My sweet hubby has Lewy Body Dementia, and he is around stage 6. We have flown several times, and it is a huge challenge. A few times we used carry-on bags because he is still physically strong and can help with them as long as I hand it to him or put a back pack on his back. However, the last couple of times we did check a bag, and it was not a problem. I will say that going through large airports is challenging. It is like having a 6'2" child that you have to hold on to all the time. Going to the bathroom is a big challenge. It is easy for me to wait for him to come out of the men's room, but worrying about him waiting for me is frightening...so I try to drink very little when flying (which is not healthy as flying can be very dehydrating). The last two times we have flown, I have taken either a son or our 8 year old grandson - anyone that can help with the bathroom issue and help keep an eye on him. It was definitely worth the extra ticket - even when traveling through small airports. When going through check-in and security, I always have his ID with mine and tell the agent that my hubby has LBD and severe hearing loss, and every airline has been gracious, sympathetic, and helpful. Many will pass the word down the line to make sure we get through security quickly. Many airlines give us priority boarding, so I could get us seated and put away our belongings. You simply tell them when you check in or check on the online boarding pass that there is a mental incapacity, and accommodations are readily made. We always get to airports very early to avoid long lines and mass chaos when others are stressed because of almost missing a flight, etc. I forgot to add that both of us are 68. The last time we flew was December of 2023. I am pretty sure that was our last trip on a plane. Now, it would be too dangerous for everyone as his hallucinations are 24/7 and they are not predictable as some are very frightening. I would feel terrible if something happened mid-flight. However, flying, in the past, was the best option for traveling long distances. You just have to be on 24/7 high alert and be ready to handle the unexpected. God bless and good luck. If you have anymore questions, please ask. I would live to help you.
Jan