Is it safe for the elderly to travel by plane?

The high rate of air pressurization and being stuck sharing the same air with other people on a plane for hours means flying may not be safe if a senior has or recently had a respiratory disease. If they have shortness of breath and are using supplemental oxygen, especially, it can make flying dangerous.



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Ability to travel is not a function of age, says Schaefer, who writes a blog about senior travel. It's determined by your physical and mental fitness.

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Actually there is no maxium age to fly on airlines.. Airline pilots can only fly until they are 65 according to 14 CFR Part 121, but no airline can refuse older travelers entry onto a plane because of their age.

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The elderly are also at greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long-haul flights. Also known as economy class syndrome, DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the lower leg or thigh. If the clot breaks free it can cause a serious problem in the lungs, called a pulmonary embolism.

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If you are older than 75, the federal Transportation Safety Agency will make special accommodations for you when it comes to going through security. However, you may experience some delay if you have a wearable medical device or medical equipment, which must get checked separately.

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There is additional support available for older travelers. You may benefit from the following. In the USA, the TSA can provide expedited security screening for passengers 75 and older. Call the TSA Cares line 72 hours before travel, at (855)787-2227.

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Your blood pressure could rise
The higher you are in the sky, the less oxygen your body will carry, and less oxygen means higher blood pressure. If you typically have a regular blood pressure or even a low blood pressure, this increase will likely have no effect on you.

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Air travel increases the risk of developing blood clots in the veins of the legs, which can then enter the bloodstream and block an artery in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolism. In some cases, the opening can allow the blood clot to enter the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke.

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Best Available Seats For Seniors
Most seniors prefer getting seated at or near the front of the plane, which provides more legroom and a shorter walk to the restroom.

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Takeoff and landing are widely considered the most dangerous parts of a flight.

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The amount of radiation is minuscule, and jet lag can usually be overcome in a few days. But for anyone flying dozens of times per year — say, at least two cross-country flights per month — these stresses start to add up, putting frequent fliers in higher risk categories for cancers and other chronic health issues.

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But remember, you may need to adjust these movements according to the available space on the plane and the status of the seat belt sign.
  1. Regular walks. ...
  2. Ankle rotations. ...
  3. Fast feet. ...
  4. Calf raises. ...
  5. Leg extensions. ...
  6. Knee hugs. ...
  7. Glute clenches. ...
  8. Hip circles.


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The air on a plane contains less oxygen than the air we normally breathe in. This leads to lower levels of oxygen in the blood. If you do not have a lung condition, the drop in oxygen is not enough that you would feel the difference.

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There are a number of effects altitude and airplane travel have on the body, including oxygen deprivation, alteration of sleep patterns, and an increased risk of contracting contagious diseases.

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Bonus: If you're 75 or older, TSA usually allows you to go through the security pre-check line, which means you don't have to remove your shoes or separate laptops or liquids from your carry-on.

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When you pass by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), they can authorize you to take off your shoes as part of their security screening procedures. The only exemptions are: Children under 12 years old. Adults 75 years of age and older.

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