Up, Up, and Away – Flying Tips for the Young at Heart
Many older travellers dream of finally seeing the world—no school runs, no work deadlines, no feeding teenagers at 10 pm. Just the thrill of hopping on a plane and landing somewhere fabulous (be it Fremantle or Florence).
But let’s be honest: once you’ve got a few more birthdays under your belt, flying takes a little more planning than just buying a ticket and strutting into the airport.
Pack like a pro – and by “pro,” we mean light. That suitcase will need to be dragged, lifted, wheeled, wedged, and possibly hauled over cobblestones or gutters. Take only what you truly need, and resist the “just in case” extras.
Pre-flight health check – planes are basically flying deserts with less oxygen. Low cabin pressure can stir up mischief in your gut, sinuses, eyes, and even your dental fillings. Low humidity can leave you dehydrated, and you might get swelling in your legs or, worse, deep vein thrombosis. If you’ve recently had surgery, cancer treatment, or deal with breathlessness or heart issues, get your doctor’s blessing before you hit “book now.” Oh, and “airplane ear”? That stabbing pain on take-off and landing? Chewing gum or a good yawn can work wonders.
And travel insurance? Non-negotiable. Don’t risk a five-star hospital bill in a country that’s never heard of Medicare.
Airport arrival strategy – get there early enough to be that person at the front of the queue, the one everyone else is silently jealous of. Have your liquids, lotions, and potions ready for the security belt so you glide through like a seasoned jet-setter.
Mobility matters – if walking long distances is tricky, let the airline know in advance. A decent one will have someone meet you, whizz you through immigration, and park you right in your seat with minimal fuss.
The resources below offer a feast of practical tips for making your flight not just safe, but comfortable and dare we say… downright enjoyable.
Resources
Advice for mature and older travellers. Smartraveller. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (last updated 2/5/2024) https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/who-you-are/mature-travellers (Accessed 11 August 2025)
Flying tips for seniors. Australian Seniors. June 2016. https://www.seniors.com.au/travel-insurance/discover/flying-tips-for-senior-travellers (Accessed 11 August 2025)
Airline hacks for seniors. Flying Angels. https://www.flyingangels.com/airplane-travel-hacks-for-seniors/ (Accessed 11 August 2025)
Airplanes and ear pain. How to prevent ear popping and pressure when you travel on planes. March 2025. https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52447-Airplanes-and-ear-pain-why-it-happens-and-what-you-can-do (Accessed 11 August 2025)