Communication Preference
Decide whether written notes, text messaging, lip reading, captions, an interpreter, verbal directions, large print, or another method works best for you.
Senior Travel Directory
Hearing and Vision Travel Support for Seniors
Hearing or vision changes do not have to make travel confusing. The right communication, airport assistance, hotel features, technology, and advance planning can make unfamiliar places much easier to navigate.
✓
Tell the airline, hotel, tour operator, or transportation provider
exactly what communication or navigation help you need rather than
assuming they will know automatically.
Part of the 60AndOver.net Senior Travel Directory
Accessible travel, airport help, mobility guidance, hotels,
cruises, attractions, transportation, and destination planning.
Browse Travel Directory
Accessible Communication
Plan Around How You Receive Information Best
Travel depends heavily on announcements, signs, directions, boarding information, room numbers, transportation changes, and instructions. Missing one piece of information can create unnecessary stress.
A traveler who is deaf or hard of hearing may need written or visual information instead of spoken announcements. A traveler who is blind or has low vision may need verbal directions, guided assistance, large print, better lighting, or help locating unfamiliar areas.
The most useful approach is to identify what works for you and request that support before important parts of the trip.
Before the Trip
Six Things to Prepare
A little preparation can make airports, hotels, tours, and unfamiliar destinations much easier to manage.
Assistive Devices
Pack hearing aids, glasses, magnifiers, canes, chargers, batteries, cleaning supplies, and other essential equipment in easy reach.
Phone Accessibility
Set up larger text, screen magnification, voice control, captions, vibration alerts, screen readers, and emergency contacts before travel.
Airport Assistance
Ask the airline for guided assistance or communication support if navigating the terminal or receiving flight information may be difficult.
Hotel Features
Ask about visual alarms, accessible communication devices, lighting, elevator announcements, signage, and room location.
Backup Information
Keep the hotel address, flight details, emergency contacts, and transportation information in a form you can access independently.
Airports & Airlines
Ask for Information in a Form You Can Use
Under U.S. air-travel disability rules, passengers who identify themselves as needing hearing or visual assistance must receive prompt access to the same important trip information provided to other passengers.
1
Tell airline staff that you need hearing, visual, or guided assistance.
2
Ask how gate changes, boarding calls, delays, and other updates will be communicated to you.
3
Request guided assistance through the airport if navigating the terminal independently is difficult.
4
Ask for help reaching ticketing, security, gates, baggage claim, or a connecting flight when needed.
5
At the gate, remind personnel of your communication needs so you do not miss boarding information.
Guided assistance does not mean wheelchair assistance.
DOT specifically recognizes guided assistance for travelers who are blind. Airlines cannot require a passenger to use a wheelchair when that is not the type of assistance the traveler requested.
Practical Support
Plan Differently for Hearing and Vision Needs
For Travelers Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Important information that is given only over a loudspeaker can be easy to miss. Build in visual and direct communication wherever possible.
- Turn on text alerts from the airline and hotel.
- Watch airport display boards for gate and schedule changes.
- Ask gate personnel to notify you directly when boarding begins.
- Use live-caption features on compatible phones when helpful.
- Carry spare hearing-aid batteries or charging equipment.
- Ask hotels about visual smoke alarms, door alerts, and communication devices.
For Travelers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Unfamiliar terminals, streets, hotels, and attractions may be much easier with guided assistance and accessible information.
- Request guided airport assistance when needed.
- Keep directions and destination details available through a screen reader or voice assistant.
- Use high-contrast or large-text settings on your phone.
- Ask hotel staff to describe room layout and important routes.
- Ask attractions about audio description, tactile materials, or guided tours.
- Keep a cane, magnifier, glasses, or other essential device with you rather than in checked baggage.
Make Important Travel Information Easier to Receive
Do not depend on only one method of communication during a trip. Combine the tools that work best for you.
Airline App
Turn on notifications for gate changes, boarding, delays, baggage,
and schedule updates.
Text Alerts
Use SMS alerts when available so important changes do not depend
entirely on audible announcements.
Written Details
Keep hotel addresses, terminal information, confirmation numbers,
and transportation details in an accessible format.
Beyond the Airport
Transportation, Tours and Attractions
Communication and navigation support can matter throughout the trip, not only while flying.
Trains
Confirm How Stops and Changes Are Announced
Ask whether station, platform, departure, and arrival information is available visually, audibly, or directly from staff when needed.
