Flying After 70 in 2026?

I am not sure what you have seen, and I can’t find anything specific on a quick search. My own experience is that my girlfriend and I both turned 70 in fall of 2023 and have taken 5 trips to Europe since then through this past fall. We both do carry-on only. Not once have we seen any issue or attempt to question us prior to or during boarding. I will be following this thread closely as I wish to see what is going on.

All the videos on the subject on YouTube look like AI slop.

Youtube is not a reliable source of information. That video is just clickbait.

There was a similar discussion here:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/new-rules-for-over-65-travelers-in-2026

Airlines have always had the right to deny boarding to anyone they deem unfit to fly regardless of age. They do not want to have a medical emergency in the air.

IMO, watching too many YouTube videos can be hazardous to your health.

In our 80s and never any problem or questions. Sounds like AI slop and/or click bait. Ignore the videos. You tube is not a reliable source, for this or for real news.

My observations, which aren’t from tons and tons and tons of flights, although I’ve taken a number of trips, is that airlines are bending over backwards to accommodate passengers, with more and more wheelchairs to take people to and from flights. This is on both sides of the Atlantic. If you’ve bought tickets (maybe especially if they’re for a flight class more expensive than the cheapest fare), the airline will welcome you onboard, and ensure that it’s been made as easy as possible. Some flyers that don’t appear to need assistance, in fact, might get a much less accommodating experience, verging on confrontational.

Rental cars, now that’s a different situation. Based solely on age, some of us aren’t so welcome to rent, especially with particular companies, even with decades of experience behind a steering wheel, a current driver license, and a good record (and necessary insurance).

Just to add to the don’t worry consensus. Last October I flew roundtrip
Seattle to Boston with my 78 year old friend on Delta. She moves slowly. We board early. No one blinked an eye.

We are in our mid seventies and fly domestically every three weeks. I agree with the above poster, we are seeing more wheel chairs and gate agents being overly helpful with elderly passengers needing assistance. I only use YouTube when I want visual assistance on how to do something like change a battery.

Thank you everyone. I feel.a lot better.

It may have been A I or maybe it was. a real person making the video but they get paid for everyone who clicks on..

And, yes, there was a similar discussion on Xmas Day which I did not notice. Wondering if I should delete this discussion because it is almost a. duplicate.

Hi Phil
I arranged wheelchair assistance for DH when we traveled last fall. It is obvious that he needs help getting through the airport and onto the plane. The BA check in counter people, assistance people, gate agents and flight attendants all were so kind, helpful and reassuring. It could have been argued that he was unfit to fly but with accessibility assistance readily available he was fine.

If you think you could benefit from assistance getting through airports don't be afraid to ask. Airlines wouldn't offer the service only to deny boarding to people who use it.

From the number of travelers I see, I would think that it would be a selling point. (edited by Webmaster)

I’d say keep this thread, bostonphil7. Once a month isn’t too many posts for notable posts/discussions. Happy new year!

So the two people >70 (one wheelchair) who sat immediately behind us on a recent international flight, who were both absolutely sick as dogs; coughing and sneezing (and other unmentionable things) so hard that we could feel it...after avoiding covid during the height of covid and then surprise getting it a week after we sat trapped in front of them...wouldn't that have been nice if they'd been denied boarding. Not going to happen.

Frankly, you can't believe what you are seeing on YouTube. False news is doing exactly what it sets out to do...scare you.
Please enjoy your travels and don't give power to it.

From the number of travelers I see, I would think that it would be a selling point.

There are a great many people who are capable of walking some distance (like along a jet way) but who can't easily manage the sometimes very long hikes from the check in counter to the gate, or from the gate to the baggage carousel. It may be mobility impairment, or it may be a cardiac, respiratory, or other 'invisible' disability. You have absolutely no way of knowing unless you dare to confront them and demand to know. I've had to make use of airport wheelchair services for a few years now. If we should ever meet at a gate, I invite you to an educational conversation on the subject.

BostonPhil, I believe you have been the victim of yet another video (AI or real) feeding on the insecurities of the vulnerable, using unfounded scare tactics, and out and out spewing garbage. While the airlines have always had the right to refuse boarding to anyone they deem unfit to fly, they aren't targeting the elderly or disabled. Neither TSA nor the airlines want the adverse publicity or the legal liability of an ADA or Civil Rights violation. ( in whatever form they may currently exist where you live).

