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Senior Airport Guide

At US Airports - Seniors

Navigate US airports with confidence, including accessibility services and special assistance

Elderly woman, wheelchair and transport in bus with man, push and helping hand for travel in town. Senior couple, support and person with disability, mobility aid and retirement with trip in city
65+
TSA Perks
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Free Assistance
✓
Priority Boarding
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Your Complete Senior Airport Guide

Accessible travel tips and assistance services for comfortable airport experiences

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Check-In Smart

Simplify your airport check-in

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Check in online 24 hours before your flight to select seats and prepare your boarding pass.

  • Use airline app or website for online check-in
  • Print boarding pass at home (larger font easier to read)
  • Request wheelchair assistance during check-in if needed
  • Choose seats near front for easier boarding/deplaning

Request Wheelchair Assistance

Free mobility services available

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All US airports offer free wheelchair and mobility assistance. Request in advance or at the airport.

  • Call airline 48-72 hours ahead to request assistance
  • Service is completely free - no tipping required
  • Attendants will escort you from check-in to gate
  • Connecting flight assistance also available

Pro Tip: Arrive Earlier with Assistance

If you've requested wheelchair assistance, arrive 15-30 minutes earlier than usual. This ensures the attendant has time to help you through check-in, security, and to your gate without rushing.

TSA Security (Ages 65+)

Special accommodations for seniors

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TSA offers special accommodations for travelers 65 and older to make security screening more comfortable.

Additional Benefits for Age 65-74

Seniors 65-74 also receive special accommodations

  • Keep Your Shoes On Seniors 65+ are NOT required to remove shoes during standard screening. Wear comfortable slip-ons anyway for convenience.
  • Light Jackets Stay On Thin jackets, blazers, and light sweaters can remain on during screening. Heavy coats must be removed.
  • Keep Electronics in Bag Laptops and tablets may stay in your bag if you're in standard screening (not guaranteed). Still, organize electronics for quick removal if asked.
  • Extra Time & Patience TSA agents are trained to provide additional time and assistance for senior travelers. Don't feel rushed.

United States (TSA - Transportation Security Administration)

The TSA has clearly defined modified procedures for passengers 75 and older. This age group is part of TSA's "Screening for Passengers 75 and Older" program.

Key Benefits/Rules for Seniors 75+ in the USA:

  • Shoes and Light Outerwear

    They are allowed to keep their shoes and light jackets/sweaters on during screening.

  • Liquids

    The standard 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids still applies.

  • Separate Bins

    They are typically permitted to leave belts on and can often keep one extra layer of clothing (like a sweater) on.

  • Screening Technology

    They will usually go through the standard metal detector instead of the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanner, unless there is an alarm. They can request the metal detector if preferred.

  • Pat-Downs

    If additional screening is needed, it will be a modified pat-down. They can request a private screening and have a companion of their choice present.

  • TSA PreCheck®

    Seniors enrolled in TSA PreCheck® receive expedited screening, which includes all the above benefits plus keeping laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.

Standard Screening Items (All Ages)

  • ID & Boarding Pass Keep government-issued photo ID and boarding pass easily accessible. Consider using a lanyard or clear pouch.
  • Empty Pockets Completely Remove keys, coins, wallet, phone, and all metal objects. Place in bin or carry-on.
  • Remove Belt if Metal Belts with large metal buckles must be removed. Wear pants with elastic waistbands or suspenders.
  • 3-1-1 Liquids Rule (Even for Seniors) All passengers must follow 3-1-1: containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less, in 1 quart-sized clear bag, 1 bag per person. Exception: Medications are exempt.

Understanding the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

Complete breakdown of TSA liquid restrictions

What is 3-1-1?
3.4 oz

Maximum container size

(100 milliliters)

1 Bag

Quart-sized clear plastic bag

(about 7" x 8")

1 Bag

Per passenger

(placed in screening bin)

What Counts as a "Liquid"?

