A plain-English guide for adults 50+
Flying After 60? Know What the Airline Owes You — Before Something Goes Wrong
The plain-English guide to refunds, delays, bumping, lost bags, wheelchair help and TSA screening — with the exact words to say at the counter.
Instant PDF download · 45 pages · Free bonus: 25 Free Airline Perks for Seniors: The Ask-For Cards
★ Free bonus: 25 Free Airline Perks for Seniors: The Ask-For Cards
Every purchase includes the Ask-For Cards — 25 free airport and airline perks with the exact words to say at check-in, security, the gate and on board, marked YOUR RIGHT or JUST ASK. Phone-ready images you can save to your photos, so they work without Wi-Fi. They come with your download.
Your flight is canceled. The agent offers a voucher. Do you take it?
Most travelers don't know that if the airline cancels and you choose not to fly, you're owed your money back — not a voucher. Rules like this exist to protect you. But they're buried in government pages written for lawyers.
This guide pulls them out, puts them in plain English, and tells you what to say.
What's inside
Eight chapters and a toolkit, in plain English
Money Back: Refunds
When you're owed cash, and how fast: within 7 business days on a credit card.
Delays at the Airport
What counts as a “significant” change (3 hours domestic, 6 international) and what airlines have promised.
If You're Bumped
Your right to compensation, up to $2,150, and how to ask for it.
Your Bags
Lost, delayed or damaged bags, and what the airline must pay.
Help When You Need It
Your rights to wheelchair help, seating and assistance under the Air Carrier Access Act.
Through Security
TSA rules for ID, medications, medical devices and travelers 75 and older.
When They Say No: How to Complain So It Works
Who to contact, in what order.
Flying Long-Haul, and Flying to Vietnam
Which rights follow you overseas, and what changes on the Vietnam route.
Ready to use
A before-you-fly checklist, five fill-in letter templates, a flight problem log, and a glossary.
Why you can trust it
Every rule sourced and dated
Every rule links to its official source — the U.S. Department of Transportation, TSA, the Federal Register, or the Montreal Convention treaty text. All 36 sources were checked on November 11, 2026. A “How to check for changes” page shows you how to confirm a rule before a big trip.
A sample “Say this” line
“My flight was cancelled and I choose not to travel. Please refund me to my original form of payment — not a voucher.”
This guide is for you if…
- You're 50+, fly a few times a year, and want to feel prepared.
- You use a wheelchair, a cane, or extra help at the airport.
- You help a parent plan a trip and want to know what to ask for.
Who wrote this
Hi, I'm Mary R. Johnson
I'm the founder of Traveling Savvy Seniors and the author of The Slow Path to Wellness. I've lived and traveled across Southeast Asia since 2025, and I help adults 50+ travel and live abroad with confidence.
Questions
Is this legal advice?
No. It's general information in plain English, with links to the official rules. For legal advice, talk to a lawyer.
Does it cover international flights?
Yes — flights within, to or from the United States, on U.S. and foreign airlines. Chapter 8 explains which rights follow you overseas.
Do I need to be 60 to use it?
No. Most rights apply to every passenger. Disability rights are based on need, not age.
How do I get it?
Right after checkout you'll get a download link on screen and by email. Save it to your phone or print it.
What if a rule changes?
Corrections go into the next update. Found something? Email contactus@travelingsavvyseniors.com.
Know your rights before you fly.
Refunds, delays, bumping, lost bags, wheelchair help and TSA — in plain English, with the words to say.
Get the Guide — $14.99Instant download after checkout · Includes the free Ask-For Cards
Not affiliated with or endorsed by any airline, DOT, or TSA.
