A calm airport checklist for older travellers

Airports have become busier and more automated, and the rules seem to change every year. A simple checklist takes the worry out of it. You might like to print this page and tick things off as you go.

• Check your passport. Make sure it's valid for your whole trip. Many countries need it to be valid for several months after you return, so check GOV.UK's foreign travel advice for your destination.
• Take out travel insurance and declare any medical conditions.
• Apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you're travelling to Europe. It's free from the NHS website.
• Book special assistance through your airline if you'd like help at the airport.
• Arrange how you'll get to and from the airport.

• Order enough medicine to last your trip, plus a few extra days.
• Check your airline's luggage allowance and weigh your cases at home.
• Check in online if you can, or ask a family member to help. Print your boarding pass if you prefer paper.
• Confirm your pick-up time and address with your driver.
• Tell a family member or neighbour your travel dates.

• Passport, boarding passes and travel insurance details.
• Medicines in their original packaging, and a copy of your prescription.
• Glasses, hearing aid batteries and a phone charger.
• Liquids in containers within your departure airport's current security limit. Rules differ between airports, so check before you pack.
• A light layer, as planes can be cold.

1. 1

   Leave plenty of time

   Aim to reach the airport at least two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before long-haul, unless your airline says otherwise.

2. 2

   Have your documents ready

   Keep your passport and boarding pass somewhere easy to reach, not buried in a bag.

3. 3

   Ask for help

   Airport staff are used to helping. If you're unsure where to go, ask at the information desk.

4. 4

   Take your time at security

   There's no shame in going slowly. Ask staff if you need a chair or extra time.

After a long flight, the last thing anyone wants is to drag cases to a bus stop or a far-away car park. Booking your return transfer before you go means a driver is already arranged. Give us your flight number and we'll track it, so you don't need to ring anyone if it's delayed.

With meet and greet, your driver waits just outside arrivals with a sign showing your name. Then it's straight home.