Travel Companions
When someone can't travel alone
Most people don't think twice about booking a flight.
But when the traveller has mobility challenges, early dementia, anxiety, vision loss, limited English, or simply isn't confident navigating airports anymore, travel becomes much more complicated.
Family members often face an impossible choice: take several days off work to accompany them, or worry about them travelling alone.
That's where we come in.
Portage provides experienced travel companions who accompany clients throughout their journey, helping them travel safely, confidently, and with dignity.
Who this service is for
Travel Companion Support is designed for people who can travel commercially but would benefit from another person travelling with them.
Common situations include:
Older adults travelling to visit family or relocate.
Individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.
Travellers with mobility limitations.
People recovering from illness or surgery.
Individuals who become overwhelmed by busy airports or multiple flight connections.
Anyone whose family cannot accompany them.
Every traveller is different. We match the level of support to the person's needs.
What your companion does
Our role is to manage the journey so the traveller doesn't have to.
Depending on the situation, your companion may:
Meet the traveller at home, in hospital, or at a care facility.
Assist with check-in, security, customs, and boarding.
Help manage luggage and mobility equipment.
Coordinate wheelchair assistance and other airline services.
Provide reminders about medications, meals, and hydration.
Assist with transfers between flights.
Provide reassurance and practical support throughout the journey.
Escort the traveller safely to their family member, residence, hospital, or care facility at the destination.
The exact level of assistance is determined during our assessment before travel.
Professional companions
Our companions are carefully selected and matched to each journey.
Depending on the traveller's needs, this may include experienced travel companions, caregivers, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, or paramedics.
When medical considerations are involved, we can also access physician oversight to help guide travel planning and ensure the journey is appropriate.
Built around planning
A successful journey begins well before the day of travel.
We work through the details in advance, identify potential challenges, and develop practical plans to manage them. Airline assistance, mobility equipment, medications, timing, airport transfers, and destination handovers are all considered before the traveller leaves home.
This preparation helps reduce surprises and allows the journey to proceed as smoothly as possible.
Privacy matters
Many of our clients value discretion.
Our companions maintain a professional, low-profile appearance whenever possible. We avoid unnecessarily drawing attention to our clients with highly visible medical branding or oversized equipment unless the situation requires it.
The goal is simple: help people travel with dignity while ensuring they receive the support they need.
Is Travel Companion Support right for you?
If you're unsure whether your family member needs a travel companion or a medical escort, we're happy to discuss the situation and recommend the most appropriate level of support.