Travel Letters: For elderly fliers, airlines are there to assist

Regarding “Travel Buddies” by Catharine Hamm [On the Spot, Nov. 27]: I suggest to my elderly clients or their families that they get wheelchair assistance from the airlines. Not only does it save them long, tiring walks, but the airline personnel also ensure that they are at the right gates and assist in getting them to the baggage area, where a family member will be waiting. There is no cost.

Sandee Litwin

Litwin Travel

Los Angeles

We had the same problem when we wanted my father-in-law, who lives with us and has moderate Alzheimer’s, to fly to Nashville to visit another son for Thanksgiving. After sifting through websites, including https://www.alz.org, for information on travel for elderly people with health and cognition issues, we found a little-known (or advertised) solution: You get a paper at the airline’s ticket counter that allows you to go through security with your family member and wait with him in the boarding area, as well as giving him pre-boarding. Then have the “receiving” family member do the same process at the destination. All that is needed is the person’s flight confirmation and your driver’s license.

It all went without a hitch.

You want to make sure that it is a direct flight with no stops or change of planes. And I took the extra step of having Dad wear a card on his shirt with his name, as well as both his sons’ names and cell numbers, and that identified him as having Alzheimer’s.

Elaine Skinker

San Diego

A handy guide to Pasadena

Once again, Christopher Reynolds has hit it out of the park with his Pasadena and environs story [“Marvelous Magnitude,” Nov. 27]. An excellent article that is almost encyclopedic with so many places to go and see in and around the Crown City. I like the way he has grouped attractions by locale. A great guide and one to save.

Richard Mason

Redondo Beach

Rental cars and fuel-fee blues

Regarding “The Tanks They Get,” by Catharine Hamm [On the Spot, Nov. 20]: I rented a vehicle from a well-known firm in Italy for three weeks. After the rental agreement was signed, the vehicle was brought to the office. While loading the car, the rep says the tank is half-full so return it at half. I did. I returned home and two days later get a bill and a charge to my Amex for $206.45 for fuel.

Of course, the rental agreement states that I am obligated to return the car with a full tank and says that the tank is full.

Stupidly, I had relied on a verbal misrepresentation. I have disputed the charge with Amex, and that is pending.

Renter, beware. The rental agreements are complex and confusing, with terms and rates buried in blah, blah. We really do not know what we are signing and do not have the time to read all of it when there are six people in line behind you,

Lou Picerno

Arcadia