Cruises
Ask About Communication and Emergency Alerts
Ask the cruise line about accessible cabin alerts, announcements, printed information, assistive listening options, guided help, emergency procedures, and shore-excursion accessibility.
Tours
Check How the Tour Is Presented
Ask about assistive listening systems, captions, interpreters, audio description, tactile exhibits, large-print materials, and the guide's ability to provide individual communication assistance.
Street Travel
Prepare Before Walking an Unfamiliar Area
Save the hotel address and destination details before leaving. Navigation apps, voice directions, accessible transit apps, and hotel staff can help with unfamiliar routes.
Hotels
Ask About More Than the Room
Hotel accessibility can include communication, navigation, alarms, signage, lighting, elevators, and help locating important facilities.
Visual Alert Equipment
Ask whether the room can provide visual notification for alarms,
telephone calls, or someone at the door when needed.
Lighting and Contrast
Travelers with low vision may benefit from strong room lighting,
easy-to-see switches, and clear contrast around important features.
Room Orientation
Ask staff to explain or demonstrate the room layout, thermostat,
telephone, exits, elevators, and route to important hotel areas.
Accessible Communication
Ask how the property communicates emergency information and whether
staff can provide written, visual, or verbal assistance as needed.
Blind and low-vision guests are covered by ADA protections at U.S. hotels.
ADA guidance states that covered lodging properties must provide guests who are blind or have low vision an equal opportunity to use their services and facilities.
Before You Leave
Hearing and Vision Travel Checklist
Use this quick review before the trip.
I told the airline or transportation provider what assistance I need.
I turned on travel alerts and accessibility settings on my phone.
I packed essential hearing or vision devices in my carry-on belongings.
I packed chargers, spare batteries, glasses, or other backups.
I confirmed the hotel's communication or vision-related accessibility features.
I have hotel, flight, transportation, and emergency details in an accessible format.
I know how I will receive important updates during tours and activities.
Senior Travel Directory
Related Accessible Travel Guides
Airport Wheelchair Assistance
Help with check-in, security, gates, boarding, connections, baggage claim, and airport navigation.
Accessible Hotels
Room accessibility, bathrooms, elevators, transportation, communication, and hotel-wide access.
Accessible Attractions
Museums, historic sites, parks, tours, seating, restrooms, mobility access, and visitor services.
Official Accessibility Resources
Policies and services can change, so confirm current arrangements with the airline, hotel, attraction, or transportation provider.
DOT Disability Bill of Rights
Current U.S. guidance covering accessible information, airport assistance, seating, assistive devices, and disability-related support.
View passenger rights →DOT Guided Assistance
Information about guided airport assistance for travelers who are blind and other disability-related help through the terminal.
View guided assistance →ADA Lodging Guide
U.S. ADA guidance for lodging properties serving guests who are blind or have low vision.
View ADA lodging guidance →
Common Questions
Hearing and Vision Travel FAQs
Can a blind traveler request guided assistance at an airport?
Yes. For U.S.-covered air travel, airlines must provide requested
assistance to passengers with disabilities navigating through the
airport, including guided assistance for a traveler who is blind.
Do airlines have to provide flight information to deaf or hard-of-hearing passengers?
Under U.S. disability rules, passengers who identify as needing
hearing assistance must receive prompt access to the same important
trip information provided to other passengers at locations such as
the gate, ticket area, customer service desk, and aircraft.
Can I request written communication from airline staff?
Airline personnel are required to be trained in readily available
communication methods for travelers who are deaf or hard of
hearing, which can include communicating through written notes.
Can I ask an airline for a guide instead of a wheelchair?
Yes. A passenger who needs guided assistance should request that
service. U.S. DOT guidance says an airline cannot require a
passenger to accept a specific form of assistance, such as a
wheelchair, when that is not what the traveler requested.
What should I ask a hotel if I am hard of hearing?
Ask about accessible communication features such as visual alarms,
door notification, telephone alerts, and how emergency information
will be communicated.
What can make a hotel easier for someone with low vision?
Helpful features can include strong lighting, clear contrast,
accessible signage, staff assistance with room orientation, and
clear routes to elevators, exits, restaurants, and other important areas.
About This Guide
60AndOver.net provides practical travel-planning information. Individual hearing, vision, communication, and accessibility needs differ, so travelers should request the specific support that works for them.
Services Can Vary
Airline procedures, hotel equipment, attraction services, transportation accessibility, and destination resources can change. Confirm important arrangements directly before travel.