Dementia Friendly Air Travel Workshop a Big Hit 

The Guest and Employee Experience team at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is flying high after hosting its second successful Dementia Friendly Air Travel Workshops in January.

This award-winning workshop PHX is now scheduled to be held twice a year, the next one on July 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and is proving to be a popular addition to the list of amenities at America’s Friendliest Airport^®.

Phoenix Sky Harbor was the first airport in the country to offer the Dementia Friendly Air Travel Workshop, which brings together representatives from the airport, the airlines, and TSA to share information and tips while answering questions from care providers for those with dementia and their families.

Phoenix was among the first and largest cities to commit to joining Dementia Friendly America, which focuses on making everyday life easier to navigate for those affected by dementia. Changes implemented at Phoenix Sky Harbor include the Compassion Cacti™ Lanyard Program, a special lanyard that identifies a traveler as someone who experiences dementia thus making it easier for airport staff to recognize them and offer assistance.

The lanyard also gives travelers the ability to enter quiet areas that offer minimal distractions – something that can help avoid the agitation and confusion often present when a person experiencing dementia is away from home.

Participants in the most recent workshop expressed anxiety over traveling solo with an illness, or with a family member who needs constant supervision. They attended the workshop for tips and to learn about other available resources, like family-assisted restrooms and requesting assistance from a volunteer Navigator.

The Dementia Friendly Air Travel Workshop was recognized by Airports Council International – North America as the best Customer Experience Program for Large Airports as part of its Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Awards. 

Caregiver Tips

• Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
• Find timely information about flight status, TSA Security Checkpoint wait times, etc. on com.
• Find family restrooms, the Sensory Room, chapel, etc. on the Compassion Corner webpage and the interactive directory in each terminal.
• Request a wheelchair and other services from your airline.