Anyone travel to Europe after age 74 with mobility issues?

My 85 yr. old Mom travels simply with help. Most airports and sometimes when you buy your plane tickets, you can request a wheelchair. I believe you can use a cane on a plane buts it's best to call and ask every question you have. Whether you have been officially diagnosed or not, you qualify. In the states, she has always been happy with Delta and direct flights, less getting around! Have fun!

@artmatters A lot depends on how your mobility challenges are handled. Do you use a cane? Crutches? Wheelchair [manual or powered?]? Rollator? If the trip isn't until next year, how you are negotiating the challenges may indeed change by then, hopefully for the better.

I use a folding cane when traveling. It makes it a whole lot easier when traversing on a plane; simply fold it up! Not as unique as my regular cane, but a better solution. Many times there is a "porter" who will be able to help you navigate from check-in to gate, then another meeting you at arrival to baggage claim and ground transport. If you feel the need, don't hesitate to use their services [it could be a wheelchair, it could be a gold cart type traversing unit]. They are able to "flag" your ticket when you advise them ahead of time, of the need for assistance. And, I have found that asking for pre-boarding is helpful to give you the time to get to your seat and settled. The flight attendants have always been awesome. Smile and offer them your sincere appreciation.

Personally, I would clue in at least one relative to your mobility issues, so they can think of how to help you, ahead of time. With that many family members around, you'll have a great time. How difficult will it be to find a hotel that accommodate that many in one group? what amenities do you want to see?
Ginger

I’m 83 and travel alone a good bit. I think all airlines now offer w/c assist. Even foreign ones (British Airways, Royal Jordanian). I feel a bit embarrassed asking for it since my conceit is that I “really don’t look my age”. But with back pain issues caused by arthritis I simply could not travel without it. I am going to Egypt for a trip down the Nile with friends this winter. I will meet two of my children after I arrive 2 days early. I felt I needed that to rest and acclimate before the cruise. But I will probably be alone during this time in a strange city. If anyone has traveled there, I would appreciate how to navigate instead of staying by myself in the hotel for 2 days.

Thank you for your post! It’s very encouraging.

I was 81 and flew to Italy last March. I requested wheelchair from airlines, and it was fantastic. As soon as I entered the airport in Minneapolis there was a wheelchair. They took my luggage to the check-in desk and then took me through security all the way to the gate. They knew where to go and I just enjoyed the ride!
Airlines also offered help to get on plane, but I could handle that, I just can't walk long distances carrying anything.
I had a wheelchair waiting at each connection point.
Coming back, I stayed overnight in hotel at Milan Malpensa airport. A wheelchair came to the hotel desk to pick me up and took me through check-in, security and all the way to the gate - which was a distance! And that was a wheelchair to see - it was motorized!!
I was so grateful for wheelchair assistance as my oxygen levels fall with exertion.

The more research, the better. Airlines have great "disability" care. Often, I have been wheeled through ahead of the long lines - makes you feel 'privileged' rather than 'disabled'.
I would check on the cost of 20 people in an European hotel!
Bon Voyage, enjoy those babies!!

Thanks for your comments. My confidence is growing with these tips on in-route assistance. As for cost, when I left Spain, the concept of rural hotels was getting started and they were very reasonable. They start with a renovated hacienda, including several out buildings, and are run like a B&B. Lots has changed in seven years. Let’s see.

This is wonderful to know. I admire your courage. Thank you for including the significant details, especially the airport hotel. This was required several times when I was traveling with my husband, but he made everything easy, and we were both mobile.

I love the Milan Malpensa Hotel . Nice restaurant,, so welcoming, and right in the airport, so no worries about shuttle buses, etc. I’m 76 and often travel alone. The wheelchair drivers are terrific and make it all possible! Security is MUCH easier with the wheel chair. I always tip generously for the great service.

Yes, our secret is how fast we can go through security!!!! Wheelchair people really deserve a big tip. And Malpensa hotel is very nice and handy... and one can rest up before a long international flight. I have to come up from Genova and long ago I would take the train to Milan and then bus to Malpensa, but no longer can handle that. Unfortunately, hard to get good connections to final destinations!