Youngest wants to drive me CA to WA, and gift me a return flight after visiting our relatives; afterwards, he'll drive around WA to visit friends, returning later to CA. Amtrak appeals a lot more than 12 or so hours in a car for me. Flying, naturally, is quicker. Would anyone suggest how he could go as my caregiver and perhaps receive a lower fare? Thanks.
Amtrak gives discounts for seniors and caregivers . I don’t know if they are available all year round .
Passengers 75 and older can receive some form of expedited screening through risk-based intelligence-driven security that allows TSA to better focus resources on passengers who more likely pose a risk.
Screening
You may leave on your shoes however; removal of light jackets is required for Advanced Imaging Technology screening.
If the alarm goes off during security screening, you may be required to remove your shoes for further screening or undergo a pat-down. You can request to be seated during this portion of the screening.
Passengers 75 and older who are unable to stand for screening will be screened through other security methods.
Should you travel with medical devices and/or implants, other screening procedures may apply.
if you have at least some of the route on the coastal tracks, the view is beautiful!
A few years ago I signed her up for Clear. As it turns out, she is so stooped and her eyes so "aged" that the retina scanner couldn't confirm her ID. And her fingerprints are "worn off" so that metric didn't work either, so she had to go into the line with the others in the end anyway. That's why we're doing the TSA PreCheck status from now on.
Airport food is incredibly expensive, so bring snacks. Do not bring any liquid as they won't allow any from the outside to be carried past the TSA checkpoint. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it past the checkpoints, or just buy a $4 bottle of something.
"Back in the day" Delta had a special "companion fare" but not anymore. Now the cost of buying a seat is a nickel-and-dime fest, depending what airline and what airports. I'm bringing my Mom down to FL and then turning around and flying home the next day. Still no discount for me.
Bring your phone charger and any device to entertain yourself. Download the app of any airline you are flying on and learn how to use it for digital check-in.
I hope you have a great trip!