Liquids

  • • Water, juice, coffee
  • • Perfume, cologne
  • • Contact lens solution
  • • Liquid makeup, foundation

Gels

  • • Hair gel, mousse
  • • Hand sanitizer
  • • Aloe vera gel
  • • Gel deodorant

Creams & Lotions

  • • Moisturizer, face cream
  • • Sunscreen lotion
  • • Body lotion
  • • Shaving cream

Aerosols

  • • Hairspray, dry shampoo
  • • Deodorant spray
  • • Shaving foam
  • • Spray sunscreen

Pastes

  • • Toothpaste
  • • Lip gloss, lip balm tubes
  • • Ointments, salves
  • • Thick creams

Food Items

  • • Peanut butter, jam
  • • Yogurt, pudding
  • • Liquid vitamins
  • • Honey, syrup
Important Exemptions (NO Size Limit)
  • Prescription Medications Liquid, gel, or aerosol medications in any size. Must declare to TSA officer.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications Liquid pain relievers, cough syrup, eye drops - any amount needed.
  • Injectable Medications Insulin, epinephrine (EpiPens), other injectables with needles and syringes.
  • Medically Necessary Items Saline solution, contact lens solution, eye drops (reasonable quantities).
  • Frozen Gel Packs To keep medications cold. Must be completely frozen solid at screening.
Practical Tips for Seniors
  • Buy travel-size toiletries (under 3.4oz) at drugstores - saves bag space
  • Use solid alternatives: Solid deodorant (not gel), bar soap, solid shampoo bars
  • Pack liquids bag on top of carry-on for quick removal at security
  • Keep medications separate: Don't mix meds with toiletries - easier to declare
  • Larger sizes in checked bag: No liquid restrictions for checked luggage
  • Empty water bottle: Bring empty bottle through security, fill after checkpoint

Medications & Medical Supplies

Special rules for prescription drugs and medical items

  • Liquid medications: Exempt from 3-1-1 rule. Carry any amount needed.
  • Declare to TSA: Tell agent "I have medications" before screening begins.
  • Keep in original containers: Prescription labels help verify medications quickly.
  • Gel packs, ice packs: Frozen gel packs are allowed to keep medications cold.
  • Pill organizers: Allowed, but keep backup medication in labeled bottles.

Mobility Aids & Assistive Devices

How TSA screens canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and other aids

  • Canes & Walking Sticks: Must be screened separately. You can request to hold it for balance during pat-down.
  • Walkers & Rollators: Will be visually inspected and possibly tested for explosives. You can sit during this process.
  • Wheelchairs: Will be inspected but you do NOT have to get out if you cannot. TSA will work around you.
  • Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants: Keep on during screening. Inform TSA agent before entering body scanner.

Medical Devices & Implants

Inform TSA agents about any medical devices before screening

  • Pacemakers, insulin pumps, and defibrillators
  • Request pat-down instead of body scanner if needed
  • Carry doctor's note for medical equipment

Find Your Gate

Navigate terminals comfortably

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Take your time navigating to your gate. Use airport services designed for comfort.

  • Wheelchair escorts will take you directly to gate
  • Use airport trains/shuttles for long distances
  • Rest areas available throughout terminals
  • Don't hesitate to ask airport staff for directions

Priority Boarding

Board early and comfortably

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Most airlines offer priority boarding for seniors and passengers needing extra time.

  • Ask gate agent about pre-boarding for seniors
  • Extra time to stow carry-on bags overhead
  • Flight attendants can assist with luggage
  • Get settled before cabin gets crowded
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When Should Seniors Arrive at the Airport?

Domestic Flights

Arrive

2.5 Hours

Extra time for assistance

International Flights

Arrive

3.5 Hours

More time for customs

With Assistance

Add

30 min

For wheelchair service

Pro Tip: Carry Medications

Always keep medications in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Bring enough for your trip plus 3-5 extra days. Keep them in original prescription bottles for easy TSA screening.

Pro Tip: Stay Hydrated & Comfortable

Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it after. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and slip-on shoes. Bring a light sweater as airports can be cold.

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Accessibility Options