A presentation was given by Jan Doughtery (a travel expert and writer) and Misty Cisneros Contreras (Sky Harbor Airport) in the fall of 2024, the following were some key points:

• A travel companion is always recommended for a traveler with dementia.
• Travel can be stressful for everyone – plan ahead and give yourself a lot of time.
• Book your tickets directly with the airlines and call ahead to let them know if you will need wheelchair assistance. Wheelchairs and services provided are by the airlines – not the airport.
• Caregivers, let the flight crew know about the person in your care. Printed “companion cards” can be a discreet way to share.
• If you are going to try new medication for anxiety or pain – do a trial run at home before the day of travel.
• Request a gate pass to help take or meet people at the gate.
• Check out the websites of the airports you will be traveling to for resources. Phoenix Sky Harbor’s website has theirs listed with an icon graphic of a person in a wheelchair at the top of the page.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor has volunteers to help – 400 volunteers called Navigators who wear purple jackets. You can request help (beforehand) to get through security, get to the gate and even having someone wait with you before boarding the flight. The Phoenix Reserve program allows you to make an appointment to go through security and bypass the long lines.
• There is a Compassion Corner to know about. It’s located in terminal 4, level 3 and where you can go for a bit of respite from all the airport chaos. They distribute green Compassion Cacti lanyards here – which help staff know that there is a hidden disability and someone who may need some extra time, assistance and kindness.

We hope this may help make your travels more enjoyable.