Helpful Tips for Air Travel

• It is important that you are part of the process of packing. You must know what is in your suitcase and bag. This is a question you will be asked at the airport to make sure no one else has put anything into your baggage.
• When thinking about snacks on the plane and for the airport, it is a good idea to bring your favourites, but be sure you do not bring liquids over 100 ml as these will not be allowed through security.
• Once you are in another country, you may not be able to take any food or drink from the plane. If you are not sure, ask an airline attendant.
• The Autism Aviator or Sunflower lanyards will not allow you to go through an express lane however at the Screening Checkpoint check if the Family/Special Needs lane is available. This lane features screening equipment that can accommodate larger items, and screening officers who offer additional assistance to passengers needing more time or help with their belongings to get through security.
• If you find something confusing at the airport, it is best to stay calm and let a member of the airport staff know you need help.
• We have created some help cards that you can print off and put on your Autism Aviator Lanyard, and you can use those if you feel they will help you communicate or if you are feeling overwhelmed.
• It is important to remember that some of the rules are the Law. These rules are there to keep everyone safe.
• Bring along items like headphones or ear buds that will help keep you calm and focused on the task ahead. Make sure to remove them when someone is talking to you, or you are waiting for the announcements at the gate or on the plane.
• Remember that on the plane before and during takeoff and landing, you can’t wear headphones or ear buds. You can wear your headphones or ear buds at other times.
• Chewing gum or having a hard candy in your mouth when your plane takes off will help reduce the sensation you may feel in your ears. Ask the flight staff for a napkin or something that will help you to discard your gum when you no longer need it. You may need to do this again when your plane lands. This happens because there is a change in air pressure and it is how our bodies work in an airplane as the air pressure changes. The feeling will go away.
• There are toilets on the plane that you can use during the flight when the seatbelt sign is not on. The toilets on the plane are small. You may experience different sounds than you do at your seat. When you flush the toilet, it will be very loud. It is always best to try and use the washroom at the airport gate before you are asked to board the plane.
• Remember that travel is exciting, and it is ok to feel a little bit nervous. Think of the best ways to calm yourself down when you get worried or scared.
• You are going to do great on the plane and learn new skills! Enjoy your trip!