How To Take A Child With Autism On An Airplane?

Traveling by plane with an autistic child can be a daunting task, but it can also be exciting and fun. Here are some tips to make the journey easier for families and children with autism spectrum disorder.

1. Book seats in advance by calling the airline or travel agent you booked the flight through and asking for allocated medical seats. Notify the gate attendant that you are traveling with a child with an ASD and you will be allowed to board early or board last depending on your preference.

2. Plan your child’s travel schedule as soon as possible, checking flight schedules for the best times of day for your child to travel. Pack items to keep your child entertained, such as toys, books, snacks, headphones, and plane-safe electronics.

3. Carry identification for individuals with autism, such as medical bracelets or necklaces. At the gate, inform the attendant that the child has autism and you and the child will be able to board priority, right after wheelchairs. Alert the airline so they get on first and off last to avoid being pushed and crowded. If the child is noise sensitive, have earplugs.

4. Plan frequent breaks, whether it’s bathroom trips, meal or snack times, or breathers. Make time to press pause and pay attention to your child’s needs.

5. Contact airport customer service support, create a travel checklist, prepare fun wait-time activities, and follow these tips for flying with an autistic child. Fly small, use sensory rooms, and support timing to ensure a smooth journey.

How do you calm an autistic child on a plane?

Pack essential coping or treatment items, such as clothes and medicines, along with entertainment items like toys, books, snacks, headphones, and plane-safe electronics. Consider contingency plans for flight delays and ask for help from airports and airlines. Many airports and airlines have supportive resources and staff, such as customer assistance desks, quiet rooms, family-friendly bathrooms, and sensory-friendly rooms. Learn where to find these resources and ask for support or accommodations when needed. Remember to be patient and understanding during your travels.

How do children with autism get on a plane?

To board an airplane with an ASD child, inform the gate attendant and choose to board early or last, depending on your preference. Early boarding eliminates waiting in line at the gate or on the plane, while last boarding allows you to be on the plane for a shorter time. To prevent ear-popping during takeoff and landing, encourage your child to suck on candy or chew gum, or use a chewing toy if they cannot safely do so. Additionally, placing a digital clock or count-down timer in front of your child can help them understand the duration of their flight.

What is the best airline to fly with an autistic child?

Airlines like JSX, Breeze, and Autism Double-Checked offer practice boarding events for families to get their children used to flying. These events, often in conjunction with the Arc’s Wings for Autism program or local autism organizations, provide a gate pass, wait for boarding, find seats, and go through safety and departure briefings before disembarking. Families can also enlist the help of a TSA Passenger Support Specialist to help with the security process for easily stimulated children. This has opened up a new world of travel for many families.

Can autistic people get priority boarding?

Airlines provide sensory-friendly lounges, priority boarding for passengers with autism, and staff undergo sensitivity training to enhance their ability to support individuals with autism.

Can I travel with my autistic child?

It is possible to travel with an autistic child in a safe and enjoyable manner, provided that the necessary preparation and planning are undertaken. By successfully navigating the obstacles that may arise, both you and your child can construct a journey that will be fondly remembered.

Which airlines support autism?

British Airways has launched a Visual Guide to Flying, a service designed to assist customers with autism in preparing for their flights. The airline, the first to receive the Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society, has also produced the guide in partnership with Learning Rose. The guide, available on ba. com, provides an explanation of the sights, sounds, smells, and experiences customers may encounter during their flight.

British Airways is also working with Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) to support their occupational therapist training courses and assess and pre-approve seat support devices recommended by the charity for use onboard British Airways flights. The company has also invested in additional services to ensure safe, dignified, and comfortable travel for all customers.

What are the best seats on a plane for autism?

Tip 9: Preparing for takeoff involves understanding your child’s needs and preferences. Choose a window seat if your child is uncomfortable with strangers or requires frequent waking. If your child prefers to walk or use the lavatory, choose an aisle seat. Bring comfort items like a ‘taggy’ blanket, soft toys, iPad, stretchy elastic, and ear defenders. Get a drink and food at the airport and talk to cabin staff about accommodating your child.

Take little cards with information about your child’s autism and sensory processing difficulties, such as not wanting to be rude but not answering when spoken to, not dealing well with queues or crowds, and not being naughty. Use these cards only if needed, as most people are understanding.

Tip 10: Look after yourself by getting plenty of sleep the night before, eating before the flight, and being as prepared as possible. Sometimes things can be out of your control, but it is a necessary part of traveling and missing out on adventures.

How to fly with a special needs child?

Traveling with a child with special needs can be challenging, especially when they have a medical condition like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Angelman Syndrome, or Smith-Magenis Syndrome. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s essential to communicate your child’s needs, pack their favorite snacks, extra medication, pictures, comfort items, activities, and headphones. It’s also crucial to be mindful of large crowds, loud noises, and unfamiliar surroundings. Understanding your child’s specific needs is crucial before embarking on a vacation or road trip.

Can someone with autism fly a plane?

Airlines typically allow passengers with ASD to fly without a travel companion if they can understand safety briefings, exit emergency situations without assistance, wear life jackets and oxygen masks without assistance, and can care for their personal needs during the flight. If these requirements are not met, passengers typically require a travel companion who is 16 years or older, physically and mentally fit, and capable of assisting them in their flight and travels. This ensures that passengers with ASD can safely and comfortably travel without a companion.

What is the airline code for children with autism?

A DPNA is an airline industry code for special service requests (SSR) for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It can be applied to bookings made in person, via telephone, or travel agents. Emirates has collaborated with Dubai International Airport on an Autism Friendly Guide, providing a comprehensive pre-travel planning tool for passengers with hidden disabilities. The guide offers step-by-step explanations, images, and details of services available during the journey, from boarding to the airport.

Can autistic people skip queues at airports?

Lanyards at airports can have different meanings, with some allowing fast track queues for those wearing them, while others do not, causing long wait times and identifying those with additional needs. Some airports still view disability as requiring a wheelchair, requiring passengers to be pushed in a wheelchair through the airport, which is unacceptable and backwards thinking. Additionally, some passengers may be judgmental, claiming that those not in a wheelchair should not be in the fast track or special assistance line.