Navigating the Skies: Practical advice to support people living with dementia and companions to travel successfully by air.

Image © University of Plymouth, 2021

Introduction:

Air travel is a remarkable and often challenging experience, especially for those with living with dementia and their travel companions. In this blog post, we delve into recent research that sheds light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with dementia when navigating the skies. We will also share practical advice that can be put in place to have a more enjoyable flight.

Research to Understand the Challenges:

Improving access to air travel for people living with dementia and their companions has been a priority area for researchers, occupational therapy lecturers and students at the University of Plymouth since 2015. Key research and projects undertaken by Dr Alison Warren, Dr Kate Turner and Ian Sherriff, BEM at the University of Plymouth with support from key stakeholders has identified potential challenges and solutions for air travel.

Travelling with dementia brings forth a myriad of challenges, both for the individuals affected and their companions or caregivers. Research studies (Turner, 2022; Edwards, 2016) have shown that the unfamiliar environment, sensory overload, and disruptions in routine during air travel can significantly impact the well-being of those with dementia. The table highlights recommendations based on research undertaken by Kate from interviewing people with dementia and their travel companions (Turner, 2022) . Further information and recommendations can also be found in the document ‘Improving the accessibility of UK air travel for passengers with non-visible disabilities’ by Turner, Warren & Sherriff (2023).

Focus: From people living with dementia

Recommended strategies for air travellers with dementia:

• Air travel is possible, but it helps to plan and ask for help
• Request assistance at the time of booking – you have the right to do this or ask a travel agent to help book assistance for you
• Travel agents can also help with recommending hotels that are small and quiet and booking seats on the plane
• Check the airport’s website for what assistance facilities are available
• You have the right to use assistance services at the airport like the hidden disability lanyard scheme, accessible toilets, priority seating and priority boarding
• If you experience sensory overload take headphones and sunglasses to help block out the noise and light
• Travel with a trusted companion
• Allow plenty of time
• Maintain a positive attitude
• If you are travelling a long way to the airport consider staying at an airport hotel the night before travel
• Minimise check-in luggage and take one item of hand luggage
• Identify how many items you are carrying at the start of the journey – coat, scarf, bag, etc – and check the number of these items regularly
• Adapt the way you travel – a single destination is better than a multi-centre trip
• Travelling from small regional airports can be easier than some of the national airports
• Returning to the same destination can help with recall and confidence

Focus: From travel companions of people with dementia

Recommended strategies for air travellers with dementia

• Travelling from a local airport negates the need to stay overnight
• Travelling from the same airport can help to create a familiar routine
• Investigate airport facilities online or in person before you go or attend an airport familiarisation day
• Plan your departure and arrival times to avoid busy periods/rush hour
• Apply for a blue badge to reduce walking distance/time at airport
• Allow plenty of time
• Consider travelling with other people for support
• Have a plan for if you become separated
• Pack essentials – tissues, moist wipes, spare items of clothing
• Take a rucksack rather than a handbag as it frees up your hands
• Upgrade your travel or consider an airport lounge
• Prepare for security to reduce the risk of being stopped
• Ask for help / request special assistance and ask for a hidden disability lanyard
• With the right help you do not have to give up travelling too early

Further Information:

A website has been created by Alison & Kate at the University of Plymouth to highlight the importance of working together locally, nationally and internationally to generate positive and sustainable change. Please review this resource that provides access to key documents and shares best practice.

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/participation-in-everyday-life/accessible-air-travel-for-people-living-with-dementia

Also if you know of anyone interested in being involved in research to improve the lives of people seeking to travel with a hidden disability please do get in touch.

Contributors

Dr Alison Warren, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, University of Plymouth

Dr Kate Turner, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, University of Plymouth

Email dementiafriendlyflying@plymouth.ac.uk

X/ Twitter @alisonfwarren @kateturnerOT

Image © University of Plymouth, 2021

References & Resources:

Edwards, H., O’Reilly, M., Beattie, E., Willmott, L. & Dreiling, A. (2016) Infrequent flyers? Exploring the issue of air travel and dementia from the perspective of people with dementia, their carers, airline staff and airport services. Queensland: Dementia Collaborative Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology.

Marchant S, Turner K, Warren A & Sherriff I (2021) Flying with Dementia- Informative Guide. London Heathrow Airport https://www.heathrow.com/content/dam/heathrow/web/common/documents/at-the-airport/accessibility-and-mobility/flying-with-dementia.pdf

Turner, K. (2022) Dementia Friendly flying Exploring the accessibility of air travel for people living with dementia Ph.D. in Applied Health Studies – University of Plymouth.  https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/handle/10026.1/18973

Warren, A., Turner, K., O’Reilly, M., Sherriff, I.K.G. (2023) ‘Chapter 7: Occupational Justice’ in Maclean, F., Warren, A., Hunter, E. and Westcott, L. (ed.) Occupational Therapy and Dementia: Promoting Inclusion, Rights and Opportunities for People Living with Dementia. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp 93-106

Turner, K., Warren A, Sherriff, I. (2023) Improving the accessibility of UK air travel for passengers with non-visible disabilities- Lessons from the Dementia Friendly Flying Research. Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research; University of Plymouth, UK