Three to six months before
- Ask their doctor if the trip is safe, and ask about vaccinations and any fit-to-fly forms.
- Get travel medical insurance and read how it treats existing conditions.
- Check passports, visas and any requirements on the Government of Canada travel site.
- Decide whether they need a dedicated wedding caregiver.
- Choose direct flights or longer layovers.
One to two months before
- Book wheelchair or boarding assistance with the airline.
- Ask the hotel about step-free rooms, walk-in showers and elevators.
- Ask the venue about stairs, washrooms, shade and how far guests have to walk.
- Pick which events matter most, and plan rest around them.
The week before
- Pack medication in carry-on bags, in original containers, with a prescription list.
- Bring copies of insurance, doctor's contact details and emergency contacts.
- Label mobility aids, and check battery rules with the airline for powered devices.
- Pack comfortable shoes and layers, even for formal events.
During the wedding
- Keep up water, meals and medication schedules, as late events can throw them off.
- Plan a quiet room and an easy way to leave early.
- Watch for confusion, swelling, dizziness or heat exhaustion, and get medical help if something's wrong.
- Assign one person, who isn't in the wedding party, to look after them. That's what a private caregiver is for.
Coming home
Many older travellers need a few days to recover. Consider booking home support for the first few days back.
This guide is general information. Ask their doctor for advice on their health and fitness to travel.
Common questions
How long can an older person safely fly?
It depends on the person. Ask their doctor, especially for long flights or recent surgery, heart or lung problems.