What is the maximum age to travel by plane?

Many people look to explore the world in later life. In this article, we’ll explore what to look out for when planning a trip abroad as a more mature traveller, from flight rules to travel insurance.

What is the maximum age to fly?

Legally, there is no maximum age limit for flying alone as a plane passenger. As long as you’re in good health, airlines should allow you to fly.

If you do have any health concerns, such as heart conditions or mobility issues, you can consult your doctor ahead of flying. Some airlines, such as British Airways, may request medical clearance or certificates if you have pre-existing medical conditions that could be affected by air travel.

It’s also important to note that if you travel against your doctor’s advice, you can invalidate your travel insurance.

Travelling alone or with a companion

According to the UK government anyone over the age of 12 can travel alone on a plane, and there's a lot to gain from solo travel.

If you're heading abroad alone, certain travel companies specialise in catering for solo travellers or offer group travel experiences for single people. You can read more about this here.

Of course, certain circumstances make travelling with a companion beneficial. For example, if you require care assistance.

If you are travelling with a friend, family member or carer, you may wish to consider features such as travelling companion cover. This way, even if your fellow traveller is insured by another provider, the cost of their cancellation or curtailment is covered should you become unwell or are unable to travel.

What else should I look out for as an older traveller?

In most cases, travel rules and restrictions apply to your health, activities or destination regardless of age. As such, a little research can help travelling go a little smoother.   

Travel insurance

Some companies have age limits in place and may also exclude certain pre-existing medical conditions. However, there are specialist travel insurance providers you can turn to.

Age Co Travel Insurance is provided by our partner AllClear, specialists in medical travel insurance. This means you can access cover for over 1,300 pre-existing conditions. Plus, there are no upper age limits.

Car hire

Car hire companies can have maximum age limits for renting a vehicle. They can also apply additional charges for older drivers. As such, it can pay to shop around.

Passport payments

Being older does come with some traveller advantages. If you’re a British citizen born on or before the 2nd September 1929, you can get a free passport. The Post Office Passport Check and Send service is also comes without charge.

Holiday activities

Some tours or excursions have age or fitness restrictions, so it’s worth checking the details before adding activities to your itinerary. Likewise, it’s worth double checking your planned activities are covered by your travel insurance policy. High risk activities, such as winter sports, can have age limits in place.

Help at the airport

Many airports provide free assistance to any passenger with disabilities or reduced mobility, including:

• Help checking in your luggage and any medical equipment you may need to take.
• Assistance navigating security and getting to your gate on time.
• Access to disabled toilets and other specialist facilities, if available on site.

To find out if an airport you’re visiting offers these services, visit their website and look for information on ‘Special Assistance’. Alternatively, email or call their advice line for further guidance.

Are there any other health-related restrictions to consider as a plane passenger?

According to the government, if you take medication containing a controlled drug (this can be checked with your doctor or pharmacist), you must carry it in your hand luggage when leaving or entering the UK.

It can also be helpful to double checking if your medication is permitted in the country you intend on travelling to. Some countries have strict rules about bringing in medications, especially controlled substances. These include:

• India
• Turkey
• Pakistan
• United Arab Emirates 

If this is the case, you will also need to prove it’s your medicine with either a prescription or a letter from your doctor.

In summary

As this article highlights, plane travel has no upper age limit. However, there are certain rules and opportunities that are worth bearing in mind when planning a trip in later life.

• There is no maximum age limit for flying alone and your ability to fly depends on your health rather than your age.
• Some travel insurance providers have age limits or restrictions on cover for medical conditions, but specialist protection is available.
• From car hire to boat excursions, age restrictions can apply to other elements of your holiday so it is important to check all booking details.

Looking for over 80s travel insurance? Click here to learn more about Age Co Travel Insurance.