While asking my community what their biggest fears were while traveling, most mentioned meltdowns, eloping, and flying. I felt this to the core. This is something that I still worry about with Tristan. Although he is older now and has flown many many times, it was not always this “easy”. My first time flying with Tristan was in May of 2013. Tristan was only 2 years old, about to turn 3. I had the worst anxiety leading up to that flight. Not to mention we were about to move from CA to NC, leave everybody and everything we had ever known. Chris was active duty at that point and we were going to be stationed at Camp Lejeune.
Anywho, when I think of that time, the anxiety comes back to me full force and I can’t help but get teary eyed, thinking of all of my emotions. At the time, Tristan had not been diagnosed yet but deep down inside I knew. I kept telling my mom and my grandma that something was different and I could feel it. Again, he was not diagnosed yet so I did not know about resources or accommodations we could implement to help with our experience.
All I knew was that Tristan was obsessed with his Ipad. He would do everything and anything to get screen time. That was going to be my bribe to whole airplane ride. That was seriously all I had. Ipad, his favorite snacks, and some coloring options. I did not know about the resources I know about now. I wish I had. You are probably wondering how Tristan did? Well it went okay. Not the best but okay. Take-off and landing were probably the most difficult situations. However, we got through and since then, Tristan has flown many many times with minimal obstacles. I think it helped that I introduced him to flying at such a young age but who knows. I do know that if I had known about the below accommodations and resources, things would have gone a lot smoother.
It’s Cool to fly American Airlines
American Airlines has an amazing experience for guests flying with Autism. “It’s Cool to fly American” is helping these children and their families know what to expect from their air travel experience and bringing greater inclusion, awareness and understanding to those on the autism spectrum. ICTFA is essentially a mock travel experience. Kids and their families concerned about the hustle and bustle of air travel are able to experience nearly every aspect of it without actually taking off. They park, check-in, wait at the gate, board, taxi, return to the gate and retrieve their luggage. The experience lasts about 3 1/2 hours.
This program is only available at participating locations. Check with your local airport to see if American Airlines is participating at your local location.
The Arc/Wings for All
Wings for All is another amazing program hosted by The Arc that allows special needs families to practice what it would be like to air travel. They go through the process of helping those with Autism and their families experience when traveling by air by providing families with the opportunity to experience and learn about how their loved ones will react to different stimuli in the airport.
This is also a great opportunity for airports, airlines, TSA professionals, and other personnel the opportunity to observe, interact, and deliver their services in a structured learning environment—improving their disability competency and processes for accommodating ALL passengers who fly.
JSX is The World’s First Autism-Certified Air Carrier
JSX is an affordable jet service that is continuously expanding across the country. They are the world’s first autism certified air carrier by Autism Double-Checked, which is an organization that reviews travel companies, hotels and destinations for autism readiness.
JSX developed autism awareness training and protocols along side with Autism Double-Checked. Some of their methods for training include staff to assist passengers with autism, including courses, as well as providing quiet rooms and additional boarding options like early boarding to make the travel process easier.
Just like “It’s Cool to fly American” & “Wings for All”, JSX partners with certain Autism programs to offer mock-boarding events for families to experience the process for themselves before they even book a flight.
Accommodations from TSA & your airline
I tell my clients this all the time. Make sure to print a TSA notification card and make sure you contact your airline and TSA at your airport up to 72 hours before travel. Be sure to let them know that you are traveling with someone with special needs.
One of the more common accommodations that airlines offer is pre-boarding for individuals with autism, allowing them to board in a more controlled atmosphere and giving the family an opportunity to get settled while the plane is emptier. (subject to change & depends on the airline)
When you tell TSA Cares that you are traveling with someone with special needs, you can request a support staff member to help you through the process of boarding. You know your child best so if you feel like they would benefit with a support staff member, make sure to request a passenger support specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance. They will help with the security screenings, explaining directions,
Also, look into TSA Pre-check! TSA Pre-Check makes the security process a breeze. When you are a TSA Pre-check member you will not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts and light jackets.
Autism to new heights
I hope all of that information was helpful before your travels. I hope you know that your fears of traveling with your special needs child are normal and valid. Many many other parents that I have spoken to, have the same fears. With the right research and implementing accommodations from these companies, I hope that together we can maximize your experience and help you feel a tad more confident to explore the world! You can contact me anytime with questions or to book your next vacation!
