Flying with Autism

Autism, or ASD, is a neurological and developmental condition that can impact how a person communicates, thinks and learns. It's spectrum-based, with mild to severe characteristics, depending on the person.

Autism is a hidden disability, meaning it's not always apparent to other people. Flying with a hidden disability can present unique challenges. To learn more about travelling with a hidden disability, please view our dedicated page.

Picking an autism-friendly airline can make your travel experience that much easier. These airlines have received praise for their high-quality service, specifically tailored to meet the needs of their autistic passengers:

• British Airways — The UK's flag carrier. The first airline to receive an Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society. Accommodations are offered for autistic passengers, and staff are thoroughly trained.
• JetBlue Airways — Low-cost. Offer accommodation and sensory kits to autistic passengers.
• Southwest Airlines — Low-cost. Pre-boarding for autistic passengers and their families.
• United Airlines — One of the top 3 largest global airlines. Staff are fully trained. Offer pre-boarding.
• Delta Air Lines — One of the top 3 largest global airlines. Staff are fully trained. Offer pre-boarding.

• Familiarise yourself with the layout — Research the airports you'll travel through beforehand. Knowing where everything is such as check-in and security can help you know what to expect.
• Visit the airport beforehand — Some airports, like London Gatwick (LGW), let people visit the check-in area before the travel date to familiarise themselves and lessen anxiety. To learn more about London Gatwick's helpful procedures, look at their special assistance page.
• Create an itinerary — Have an itinerary that includes when you'd ideally want to arrive, get through check-in and security, and reach your boarding date. Having a clear plan can alleviate stress. However, remember aircrafts often face delays, which might push everything back a bit. If you want to learn more about why delays happen, we have a blog detailing some common reasons.
• Consider a lanyard — Some airports offer lanyards to help staff identify someone who might appreciate extra assistance. In 2016, Gatwick launched their sunflower lanyards to help staff identify and support people with hidden disabilities. Now, over 240 airports have adopted this procedure!

If you're from the UK or plan on travelling there, look at our list below. It details facilities the UK airports offer to aid someone with autism.

Facilities are subject to change. Make sure to research the airlines thoroughly beforehand.

• Book well in advance — This will give you the chance to select the perfect seats for you.
• Window seats — These are good if you want more privacy and you won't have to get up as much.
• The bulkhead section — Avoiding seats with chairs in front limits seat-kicking.
• Aisle seats — These are great if you don't want to feel so enclosed. They also make getting up and stretching your legs easier.
• First-class — For the most privacy and space, consider spending a little more for greater comfort.
• Inform the cabin crew — Letting the cabin crew know that you might require extra support can ensure that the staff are fully aware and ready to help if needed.
• Be prepared with food and drinks — You can pre-book a meal so that you know exactly what you're going to get. If you don't like any of the available options, you can bring your own items as long as all liquids are purchased after security. Read our page on what food you can bring onto a plane for more information.
• Use a flight tracker — Depending on the airline, you might be able to track your flight with a flight tracker. If there are delays, you can still know exactly what's going on and how long you'll likely have to wait.