everyone thinks they can still do it all
Good to know :)
I knew about the liquids just did not know the amount you could carry on
Travelling with seniors or persons with disabilities can take extra long,i know from travelling with needles and liquids and walking aids that it can take time to get everything check to keep everyone safe but like you said you need to arrive early and get checked in before a crowd arrives..it just makes it more stressful for everyone.
All great tips especially since we don’t travel much so don’t stay up on all to do’s & don’t’s.
Great tips! Will pass these along for my in laws
Great tips! Sending them to my father now!
This sounds like a great list, I myself wouldn’t even know how to pack to go through the airport, I have never ever stepped one foot into an airport!! sad eh
Good to note as well; seniors are exempt from having to remove sweaters/jackets at the check points where the rest of us have to strip down! I know many seniors tend to feel the chill in the air (and airports are often max air conditioned!) so handy for those folks to know
I’ve always wondered if you were allowed to bring medication. Thanks for clearing that up.
Great advice. I did not know this about medicine. Very good to know.
Greats tips!! Unfortunately my grandparents are gone but I hope to travel with my mom for many, many years!
I didn’t realise that the limit didn’t count for medications. I’ll have to be sure my parents know that!
I didn’t know that medication was exempt from the size limits! That’s great because you should always carry on all medication in case your checked bag gets lost. :(
These are great tips and it has been quite a long while since I have traveled by plane and there are new rules here that I was not aware of. Love all your posts and I am keeping this for future reference on my pinterest board. Thanks for sharing this info. :)
We’ve been travelling to the Caribbean with Nana and Grampa for the last three years. We’ve always been waved to the family/special needs line and it is so much more convenient!
Just back from a trip and this is great information. Several people on our flight did not seem to be aware of this.
Thanks I need to be refreshed on the latest rules
biggest tip: get a nexus card. you’ll thank me afterwards.
arriving early is good advice for any travller
we do this with my grandparents. makes things so much easier and smoother, and less time wasted
This is very informative; liquids only 100ml; medication in original bottle, and special line up for special needs. Thanks Bookmarking this page.
I will pass on the tips to my parents
These are great tips i need to refresh myself with before we take our next trip
Don’t forget if Grandparents are taking the grandkids, they need the proper paperwork from parents
Also great to request a wheelchair if you need to make a connection. I traveled with my 94 year old grandma and she was great to walk from gate to gate in the airport.
These trips were so helpful when we traveled with Mom(91) last month!
This is all a learning curve for me , thanks for sharing , i will need to keep this in mind when traveling , great tips and info !
This is great information and tips for me and my mom because my mother is a senior and I’m a quadriplegic. So each of us have a lot of medication and I always need help with luggage and especially with boarding the plane.
I like having these tips since my grandmother is 90 and still has flown on her own. It’s important for her to have her medication with her and she does need a bit of help at the airport.