Can Someone with Dementia Fly Overseas? | Travel with Care Australia
Thinking about travelling overseas with dementia? Discover practical advice on flying, planning, mobility, medication and travelling with confidence. Lets discuss if someone with dementia fly overseas
6/9/20253 min read
Can Someone with Dementia Fly Overseas?
A practical guide for families considering international travel.
One of the biggest misconceptions about dementia is that a diagnosis means travel must stop.
In reality, many people living with dementia continue to enjoy holidays and overseas travel—particularly during the early stages of the condition.
The question isn't simply:
"Can they fly?"
It's:
"Can they fly safely, comfortably and with the right support?"
Every person's abilities, symptoms and stage of dementia are different, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Before making travel plans, it's important to speak with the person's treating doctor to ensure they're medically fit to travel.
What Challenges Can Flying Present?
Airports can be overwhelming.
Large crowds, loud announcements, security screening and unfamiliar surroundings may increase confusion or anxiety.
Long-haul flights can also disrupt routines, which is particularly important for people living with dementia.
Common challenges include:
Becoming disoriented in unfamiliar environments
Increased confusion after long travel days
Difficulty remembering instructions
Anxiety during boarding or security screening
Fatigue caused by long walking distances through airports
These challenges don't necessarily prevent travel—but they do require planning.
Is the Flight or the Airport the Bigger Challenge?
Interestingly, many families discover that the flight itself is easier than the airport.
Navigating check-in, baggage collection, security screening, boarding gates and transfers often requires much more concentration than sitting comfortably on the aircraft.
Planning extra time and avoiding tight connections can significantly reduce stress.
Practical Tips Before You Fly
✔ Book direct flights where possible.
✔ Choose flight times that fit the person's normal routine.
✔ Carry medications in hand luggage.
✔ Keep important medical information easily accessible.
✔ Use familiar clothing or personal items that provide comfort.
✔ Notify the airline if assistance is required.
Should Someone Travel With Them?
This is often the deciding factor.
Many people living with dementia can still travel successfully when accompanied by someone experienced who can provide reassurance, assistance with orientation, medication reminders and support if confusion develops.
Having a travel companion also allows spouses and family members to enjoy the journey rather than feeling responsible for every aspect of care.
Travel Doesn't Have to End
A dementia diagnosis doesn't automatically mean giving up holidays or missing family milestones.
With appropriate medical advice, realistic planning and the right level of support, many people continue to travel safely and enjoy meaningful experiences with the people they love.
Should I Take Mum to Europe?
Questions every family should ask before booking a long-haul holiday.
Many families dream of taking Mum to Europe.
Perhaps it's a river cruise she'd always wanted to do.
Perhaps it's one last visit to the village where she grew up.
Or maybe it's simply time together before mobility becomes more limited.
The question I hear most often is:
"Is Mum too old?"
Age is rarely the deciding factor.
The more important questions are:
Is she medically fit to travel?
How is her mobility?
Can she cope with a long-haul flight?
Will she enjoy the experience?
Think Beyond the Flight
A trip to Europe isn't just twenty hours on an aircraft.
It involves:
Long walks through airports
Waiting in queues
Carrying hand luggage
Hotel check-ins
Walking on uneven streets
Different climates
Jet lag
Busy tourist attractions
Sometimes the holiday itself is more demanding than the flight.
Consider Mobility Honestly
Ask yourself:
Can Mum comfortably walk 300-500 metres?
Can she manage stairs?
Would she benefit from wheelchair assistance at airports?
Does she tire after only a short walk?
These aren't reasons not to travel.
They're reasons to plan well.
Don't Forget Fatigue
Fatigue catches many travellers by surprise.
Even healthy people feel exhausted after international travel.
For older travellers, fatigue can increase the risk of falls, confusion and reduced enjoyment of the holiday.
Planning rest days after arrival is often one of the best decisions families make.
Will You Spend the Whole Holiday Worrying?
This is probably the most important question.
Many sons and daughters tell me:
"I wanted to spend time with Mum—not spend the whole trip worrying about her."
Having professional support allows families to simply enjoy making memories together again.
Europe Can Still Be Possible
Growing older doesn't mean the dream has to end.
With realistic expectations, sensible planning and the right support, many older Australians continue travelling overseas well into their 80s and beyond.