Senior travel is Air Companions’ specialty. Air Companions is a small company on the coast of Maine that offers hands-on senior travel assistance nationally and internationally. Founder Sonja Burns recently wrote down her most frequently asked questions and answers. She also supplies these tips for senior travel.
Q: How do I know that Air Companions is capable of taking care of me or my loved one? A: Our Air Companions are experienced air travelers who are fully bonded and insured. We have medical backgrounds and can assist our clients with their individual needs including limited medical assistance; such as personal care for incontinence and ostomy issues, medication prompts, assistance with diabetic and oxygen management, and mobility difficulties. Air Companions also has experience dealing with mild to moderate dementia, as well as developmental disabilities. Each Air Companion has passed an extensive background check and we can provide proof of insurance and references at your request. We also work very hard to match the right Air Companion to each client to ensure their needs and expectations are fully met.
Q: Is this service only for seniors and persons with disabilities? A: No. Air Companions prides itself in having a well rounded experience; not only with seniors and people with disabilities, but in dealing with adults with mental health issues and others with developmental disabilities. We also travel with people with flying anxiety and those who simply don’t want to travel alone. Senior travel is only part of our service!
Q: How much does this service cost? A: Our fee depends on the nature of the trip as each itinerary is different. The overall cost includes the travel time of the Air Companion, from the start of the trip to the end of the trip, the airfare of the Air Companion, the airfare of the client, and any other incidentals in support of getting the client to their desired destination. This may include ground transportation, meals or lodging. You can pay by cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, or American Express.
Q: How do I make the travel arrangements? A: Once we have spoken with you to determine what your needs are and what Air Companion services would best suit you we will provide you with a quote and itinerary. We can also refer you to a reputable travel agency who can make the travel arrangements for you.
Q: How do I get to or from the airport? A: Our Air Companions can pick you up at your home or meet you at the departure airport. At the arrival airport we can meet your relative or friend or accompany you by ground transportation to your final destination. We make senior travel easier!
Q: What happens if I have luggage to carry onboard the plane? A: We are pleased to carry your luggage throughout the trip.
My senior travel includes food issues
Q: Will you supply any food during the flight? A: We don’t supply food, but can assist you in getting something to eat before and during your flight. If you have special dietary needs or restrictions Air Companions will work with you to ensure your needs are being met. Purchasing of food during a trip is either the responsibility of the client or will be billed back with the final invoice from Air Companions.
Q: What happens if my flight is late? A: All of our Air Companions will give periodic cell phone or email updates to your designated friend or family member during the trip. We will also keep that person informed of any significant flight changes. If your flight is canceled or seriously delayed, we will make arrangements to deal with those changes.
Q: Where do you travel? A: Air Companions gladly accompanies you anywhere in the world except destinations that the United States government has declared unsafe for United States citizens.
Q: Can you accompany me throughout an entire vacation? A: Yes. We can accompany you on a single flight or an entire vacation so long as the vacation does not exceed 14 days. We prefer not to accompany people on extended vacations, but will certainly help set you up with appropriate services once you have reached your destination. Most places have home care agencies that can accommodate your needs.
Q: Do you have insurance? A: Yes. Air Companions is fully insured with general liability insurance and we are bonded.
Q: Do you have references? A: Yes. We have references that we can provide upon request. For more information right now read the testimonials throughout our website.
Q: Will you accompany children? A: Air Companions prefers to assist adults 18 years old and over. However, on a case by case basis, we will consider each and every referral that comes to us.
Q: Do you only accompany people who travel by airplane or are you willing to assist people on trips involving trains, boats, buses, and/or automobiles? A: Air Companions prefers to accompany people who travel by airplane and, of course, that usually includes some sort of ground transportation to and from the airport. But, Air Companions will carefully consider every referral and itinerary on a case by case basis.
Please, feel free to call us with your senior travel questions!