10 Steps Guaranteed for Happy Flying with Autistic Children
10 Steps Guarantee Happy Flying With Autistic Children
Flying with autistic children in your near future? To create happy holidays with your autistic children/young adults, it is essential to prepare in advance. Follow these 10 steps to flying with autistic children and make memorable moments today.
1. Call the airline directly to book tickets rather than book online. Explain your traveller’s needs and ask specific questions:
- can you, for example, sit somewhere else besides the busy waiting room before boarding?
- can you board at the same time as moms with their babies or wheelchair-abled flyers?
This isn’t the time to downplay your child’s anxiety about flying or their diagnosis.
2. Flying with autistic Children? Then prebook your seats and don't leave anything to chance.
- avoid sitting too close to the bathrooms because that section of the aisle is always the busiest and it is quite often hard to move around with people standing around
- make a specific meal request if needed in advance
- both the girls are really picky eaters and tend to prefer the vegetarian option over a meat dish
If we have a 3-seater section, I always sit in the aisle seat with Tessa between Emma and me. While Tessa has longer legs, she is the needier of the two girls, so it’s best if she and I are closest in case I need to apply some deep pressure
3. Visit the airport, terminal and specific airline counter before you fly to help ease some anxiety.
I remember the first time we flew to Florida and the girls were anxious so we took Tonka, Tessa’s service dog, and Tammy, our IBI therapist, to Toronto Pearson’s airport on one of their quieter days to visit the WestJet area.
- practise taking the escalator
- purchase lunch or dinner to get used to the noise, smells, and business
- use the bathroom
- it might help to buy a souvenir from your first visit to an airport e.g lanyard, baseball cap, magnet
4. Create a trip calendar.
First, count down the days in advance and record small chores that need to be completed one week before your trip. Next, record any pre-booked excursions and keep updating your calendar. We still use hard-copy calendars for quick access for the girls despite loving my Google Calendar:
- wash favourite PJs • purchase snacks etc.
- buy new colouring books • locate and label their backpack
- purchase a new book/toy • wash and keep favourite stuffy
- create luggage labels (extras for on the way home)
5. At least one week before you fly to ensure you have all necessary medications for your trip.
Between my two girls they take six medications and two of them can only be ordered 3 days beforehand so it requires careful calculation.
- a separate drug, Ativan, is strictly supervised by our physician and used solely for flying and dentist appointments to help reduce anxiety
- also, be sure to take a couple of extra pills or tablets in case one is dropped on the floor and can’t be used
6. Explain to your kids that They Will Have To Go Through A Security Check Remove their knapsacks and place their shoes into a bin.
Both Tessa and Emma continue to find this a very stressful procedure. When they were young, Tessa thought the scanner machine was going to eat her toys, and she would never see her backpack again:)
Remember: wear the most accessible slip-on shoes, e.g., crocs, and avoid jewelry and belts.
I would REALLY recommend registering and signing up to be part of the longest sunflower lanyard around the world- wide recognizing Hidden Disabilities. The following websites and apps might be of real benefit to watching a week in advance and again two days prior to flying:
1. Travel tools for autism and other diverse needs
2. Airport security
3. Wings for Autism/Wings for All
7. Two days prior to your trip, pack their knapsacks.
From a young age, children can wear appropriate-sized backpacks and learn to become responsible for taking their favourite toys, stuffies, and books. Tessa especially liked the weight of her backpack, and the pressure was calming as we transitioned from one location to another throughout the airport and plane. That way, children become accustomed to managing their belongings as they age. Pack backpacks:
- with favourite crafts, books, and stuffies for their flights
- chewy gummies, Mentos, small raisin boxes etc help with ear popping
- wet wipes, a clean set of clothing and toiletries
- a brand new set of pencil crayons and markers especially for a 7+ hour European flight
- I always pack a replica craft kit in a ziplock bag and store it in their main luggage so I’m ready for the return flight home. Don’t waste precious holiday time tracking down some busy work.
8. Technology can be a terrific distraction on a light flight.
Be sure to download some games that don’t require Wi-Fi just in case there is an issue on the flight
- we also pack extra sets of earbuds
- pack a fully charged reloadable battery
9. Ensure you have a cozy blanket or sweatshirt, hat, and/or eyeshades depending on the time you are flying to help block out flights.
Dress in layers as the temperature can really vary from the terminal to the flight. We enjoy taking an overnight flight to Europe which helps keep everyone sleeping a little longer.
10. Prep your children to advocate for themselves if possible depending on their age and ability.
For example, Tessa is comfortable vocalizing she has autism and shares she finds it very difficult to wait in lines at the airport. In our experiences, airport duty officers and security personnel have been very receptive and accommodating and have gone out of their way to assist us. I think it has made a difference having the girls advocate for themselves and certainly staff have respectfully gone out of their way to support us en route to our happy holidays!
SPECIAL NOTE: Recognize that despite all of your planning, something might happen unexpectedly.
However, by following these 10 steps to flying with autistic children and young adults, you will be able to handle anything with a smile on your face.
Remember that when you meet one person with autism, you have just met ONE person on the spectrum. Emma and Tessa have very different needs that require differentiating support. My thoughts/suggestions support my girls and hopefully, there is one takeaway for another future ASD traveller – make a meaningful memory today!
