For any autistic person, travelling through airports can be an overwhelming experience that could unfairly put many off flying.
However, the Civil Aviation Authority require airports to now implement measures to ensure anyone who needs it can expect help and understanding when travelling through the UK’s terminals.
The Terminal can be loud and busy. At times a quieter area may be available.
Aim to arrive when your check in desk opens to give plenty of time to get through to departures. This will vary with each individual airline and if you have bags/suitcases to check in.
If you require any assistance travelling through the airport or onto your aircraft go to the Passenger Services or Assistance desk at the airport.
Planes can fly at any time of the day or night which can mean that someone who has a tight routine may need to accommodate getting up very early or going to bed very late. It’s a good idea to try and get as much sleep as you can before travelling on an airplane as lack of sleep can have an impact on how well an autistic person may cope with the experience.
The Sunflower Lanyard enables people to utilise the Assisted Travel Lane or fast track through security (Outbound flight) or immigration (Inbound flight). However, if you do not wish to use the Assisted Travel Lane, you do not have to.
There are strict regulatory procedures in place that the security team must adhere to for every passenger to ensure that the flying experience is as safe as possible.
Try to prepare in advance:
- Containers of any liquid, pastes or gels must not exceed 100ml (This might change soon as there are new scanners), there is no limit on the number of containers you can take with you. Such items include lipstick, mascara, liquid medication, hand gels, perfume / aftershave, deodorant (including ‘stick’ deodorants), toothpaste and hair gel.
- You will need to remove you coat or jacket and place this in a screening tray.
- You will also need to remove your iPads, Laptops and mobile phones and place these into a screening tray.
- You may also need to remove your shoes.
- The security agent may also ‘swab’ hands and shoes with a dry piece of cloth that is then placed in a machine to detect any prohibited substances.
- If being screened through the metal detector archway, you will need to place metal objects in the screening tray.
Security is often the most stressful part of airline travel for someone who is autistic, being separated from their most important items, setting alarms off, and drawing unwanted attention and being touch searched by a stranger.
However, refusing security checks may result in not being permitted to travel if you do not complete mandatory security checks as guided by the security team. Many airports allow people the option of a ‘private search’ instead, which is done in a room. This is especially the case for those in wheelchairs or those who need to remove religious clothing.
Any person could be selected for an enhanced security check, if this is the case you must comply to be able to travel.
The route from security normally leads you into the Duty-Free shopping these contain bright lighting and strong smells, if this is problematic for sensory preferences there may be a bypass route. You will need to inform the Assistance Team when you check-in for assistance if you require the bypass service.
Once in the departure lounge there will be seats located throughout, there may even be a quiet area to sit. Make sure that you have access to the flight display board and can hear public announcements.
Boarding gates will show on the departure screens 60 minutes before your flight. Boarding is approximately 40 minutes before departure. At the boarding gate, airlines may invite people who need assistance to board the aircraft first. However, this decision is down to the airline and their ground handling agent.
