What to expect from Portage, from first call to arrival
Expertly planned, professionally accompanied journeys. We connect people, connect families, and connect flights — and it starts with a clear, supportive process.
Last updated: October 8, 2026
Every Portage journey follows the same path. It starts with a free Navigation Call and an intake assessment. Your Case Coordinator recommends the level of support the journey needs, a Travel Companion or a Medical Escort, then plans and books the trip. On the day, one person travels with the traveller from departure to arrival.
What are the steps?
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Free Navigation Call
We get to know the traveller, the destination, the timing, and any health or mobility needs.
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Intake and assessment
Your Case Coordinator reviews the journey in detail and, with permission, may speak with the traveller's healthcare providers.
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The right level of support
We recommend a Travel Companion or a Medical Escort, and we tell you plainly which one the journey needs.
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The travel plan
Your Case Coordinator books flights and ground transport, arranges airline assistance and any medical clearance, and keeps family informed.
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The journey
Your Travel Companion or Medical Escort meets the traveller at home, hospital, care facility, or airport and stays with them the whole way.
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Arrival and handover
The journey ends when the traveller is with family, a receiving care team, or settled at their destination, and we confirm arrival.
Who is who on a Portage journey?
Your Case Coordinator
Plans and books the journey before anyone leaves home: the assessment, the route, airline assistance, mobility equipment, timing, and arrival arrangements. Stays reachable throughout the trip.
Your Travel Companion or Medical Escort
A Travel Companion provides hands-on personal care on the journey, including mobility, meals, hydration, and medication reminders. A Medical Escort provides that care plus clinical care, including oxygen management and medication administration.
Flight or Ground
Most Portage journeys are on commercial flights, with ground transport arranged at both ends. For journeys that can be completed in a day, such as Banff to Edmonton or Lethbridge to Calgary, we can arrange ground transport for the whole trip when it is the safest option. Ground is also the right choice for some travellers whose condition is stable but who are not well suited to a commercial cabin, and we arrange longer ground journeys, such as Calgary to Winnipeg, when that is the case. We coordinate safe ground transport with either a Travel Companion or a Medical Escort travelling with you; the mode for your journey is settled during intake.
Questions about the process
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The more notice we have, the better we can plan, but travel needs don't always come with warning and we can often help on shorter timelines. Contact us as soon as you know the traveller needs to move.
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We plan for the unexpected. A delayed flight, a missed connection, or a change in how the traveller is feeling is handled on the spot by the Travel Companion or Medical Escort, while your Case Coordinator manages rebookings and keeps everyone informed.
That’s completely normal. Many clients contact us unsure whether they need a travel companion, personal care attendant, or medical escort. We'll help assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate option.
No pressure. No obligation. Just professional guidance to help you make the right decision.
Ready to discuss your travel needs? Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.