Flight Booking for Senior Citizens in India — Complete Guide

Flying can be stressful for senior citizens, but with proper planning, it can be comfortable and safe. This guide covers discounts, assistance options, medical requirements, and tips for elderly travellers.

1. Senior Citizen Discounts by Airline

Airline	Age Requirement	Discount	How to Avail
Air India	60+ years	Up to 50% on base fare	Select "Senior Citizen" during booking
IndiGo	No specific senior discount	—	Compare with regular fares
SpiceJet	No specific senior discount	—	Check promotional fares
Akasa Air	No specific senior discount	—	Watch for special offers

Note: Air India offers the best senior citizen discount. Always compare total fares across airlines as discounted AI fares may still be higher than base LCC fares.

2. Wheelchair Assistance

All Indian airlines provide free wheelchair assistance at airports:

1. During booking: Select "Wheelchair assistance" in special services
2. At airport: Inform the airline counter on arrival
3. Types available:
   • WCHR — Wheelchair to/from aircraft door (can walk short distances)
   • WCHS — Wheelchair to/from seat (cannot climb stairs)
   • WCHC — Full wheelchair service (immobile passenger)

3. Medical Fitness Requirements

• Fit to fly: Most healthy seniors can fly without medical clearance
• Medical certificate needed if: Recent surgery (within 10 days), oxygen dependency, severe heart/lung conditions
• Carry medicines: Keep all medications in cabin baggage with prescriptions
• Insulin and needles: Allowed in cabin with doctor's letter

4. Oxygen Requirements

• Cabin pressure equals ~6,000-8,000 ft altitude
• If oxygen is needed, request from airline 48-72 hours before departure
• Portable oxygen concentrators (POC) are generally allowed but pre-approval required
• Personal oxygen cylinders are NOT allowed on flights

5. Tips for Comfortable Flying

1. Choose direct flights: Avoid layovers and connections
2. Select aisle seats: Easier restroom access and leg stretching
3. Arrive early: 2.5-3 hours before departure to avoid rushing
4. Stay hydrated: Cabin air is dry — drink water regularly
5. Wear compression socks: Prevents leg swelling on 2+ hour flights
6. Move regularly: Walk the aisle every hour to prevent DVT
7. Pre-book meals: Choose suitable dietary options during booking
8. Use DigiYatra: Skip queues at supported airports

6. Pacemaker & Implant Travellers

• Inform CISF security about pacemakers, joint replacements, or metal implants
• Carry a doctor's letter confirming the implant
• Manual pat-down screening is available instead of metal detector
• Flying is safe with pacemakers — inform cabin crew for awareness