Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

We have been in nz over 9 years and in that time I have been back to Poole 3 times to see family , and since my father passed away in April this year me old mum who is 79 has decided she wants to visit us ? Thrilled as we are , who do we talk to airline wise to get her help at airports and on plane ect ? She uses sticks to get about because of hip replacements , but is quite mobile.
If we can't send our daughter back so she could travel back to nz with her nan , we hope there is something in place to support elderly people to travel this far ?

Any one else had parents travel this far?

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

If you contact the airline(s) in advance they can normally assist to some degree but any health matters/ concerns should also be taken into consideration and mentioned also.
You should start with her GP to determine if she is indeed "fit to fly" and then also on such a long stint.

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

Assuming that as the other poster said, she is ok to fly, contact the airline directly and explain exactly how mobile she is andthey should be able to sort out wheelchair assistance - that is usually available from checkin, right to the aircraft doors, and if necessary even as far as the seat. She would also be given wheelchair assistance during any stops, they bring the chair to the aircraft door for her, and they will usually help with luggage as well.
Even if she is mobile with sticks, I'd recommend getting wheelchair assistance as it makes life a lot easier - no pressure to rush between gates, and much less stressful than having to negotiate escalaters etc with walking sticks.

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

My mother aged 83 travelled from the UK to Brisbane on 'Assisted Passage'. She was assisted (in a wheelchair) to get on the plane, during a refueling stop in Singapore and when it arrived in Brisbane she was wheeled out through the arrival lounge to us. My mum was able to walk but needed assistance to negotiate the journey. She was also a nervous type of person but managed this huge journey remarkably well.

My advice is to chose a 'good' airline.

She will love seeing where you live and enjoying some family time.

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

You'll need to think about how well she can manage the plane loos - check the airline you are thinking of flying with has grab rails, etc.

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

Thanks , for the replies.

I think we will have to call airline direct and see what's what ? Mums still quite mobile so should be ok and those A380 planes are huge , so she can move about a bit to keep her hip from giving her gip.

January is her month and we hope that this time of year will be better weather like most years , so we can take her to Milford sound , Te anau , queenstown and other southern delights.

I'm sure it would be her first and last trip to nz , so we want it to be special , with a tiki tour of otago and southland scenery.

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

Is your mum paying for her own ticket? Were you going to pay for your daughter to travel over and back? If yes why not shop around and use that money to upgrade her to BC. An option worth looking at, particularly if you shop around. Makes the journey more comfortable for her as well

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

You will need to call the airline. They are the ones that will put the notes in her booking and ensure that the assistance is there at each airport.

Who is she flying with?

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

We brought my father in law (83 at time) to visit our daughter in Auckland last Xmas we booked flight only Finn air/ Air NZ via Helsinki and Hong Kong, no stopovers through Trailfinders UK - we told them we needed assistance and they arranged it, although he can walk short distances it was a god send in HKong - met at the plane, whisked through to the front for boarding passes etc and taken to the gate - she left us at the gate and came back to help board 30 mins later. It was so easy for us in the airport just had to keep up with the wheelchair tho!

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

When you book her a ticket, it should come up with special assistance required - tick yes

I thoroughly recommend you DO NOT book her on Air New Zealand via Los Angeles. My Nan came over aged 78 and after visiting the airport when in New York recently, I can understand why

The best airlines to target are the Asian airlines (apologies to the easily offended). Singapore, Cathay Pacific, Korean or Malaysian Airlines tend to be a lot more customer orientated. She'd have a far better experience with those, they'll treat her like royal :).

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

Singapore airlines every time!! And yes, if at all possible Business Class

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

I agree with Singapore airlines , best I've travelled on ay?

We were looking at sending our daughter back , but might look at using the money for treats and excursions in nz , so want to do a flight over fiordland .

Thanks for all the replies.

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

You might also have to shop around for travel insurance.

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

As mentioned by others:

Comprehensive travel insurance is a MUST
Which airline are you looking at, maybe able to help point in the right direction, as to links etc for "special assistance" etc.

Re: Elderly parent travelling to nz ?
 

Woohoo , just found out today my mum and sister are coming out in January for 3 weeks woohoo , both have never been to nz omg so excited.