Flying After 60? Unlock 7 Hidden Airport Perks Seniors Miss!

I'm 75. Last October, we flew to Thailand. While waiting to go through security in bangkok, two uniformed officers came up to me and it they pulled me out of the line and told me to go with them. I was kinda freaking out, but then pleasantly surprised when they took me through a security check for seniors that was much faster than the regular lines. I wish we had something like that here.

Im a woman in my 60s who has travelled extensively. I cant tell you how many times while im sitting quietly at the gate i here my name called up to the podium. They explain that the flight is over booked and they are upgrading me to business class and some occasions have put me in first class. Well just a few years ago it happened again. After thanking them i said, you know i feel so lucky this has happened to me many times over the years i wonder how i always get such a nice surprise. They said, oh we can tell you exactly why the airline would choose you.....because you dress well and look presentable. So there you go. Ever since then i have noticed most people walking around at the airport dressed in clothes that look like pajamas. People wearing one size fits all t-shirts that say, " I got drunk in Mexico " People half naked........ Putting very little effort into looking decent can go a long way. Happy Travels

I'm over 65, but won't ask for a wheelchair or mobility help until I need it. It's the same as anything else. If I take something that I don't need, I'm contributing to longer delays for people who truly need the service. When the day comes and I do need it, I hope that they'll be sufficient help available.

I was abandoned by the wheel chair assistant at the line of the custom at Detroit/ Chicago airport ( can't remember which one) coming back from an international trip attending a funeral overseas. I had an mobility issue. The guy was pushing two wheel chairs at the same time. Then he just disappearred when I reached the custom which had at least hundred of people in line. I waited a long time and finally some other assistant noticed me being alone and came to help. That was awful. Luckily I made it to my domestic connecting flight. On another trip the wheel chair assistant just dropped me off at the place to take a shuttle bus to another terminal. That place has stairs which was hard for me. I must say some of the wheelchair assistance was not so good.

I'm 67 and while checking in online for AA, there was an option to request a wheelchair. I've never seen this before, regardless of airline. So when I checked in at the airport, there was an attendant there with a wheelchair for me. TSA was a breeze. He asked me if I wanted to stop to eat, get a drink, restroom, shop, etc. When we got to the gate, I said I didn't need further assistance and he left. Before calling the first group to board, my name was called and I was the first to board the plane. Highly recommend.

1. Free wheelchair assistance. 2. TSA Precheck Exception for age 75 and up. 3. Airlines offer senior discounts; call and ask for senior fares. 4. Priority boarding. 5. Free seat upgrades; need to tell them politely your bad back/legs, etc. 6. Military veterans and a senior: baggage fees waived (mention when booking). 7. Seniors automatically qualify for access to the lounge, regardless of ticket class, especially military veterans.

I don't believe in milking the system, but this is great info for those who truly need it.

I didn't know about the travel assistance for seniors; however, the last time I traveled, I had my collapsible walking cane and was asked if I needed assistance. Since it was a large airport, I said we'll yes, because I do have trouble walking. I couldn't beleave how helpful they were and felt guilty for them pushing me around the huge airport. I didn't know it was required and they were mandatory. I tipped the people who helped me since they saved me so much time through TSA and customs. Great tips I'm going to use from now on.

Personally I hate the aisle seat esp when boarding, always get hit in the head or shoulder with backpacks mostly. People keep them on their back and the backpack swings side to side. When I board I hold my bag either in front of me or behind me so I do not hit other people with my bag.

As a legally blind traveller, I have had to use wheelchair assistance since 2022...and I tip them every time. In the nightmare that is Miami International, they are especially helpful with domestic and internationaĺ flights....and that wretched SkyTrain! They take me to a lounge with private bathrooms when I have a long layover, and know exactly when to take me to my gate for pre-boarding. Just last year, I learned about TSA pre-check for seniors...big help especially at my local airport where everyone including me, seems to be on the earliest morning flights. What surprised me was that I could ASK for a more comfortable seat....however, I only book the windows seat in the row behind the first/business class cabin...so I usually have enough leg room, and no one in front of me. Here's a tip...when I pre-board, I always let the flight attendants know of my disability, then offer a dazzling smile, and politely request access to the forward cabin bathroom if I need it. They have always accommodated me. Travel safe seniors!

My wife and I are eighty years old. We fly first class (we earned it) and always use the wheelchair option. I would not criticize anyone for traveling that way. Some critics and offenders will find out it's not always fun getting OLD !!!

My son always requests a wheelchair on both going & returning flights and he boards with me with priority.They meet me right at the gate & on returning right to the taxi stand. On my last flight Delta even upgraded me without my asking. I am 84 & the walking distance in most airports is very long. I do have TSA preapproved & that really helps especially when holiday traveling. Personally I always love the window seat so dont have anyone climbing over me or causing me to get up to let them sit.

If you truly have mobility issues, fine- but I see the wheel chair parade at the gate to board and then they can walk with no problem oncee we arrive at the destination- it's a miracle!!!

I had a terrible experience with Emirates a few years ago at Dubai airport . I was told to wait in a side room, for wheelchair assistance. I waited and waited and nobody came. I realized that everybody had gone and managed to spot a cleaner. She sorted it out for me and eventually a man with a wheelchair came for me. We had to rush through the airport, I was put in the back of a truck and pushed to the plane which had been held up for me. This is the shortened version of the journey. I could right a book about it. I will never ever fly with Emirates again. I usually travel with Singapore Airlines and can not praise them enough. Thank you so very much to Singapore Airlines

Geeeeeee, I'm 70 and didn't know all this existed.....I certainly will make use of it. Thanks for the video.

I was a flight attendant for 42 years. Very common people. Would use wheelchair on outgoing flights and not wait for their chairs upon arrival. There would be lines of chairs with airport employees waiting on the jet bridge but no one claimed them. I think it’s a waste of the employees time and efforts when they could be more useful actually helping where help was requested and used. It makes no sense and it’s cheating the system.

Before Covid I flew Southwest from Oakland to John Wayne every month for 5 years. Due to mobility issues I requested wheelchair assistance. I always tipped my escort. They got me thru Security quickly, offered a bathroom or shopping stop. Only once was I disappointed on the last flight of the day, arriving in Oakland around 9 pm, there was no assistance. That was a long, hard walk for me since we often landed at the gate furthest from Baggage Claim. However, on other trips, the Captain became my escort. Very kind! Southwest for the win!

There’s a thing that people usually don’t have: self respect! It’s not because it’s free then use it or take it. Need is different from desire! Being civil is so hard to learn these days. The idea to is think about others.

I’m 66 with severe spinal pain issues. I never knew I could request wheelchair assistance and I’ve been avoiding airline travel because of it. I thought you had to already be in a wheelchair or unable to walk. Those long connections between concourses have been a killer! Thank you so much for this very informative video.

I got off my flight from Korea to the US and there were 12 wheel chairs waiting. This is abused. Sorry. I’m 70 and I can still walk, so I will.