Travel Tracking for a Parent with Dementia
They might not remember to call. SkyText doesn't need them to.
By Tom Walsh
Track a FlightFlying with early-stage dementia is possible, but it places huge pressure on the family. Your parent may be able to manage a flight with assistance, but the question that haunts you is: will they be okay at the other end?
Airlines provide limited cognitive support. The sunflower lanyard scheme, now available at over 200 airports, identifies passengers with hidden disabilities. Airport staff will give extra help. But none of that includes calling you when the plane lands.
The gap between "they've boarded" and "they've arrived" is where the anxiety lives. Your parent may not remember to call. They may not recognise the airport layout. If the flight is delayed, they may not understand what's happening.
What you can do: book PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) assistance through the airline at least 48 hours before departure. This covers wheelchair service, help through security, escort to the gate, and assistance at arrival. Some airlines require a travelling companion for passengers with significant cognitive impairment.
What you can't control: the silence during the flight. That's where flight tracking helps. SkyText sends updates to your phone, not theirs. You'll know the flight has departed, where it is, and when it has landed. Your parent doesn't need to do anything, remember anything, or use any technology.
The collecting person at the other end should also be added as a recipient. The "at gate" notification tells them exactly when to be at arrivals. For a parent who might be confused by the airport, knowing the exact moment to meet them matters.
The challenge
What makes this difficult.
- Parent may not remember to call or text
- May not navigate connections correctly
- Airport confusion is amplified by cognitive impairment
- Family has extreme anxiety and no information
The solution
How SkyText helps.
- Updates go to family automatically, no passenger action needed
- Collecting person knows exactly when to be at arrivals
- Works regardless of passenger's cognitive state
- Both sending and receiving family members can get updates
How it works
Three steps to peace of mind.
Enter the flight number
Type the flight number. We verify it against live data.
Add your phone number
Enter the mobile number where you want to receive updates.
Get a text when they land
We track the flight and send you an SMS when it touches down.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Can a person with dementia fly alone?
It depends on the stage. Many airlines require a companion for passengers with significant cognitive impairment. Consult the airline directly and book PRM assistance.
Does airport assistance help with dementia?
The sunflower lanyard scheme identifies hidden disabilities. Airport staff provide extra support, but in-flight updates to family are not included.
What if they get confused at the connection?
Book airport assistance for connections. SkyText will tell you if the first leg landed on time, giving you an indication of whether the connection is achievable.
Founder, SkyText
Aviation lover who built SkyText because families deserve to know when someone lands safely. Has tracked more flights than he'd like to admit.