Airlines That Go Above and Beyond for Travelers With Autism

For children on the autism spectrum, flying can be incredibly challenging. The overwhelming sounds, crowds, long lines, and TSA procedures can lead to overstimulation and meltdowns. Unfortunately, many airlines and their personnel lack the training to recognize these issues, provide assistance, or address the concerns of neurodiverse families.

When my son was younger and we flew to visit family, we often faced challenges from gate agents when requesting early boarding—an entitlement guaranteed by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)—due to the invisibility of his developmental disability.

Fortunately, some airlines and airports are now striving to improve this experience for neurodiverse travelers by completing autism training through the nonprofit Autism Double-Checked. To date, budget carriers Breeze Airways and Flair Airlines, along with LATAM Airlines and boutique carrier JSX, have obtained this certification. Discussions are in progress with larger airlines.

To achieve certification, every member of their customer-facing team must undergo online training, ensuring they not only grasp autism and the sensory needs of neurodiverse passengers but also know how to appropriately respond (or not respond) when these travelers show signs of discomfort.

“A key focus of the training is to avoid being judgmental,” explains Alan Day, a former travel agent, parent of an autistic child, and cofounder of the organization. “And refrain from offering a flood of well-meaning advice unless the parent specifically asks for it. Just wait for their request, then do exactly what they ask,” he added.

Flight attendants often perceive a brief loud outburst as a potential threat, which has unfortunately cut many vacations short for families with autism. Alex Wilcox, the CEO of JSX, recalls witnessing a family abruptly abandon their trip at the gate when their child became overwhelmed and inconsolable.

“That experience has stayed with me,” Wilcox said. “I promised myself that when I had my own company, I would ensure that such situations never occurred again.”

JSX, Breeze, and other airlines, along with Autism Double-Checked, organize practice boarding events nationwide to help families acclimate their children to flying. Some events are held in partnership with the Arc’s Wings for Autism program or local autism organizations. During these events, families receive a gate pass, wait for their boarding announcement, take their seats, and go through safety and departure instructions before disembarking.

Finally, Day recommends that families contact a TSA Passenger Support Specialist in advance to guide a easily overstimulated child through the security process. He has seen this approach create a “new world” of travel possibilities for many families.