Airplane Travel Aids

EazyFeet Folding Travel Foot Rest for Airplane Flights. Extrawide Footrest with Memory Foam foot pillow. Black

Airplane Travel Aids Can Make Flying A Lot More Comfortable For Your Elderly Loved One

Whether your elderly loved ones travel to and fro to visit relatives or are finally taking that flight around the world, there are some wonderful items on the market to make traveling fun again for them.

Air travel can be daunting to the elderly; there are long lines in which to stand for boarding, there are less comfortable airline seats, and, with my own mother, her legs were so short her knees would hurt after sitting on a plane for just a few hours.

I’ve uncovered some great ideas that might bring the smile back to your elderly loved one’s face when about to take a trip. Here’s some of the best.

Airplane Foot Slings

This was a new one on me! But, now that I know of portable foot slings, I’m IN! Foot slings attach to the tray table in front of the passenger and support the feet. This works well especially for very short individuals. Note: the tray table doesn’t have to remain down in order to use these airline foot slings.

SmartTravel Portable Travel Footrest for Airplane (Black)Portable Airplane Travel FootrestFootrest Hammock Adjustable Portable Black Foot and Leg Rest Hammock with Carry Bag for Office, Airplane, Flight, Train, School

Airline Arm Rest

My mom’s arm actually bruised from resting it on the hard arm rest of the airplane seat once (I felt horrible…). she would have loved this airline arm rest which is not only plush but is also adjustable to use anywhere!

Walter + Ray Plush Airplane Armrest Pillow with Adjustable Straps

Inflatable Foot Rest

I usually use my tote bag as a foot rest under the seat in front of me. Instead of resting my feet on my own bag though, I bought one of these inflatable foot rests. It’s perfect, especially for shorter senior citizens like my Mom.

One reviewer even used it for a long-distance business class flight where the seat didn’t lie flat. He simply under inflated it and placed his feet it which essentially created a lay flat seat. Brilliant!

Design Go Luggage Foot Rest, Grey, One SizeFunwill Footrest Pad Stool Train Travel Flights Soft Home RelaxGreat Deal Inflatable Pillow Cushion Foot Rest Pillow for Air Travel Office & Home Leg Up Footrest Relax Reduce Deep VeinInflatable Travel Footrest – Therapeutic For Your Legs!STYDDI 2 Pack Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow Cushion for Travel Office & Home, Leg Up Footrest Home Relax Reduce Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk on FlightsAUDEW Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow Cushion Travel Ottomans Home Relax Reduce DVT Risk on Flights

Sleep Collar Pillow

I bought one of these sleep collar pillows as my head tends to fall back when I’m sitting in an airplane seat. It works perfectly to support my neck; I can sleep like a baby on my travels now.

I even use my sleep collar pillow when taking a nap in my favorite easy chair. It’s essential in providing me with wonderful naps!

Embrace Sleep Collar Travel Pillow Hawaiian with Full SupportEmbrace Sleep Collar Travel Pillow Black with Full SupportCaldera Releaf Neck Rest, Regular, Black

Travel Blankets

Unless your senior citizen friend is traveling first class, a small travel blanket is an essential item to carry. Planes are either hot or cold and it’s better to be prepared for cold.

World’s Best Cozy-Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket, NavyLewis N Clark Microplush Blanket, Blue, One SizeCocoon CoolMax Blanket (BlueMax)Travelrest 4-in-1 Premier Plus Travel Blanket with Pocket – Covers Shoulders – Plush, Soft and Luxurious – Built-In Stuff Sack (Navy)Travelon Luggage Healthy Travel Anti-Microbial Blanket, Red, SmallThe Sharper Image Comfort Travel Blanket Fleece Black

Sleep Masks

Sleep masks are not only essential for airline travel but are wonderful additions to any bedside table. Blocking out any light, a comfortable sleep mask can make a nap more refreshing thereby allowing your senior friend to wake up refreshed.

Bedtime Bliss BTB01 Contoured & Comfortable Black Sleep Mask with Moldex Ear PlugsBhbuy 10pcs Eye Mask Shade Cover Blindfold Travel Sleep Aid Cover Light Guide Relax BlackFitglam Natural Silk Sleep Mask with Eyelashes Patterns & Free Ear Plugs, Best Sleeping Eye Cover for Travel, Nap, Meditation, Blindfold with Adjustable Strap for Men, Women or Kids(White)

TSA Approved 3-1-1 Travel Kits

Your senior friend probably started traveling in earlier times when one could bring almost anything on an airplane. September 11, 2001 changed all that.

Ensure that your senior citizen is not embarrassed or confused when passing through airline security by purchasing one of these TSA approved travel kits for their toiletries.

TSA Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag | Quart Sized with Zipper | Airport Airline Compliant Bag | Carry-On Luggage Travel Backpack for Liquids/ Bottles| Men’s/Women’s 3-1-1 Kit +10 Travel Hacks EBOOKMen’s Get Away Carry on & TSA Approved Travel, Gym, or Auto Travel Kit.Large Leak Proof Travel Bottles, Set of Four 3.3 oz TSA Approved Refillable Squeezable Silicone Bottles With Shampoo Lanyard By AusKitTSA Approved Silicone Travel Bottles Kit 3oz Set of 4 – Leak Proof BPA Free Toiletries Containers w/ Clear Toiletry BagSwissGear TSA-Compliant Carry-On Toiletries & Cosmetics Kit – 4 Bottles, 6 Jars with Labels and Carry Bag, Clear, One Size5 Pc Silicone Travel Bottles Set with Durable Bag by MyTravelTubes, TSA Approved (Blue Bag Clear Blue Tubes)

Seatbelt Extenders

Perhaps your traveling senior citizen friend has had too much of a sweet tooth lately! A personal seat belt extender is the way to go!

Coming in at different lengths, make sure you order a seat belt extender large enough to accommodate the extra growth!

Note: You should check with the airline to make sure that the seatbelt extender you’re purchasing fits. For example, Southwest has a different seatbelt connector configuration so that airline provides a specific seatbelt extender for its passengers.

E4 SAFETY CERTIFIED Airplane Seat Belt Extender – Fits 99.9% – FREE VELOUR POUCHELUTO E11 Safety Certified 7- 34 Inch Adjustable Airplane Seat Belt Extender Airplane Seat Elderly Seat Belt ExtensionAirplane Seat Belt Extender – Type B, FAA ApprovedFAA Approved – Airplane Seat Belt Extender 2-Pack – FITS ALL AIRLINES (Type A + B) – FREE VELOUR POUCHGaren Airplane Seatbelt Extender (6Qi Mei 25cm-80cm Adjustable and portable Airplane Airline Seat Belt Extender Fits Most Major Airlines