8 Tips for Vacation Traveling with Hearing Loss

Are you traveling for holidays?

Air travel at this time of year is always a challenge, especially for travelers with hearing loss. Check out our helpful strategies, defend your rights and learn a new way to file complaints with the Department of Transportation.

Written by HLAA Public Policy Director Neil Snyder

Airport boarding gate display sign with flight information. © San Diego International Airport

The holiday season brings joy, family reunions and often a hectic journey through crowded airports. For travelers with hearing loss, the risk of missing important information due to muffled announcements is just another obstacle to navigation in addition to long lines, gate changes and flight delays.

Airport boarding gate display sign with flight information. © San Diego International Airport

Following these eight practical strategies can make your travels easier and ensure smoother, safer travels.

1. Book early for sound-friendly seating
   Book tickets in advance so you can choose seats near the front, where it’s easier to hear the flight attendants.
2. Self-identification at every stage
   Mention your hearing loss while purchasing your ticket, at security, at the gate and on board, to ensure staff can provide the support you need. Tell gate agents that you will need boarding updates in writing or visually and remind them if necessary.
3. 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 to get updates.
4. Smart package for your devices
   Bring chargers, power banks, and extra batteries for your hearing aids and cochlear implants. A speech-to-text app or remote microphone may help with conversations on noisy stations.5
5. Arrive early and request boarding in advance
   Holidays mean fuller flights and more chaos, so plan to arrive early to get through security stress-free. Boarding allows you to settle in and ensure that the crew’s instructions are clearly heard or read.
6. Know your options on board
   Many US airlines offer closed-door safety videos, in-flight entertainment, printed safety instructions, and front or adjacent seats to accommodate interpreters or companions. Use each as needed.
7. Use the airport’s hearing aid resources
   Some airports are now distinguished Hearing loops Or visual paging systems. Do your research beforehand to find out where the tools are. Many airports also participate in the Sunflower Lanyard Program, which allows travelers to silently indicate a hidden disability such as hearing loss. You can usually request a lanyard at airport information centres.
8. Flying during off-peak times with a companion
   Try to plan your trips to avoid high-demand travel dates and times. If possible, traveling with a friend or family member who is hearing can reduce stress and anxiety.

Holiday travel can test anyone’s patience, but if you prepare and advocate for yourself, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With these tips, you’ll spend less time worrying about airport hassles and more time enjoying vacations with family and friends.

Passenger in front of airport flight board with visual message screen. © San Diego International Airport

Knowing your rights before you travel helps avoid miscommunication during the busiest times of the year at airports. All U.S. airlines must follow the Airline Accessibility Act (ACAA), which protects passengers with disabilities, including hearing loss. This landmark legislation was created in 1986 and ensures air travel is accessible and non-discriminatory for people with disabilities, by requiring air carriers to accommodate their needs.

In 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced the system Charter of Rights for Airline Passengers with Disabilitieswhich was supported by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and other advocacy organizations. It includes provisions regarding accessible flight and safety information, boarding and seating areas, and the right to be treated with dignity and respect, among others.

Congress recently passed the FAA FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024which requires enhanced facilities by September 2028, including fully accessible advertising, captions for in-flight entertainment and enhanced digital accessibility on airline websites and kiosks.