8 Tips for Holiday Air Travel with Hearing Loss
Flying for the Holidays?
Air travel this time of year is always challenging, especially for passengers with hearing loss.
The holiday season brings joy, family reunions and often a hectic trip through crowded airports. For travelers with hearing loss, the risk of missing valuable information due to muffled announcements is just one more obstacle to navigate in addition to long lines, gate changes and flight delays.
Use these eight strategies to help ease your travels and ensure smoother, safer flights.
- Book Early for Audio-Friendly Seating: Book tickets far in advance so you can select seats near the front, where it’s easier to hear flight attendants.
- Self-Identify at Every Stage: Indicate your hearing loss while buying your ticket, at security, at the gate and on the plane, to ensure staff can provide the support you need. Tell gate agents you’ll need boarding updates in writing or visually and remind them if necessary.
- Use Airline Apps and Text Alerts: Winter storms and heavy traffic often mean delays. Most airlines send push notifications about gate changes or cancellations through their apps—install the app on your mobile device for updates prior to leaving for the airport.
- Pack Smart for Your Devices: Bring your charger, power devices and extra batteries for hearing aids. A speech-to-text app or remote microphone may help with conversations in noisy terminals.
- Arrive Early and Request Pre-boarding: The holidays mean fuller flights and more chaos, so plan an early arrival to get through security without pressure. Preboarding your plane lets you settle in and ensure that you hear or read crew instructions clearly.
- Know Your Options Onboard: Many U.S. airlines offer closed-captioned safety videos and in-flight entertainment, printed safety instructions and front-of-cabin or adjacent seating to accommodate interpreters or companions. Use them each as needed.
- Use the Airport’s Hearing Assistance Resources: Some airports now feature hearing loops or visual paging systems. Research ahead of time to learn where the tools are located. Many airports also participate in the Sunflower Lanyard program, which allows passengers to silently signal a hidden disability like hearing loss. You can typically request a lanyard at airport information centers.
- Fly Off-Peak with a Companion: Try to plan your flights to avoid high-demand travel dates and times. If possible, traveling with a hearing friend or family member can reduce stress and anxiety.
Amazing Hearing
There’s no reason to live with untreated hearing loss. Schedule a hearing test with Amazing Hearing, so you can get help as soon as possible. We provide comprehensive hearing health services, from tests to hearing aid fittings. Contact us today to learn more!
