I’m 70 and have used the special assistance at airports for the last couple of years because of osteoarthritis of the knees. It is so easy to arrange and has been a massive help

I am 76 and used Assitance at Manchester Airport on a recent flight to Madeira and it was superb and a huge help. Only problem is that it didnt continue on the other side, no signage and nobody to ask, and with this new EES Border Control in Europe causing up to 3 hour delays and reported problems scanning seniors fingerprints, I can see huge problems for seniors who have problems standing for long periods of time.

I asked for assistance for my mother, travelling for the first time at 70. An assisted meeting at Los Angeles for an overnight stay before a connection to New Zealand . No one turned up, she was lost in L.A. airport, terribly distressed and told she needed a visa to stay at the hotel booked for her . Chaos. So please be aware , it does not always run smoothly.

I am 81 my husband is 83. My walking is not so good now, so have used assistance a couple of times now with no problem. Last year at Gatwick airport my husband borrowed  a wheelchair so that he could take me  to Boots for some shopping. We returned and waited at assistance for help to the aircraft. We were taken in the lift to a buggy down stairs by the lady at assistance desk. We were waiting for some other people to arrive. When they arrived we were told by the same lady that we had to get off as my husband had not asked for assistance. An argument ensued with said lady ( in the meantime another  two couples jumped on the buggy). I was told I could travel but my husband would need to walk. I must admit I was very angry. .My husband then took a wheelchair and we continued to the gate by ourselves. We managed to speak to the  two couples at the gate before we boarded and they say that neither of their partners had asked for assistance but were allowed on the buggy. What was even worse was their able-bodied partners  were at least 20 years younger which I felt was very unfair.

I am 66 and find it difficult to admit to myself that I am a senior. My brain tells me I am young, my legs remind me that my body is not what it used to be.

We have been using the system at airports since 2003 , majority of airports are willing to help and makes life easy

After walking through the marathon duty free shops at Birmingham, I am absolutely knackered! Too old for that now.

Only used it once coming home from hospital after major heart surgery.  Didn’t know I can get help for these other reasons - thank you for this useful info!

My husband has multiple sclerosis since the age of 21 years. For years he could walk at airports but in the past 15 or so years he has required assisted boarding. The travel agent can book it or you can do it yourself. We have never had any issues. Never late for boarding as they have a quicker route to the aircraft. We also discovered last year that he can take his mobility scooter with him. We previously hired one or used a wheelchair.

I am off for my first ever flight abroad to Scandinavia, SAS airline Special assistance team have been excellent, as i disabled mobility/ have cognitive / visual issues too..

As a frequent flier for the past 50 years, I'll be flying business class into my 90s.

I booked assistance on the train and airport this year. What a godsend! No queues or walking a mile to the gate. Or struggling climbing up into a train with a heavy case.

Myself and my partner asked for assisted travel for me with TUI and they were brilliant both at Manchester and Tenerife, my partner is a lot younger than me but they were brilliant at both airports.

Thanks for the help Oliver, I travel with Eurostar and I am  glad to say that they give Assistance too, they bring out wheelchairs to people unable to stand or walk far, they assist you through security and take you up to the train before the rest of the passengers, My partner has walking difficulties as do I, we get offered two wheelchairs but I just let her have her one as I am able to walk (albeit in pain) a little further) but I don't want us to look like Whacky Races as we go through to the terminal lounge.  We've had assistance several times now and it makes life so much easier. Thanks once again

I’m 66 and had surgery 6 months ago. Was advised to book assistance at time of booking (or minimum of 48 hours prior to flight). Flew with Jet 2.  They were absolutely brilliant in Manchester and Pisa. A companion can also go through assisted travel with you. It made the whole experience so much easier.
You can also get a free 10kg additional hand luggage allowance for medical supplies with them and many other airlines. Don’t hesitate to request this if you have any health, disability or mobility issues. It’s fantastic ! 😊

Last year, after my 70+ old wife had a fall we booked a wheel chair at Gatwick. But to get to it we had to walk from the taxi drop off (across the railway bridge) and found the check in desk. After a bit of phaffing about we were fast tracked but then directed up the escalator to the assistance lounge. After that it wasn't too bad but just getting to the help was very hard work.

I plan traveling to the USA next year I'm 64 havn't flown for over 30 years this information will be so helpful for me So I offer my Gratitude and Thanks.

Thankyou so much Oliver. I am hoping to go to visit my kids and grandkids in Australia and NZ and I am so worried about these things which you mention.  These pointers will hopefully be helpful for me as I have terrible pain in my legs and have awful trouble walking.

I recently used it. It made a great difference.

I get assistance at airport both sides  it’s great so helpful