I don't think that it is true that flight attendants will gladly put your carry-on bag in the overhead compartment. Twice I have been told by flight attendants that this is not their job. So I always check my bag and carry a small tote bag over my shoulder which carries all I'll need for the flight.

I had only few problems with travelling.
I think it is very important to stay safe while traveling, during my last travel in Europe I had a problem with my date while using Wi-Fi a lot of my data from my Phone and Laptop where stolen. I think you should use VPN while traveling. Some VPN are free and worth using! https://howtogetavpn.com

Over the past 30 years my husband and I have traveled extensively - both within the US and abroad. Visiting family and friends has enriched our travels. We have never done a tour or cruise, but we have walked many many miles through quaint European cities and beautiful Alaska. Now, those adventures are no longer possible as my husband had memory loss and confusion. I arranged for a wheelchair on our last trip to Alaska, which was great as we could never have made plane connections or managed the long long walks thru the airport - or standing in the long security line. However, we did find some challenges - even tho we stayed with family. Just being in a unfamiliar routine and environment (even tho we had been there before many times) was a difficult adjustment - especially bathroom use and showering. We were not able to enjoy the wonderful walks and and special events on our own. I missed that altho I am not sure it made any difference to my husband. Our family was very attentive and we were totally spoiled (it was a good get-away for me). He really needs constant vigilance to prevent him from getting into places and things or rearranging things or getting totally disoriented. I am not sure I will attempt Europe again unless I have another person with us. There is no relief for a caregiver and fatigue sets in quickly.

I would highly recommend that before anyone flies to read the TSA website as to what can and cannot be brought onto a plane, either in the overhead bins or as checked luggage. Plus what to be careful about regarding what is on your person itself... wearing too much hand/body lotion could trigger the TSA alarms... wearing clothes that have metal grommets or metal glued on designs could trigger the metal detector. I could never take my Mom flying as she wouldn't allow anyone to check through her purse or carry-on, nor want anyone to touch her. If a parent becomes uncooperative, they won't be allowed to fly.

Another thing about plane travel are the delays. Will the elderly parent be able to sit for hours on end in a terminal waiting for a delayed plane or connection, or heavens being stuck on a plane that can't take off or get a gate space? If on such a plane would the elder become panicky because other travelers are becoming upset?

Mostly good suggestions but a few things, one in particular, that I disagree with. I'd say it is a particularly bad idea to put copies of important identification papers in checked luggage. It is enough to put name and phone number, or unimportant email address, in the event the luggage is mislaid and a contact number is needed. It is just far too likely that important identification papers can be used for identity theft to take the risk you suggest.

Secondly, I think that it is unnecessary to scare people into using money belts which can make for extremely uncomfortable travel. Use a zipper bag that is either a cross-body bag or a zippered backpack, or a so-called "fanny packj." This way it is accessible but highly unlikely for anyone to grab it off a person's body. I have traveled for the last 40 years with a small leather backpack purse that is zipped shut and never had anyone even attempt to open it.

Finally, I travel with pill boxes filled for weeks at a time and have never had any security issues with them. I put each box into a zip-lock bag. Carry prescription bottles with you if you want to show them the pills are the same, but don't force people to empty already filled pill boxes out of fear of not getting through security.

I would say if you are this nervous about a particular individual being taken advantage of when traveling alone that the answer is to always have them travel with someone.

Thank you.

Thanks for the advice!! Great tips.

The Golden Estate
Privileged Living for Senior Citizens

Great suggestions. Thanks for the insights.

The Golden Estate
Privileged Living for Senior Citizens

We would travel more but don't want to send my loved one into public restrooms by himself.