Top Tips for Air Travel for those with Additional Needs
One of our SaLTAPs (Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner) Kristie Davies has provided some brilliant insight into navigating air travel with her son, who has additional needs. He has gone from “screaming on take off to now actively looking forward to being on the plane”!
Here are some of Kristie’s top tips to make your journey as smooth and happy as possible:
Many airlines will reserve seats for a family together without extra expense if there is a disability.
Wearing a sunflower lanyard can let staff know they may be finding it tricky and make the journey through the airport easier.
Make sure tablets and phones are fully charged - you can't use a battery pack onboard the plane.
Noise cancelling headphones are great at reducing the aircraft noise.
Take surprise gifts that can be unwrapped at certain points of the flight. They don't have to be expensive, e.g. a favourite comic or packet of sweets.
Stay calm yourself - your young person will pick up on your stress. Treat the journey as part of your holiday!
Here are some useful resources you may find helpful:
British Airways Visual Guide
A step-by-step guide to the different parts of the flying experience, using simple icons and text to describe what passengers can expect.
Birmingham Airport’s Sky Zone
An interactive website with clickable pictures containing videos and audio content - a great way to learn all about the behind the scenes goings-on at an airport.
Heathrow’s Non-visible Disabilities Support
Heathrow offers free sunflower lanyards and sensory objects packs to support those who need extra support while travelling. They can be found at various locations in their terminals - show on an interactive map.
Gatwick’s Sensory Room
Gatwick’s North Terminal offers a sensory room, designed for passengers who will benefit from a safe and soothing space when in unfamiliar surroundings. There are two areas - a chill-out zone with bean bags and colourful displays, and an interactive zone featuring a range of sensory activities.
