How do autistic kids do on airplanes?

Air travel can be an exciting, yet anxiety provoking experience. This may be particularly true for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because of factors connected to flying, including a change in routine, navigating unfamiliar environments and considerable sensory stimulation.



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It will be most beneficial to your child if you are as detailed as possible (e.g., ask your child to take his or her shoes off when appropriate). Boarding. 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.

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If she can sleep on a plane, naptime may be a good time to fly. Plan ahead for your seats. Consider requesting bulkhead or aisle seats, particularly if your child likes to kick his or her legs or move around. > If possible, visit the airport ahead of time to help your child get used to the crowds, sights and sounds.

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Boarding. 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. Advantages of boarding early include not needing to wait in line at the gate or on the airplane while other passengers take their seats.

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Delta, Southwest, and United all allow this extra support. JetBlue may be a low-budget carrier, but they have a program that allows for silent boarding, so passengers with disabilities can settle in and get used to their surroundings before the other passengers' board.

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DPNA. If you're travelling with a child who has autism, this four-letter “airline autism code” could make your flight a whole lot easier. It stands for “Disabled passenger with intellectual or developmental disability needing assistance“. This code lets the airline staff know that you need extra help.

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Bring items to keep your child entertained. Be sure to pack your child's favorite toys, books, snacks, headphones and plane-safe electronics. Keep in mind that there will be times when electronics may not be used on the plane.

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Contact your airline's disability assistance department for more information. Create your own social story to help your child walk through specific events she will experience at the airport and on the airplane. Some airlines provide their own social story you can use or build on.

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12-18 Months Old One year olds are often highly mobile yet totally uncontrollable, making for a potentially dangerous travel combination. At this age, children are still too young to understand and follow instructions, so discipline is ineffective.

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Tip 6: Skip the queues Once in the terminal, it is worth talking to a member of the staff near the check-in line, as they can normally send you down to a disabled or priority passenger line to check in, which is less stressful.

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Consider bringing a “sensory bag” for the flight. Noise-canceling headphones, a sensory tactile book, and fidget items to keep your child's hands busy can be distracting and helpful during boarding, take-off, and landing. Pack your child's favorite snacks, too. This will give their hands and mouth something to do.

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Some airline companies are working to change this by offering passengers with disabilities better traveling conditions. American Airlines is one of them. The Fort Worth-based carrier recently relaunched a program that helps children with autism and other disabilities, The Dallas Morning News reported.

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