One way to see if a video is AI (because it's getting harder to catch flaws in the animation) is to click on the "more,," when you open the video. On the drop down information that appears on the right of your screen, scroll down and click on "About". Information about the video channel appears. Scroll down to see what country it's made in and in what year. If it's 2025 or newer, it's likely AI. If there are no links to other sites like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or a website, then it's probably AI. If something similar pops up from the same source on your main feed, click on the 3 vertical dots beside the title and select "don't recommend". That should prevent that channel from coming back onto your feed.

CJean, I respect your position. I did not invent the term, but have seen it mentioned many times in travel articles. Specifically referring to the number of people who use the wheelchair service to board early and get seated. Then exit the plane without assistance at their destination. Obviously many people do need the help.

I am going to thank everyone for their helpful replies. So many responses that I can not thank all of you individually.

I am 77 years old and have been flying 3-5 times a year with no problems. We most. fly Delta.

I am still in my mid-70s and have looked at these post-70 videos too regarding my 2026 trip starting the end of May, their looking at "subjective" factors, ie fumbling, nervous, behaviour, confused, .....basically, so what? Forgetting my Real ID or passport for a domestic flight or even an international departure is unthinkable, ie, not possible.

If 2026 is going be stricter re: the rules, one needs to adjust to that and just be prepared.

When returning from the 2025 summer trip from CDG, the French "security" guy asked me when I was directed to stand in the UA line for check-in (, ie, the luggage) which hotel in Paris I stayed in . I told him I stayed in 3 of them, which was an answer I don't think he expected, so it seemed.

Glad thatn I posted this discussion. I was afraid that it was frivolous and that I was just taking up space but all answers have been very helpful. And calmed me down.

I go to youtube daily and maybe several times a day.

These videos havng to do with flying over 70 are very new and they came up at the top of my page. That is why they were so noticed. I was not searching for "flying over 70". Did not even think about it.

I enjoy YouTube, it's a good resource, but don't take everything at face value, be skeptical, and check the veracity of their claims. I enjoy many of the travel channels, if for anything something to listen to while I am washing dishes.

Take the time to look at this channel -- https://www.youtube.com/@PortableProfessional/videos

It's an established channel with 300K subscribers, 485 videos and 62 million views. To be a successful channel - or profitable - one needs a good click through rate, and good retention rate, with consistent and regular content uploads. this channel consistently has their videos post on Sundays.

And you can get a glimpse of the channel's statistics at Social Blade - https://socialblade.com/youtube/channel/UC5XIgzc2Qm7BhWl1vjyQoQQ

To feed the algorithms and keep up content production YouTubers then rely on the clickbait titles and thumbnails that pull viewers into videos which are thin on details or any actual new information.

So you get a video like this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAA9bpPABO4

Titled "New TSA Medication Rules 2026 (Don't Get Stopped at Security!)"

Are there really new rules? If you are not sure one certainly gets pulled in. But did the video reveal anything that was new?

"NEW Airport Rules Catching Americans Off Guard in 2026 (TSA $45 Fee Starts Feb 1!)"
"The REAL Reason TSA Will Flag You With SSSS in 2026 (And How to Avoid It)"
"7 Travel Security Mistakes That Put You at Risk in 2026 | (Pickpockets LOVE #3)"

Just remember whether accurate or misleading they just need your eyeballs on screen. Be skeptical and check their homework.

I saw this video recently. And I feel like it should be required. Mandatory viewing for anyone who starts to watch YouTube videos about travel.

This woman is married to a Delta pilot and has a lot of videos that I liked, but she basically blasted a lot of of these YouTube video creators that are telling you flat out lies or just peddling merchandise. I feel like if you’re going to start watching YouTube videos this is a good primer on learning to think skeptically.

https://youtu.be/wP7H7DuS84c?si=1PEaxWGUskzEIDic

Carol

Watched the video. Thank you for posting.

You have mentioned this woman in the past.

VAP

I am aware that some content creators on youtube possibly make a lot of money by getting clicks.

And some of the titles need to grab the attention of the viewers so that they will click on.. They sometimes sound alarmist.

I found the one that I discussed somewhat frightening and that is why I wrote about it on forum.

Maybe it is misleading.. Maybe it is A I generated as someone suggested,

Forum made me feel better re the youtube content.