Flying with children with special needs
Airport assistance for children with special needs
Help at the airport is not restricted to those with physical disabilities – if your child is unable to understand or will be traumatised by queueing and security procedures owing to autism or learning difficulties, you can be whizzed through check-in and security, and found a quiet place to wait. Airports advise that you pre-book assistance with your airline or tour operator at least 48 hours in advance.
What support can you request at the airport?
When travelling with a disability, whether it is physical or hidden, you are entitled to free assistance at all UK airports and on flights departing from UK airports. This means support from departure to destination, including moving through the departure airport, boarding and during the flight, disembarking, transfers and arrival at the destination. Similar rights exist in the EU and US, but not necessarily in other countries.
Changing Places toilets at UK airports
Finding adapted changing and toilet facilities for a child with special needs has been made easier by the installation of Changing Places in many UK airports. The rooms are larger and accessible with equipment including a hoist and full-sized changing table as well as an emergency alarm to summon help.
‘Installation of Changing Places is dependent on individual venues recognising that providing these facilities would make the world of difference for many families and potential customers,’ says Sophie Keenleyside, Changing Places Development Officer. ‘Although Building Regulations recommend that newly built large public buildings, such as airports, include a Changing Places toilet, it is not mandatory for any buildings to have them.’
And she warns that it’s likely to be worse at your destination – the UK has more airports with these toilets than any other country in the world, thanks to the fantastic campaigning efforts of many families, Keenleyside says.
Special assistance at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports
At Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, a child with special needs can quickly become overwhelmed, adding to the stress of the check-in procedure. There are Changing Place facilities and assistance areas in all terminals and a bespoke travel guide is available online, covering parking, luggage, flight information and other services. You will still need to book special assistance with your airline and allow extra time at the airport. Gatwick’s Assisted travel team can be contacted in both terminals at drop off points, security or departure lounges. Two changing Places are accessible for travellers in arrivals. Departing passengers can be escorted by the assistance team to the nearest Changing Place in the terminal. Manchester Airport provides three Changing Places in terminal 2 and one in departures in terminal 3. There is also an assisted travel lounge in the terminals and their reception centre can access BSL interpreter virtually.
Preparing an autistic child or anxious child for a flight
It is important to prepare your child for the trip in advance, especially if your child has autism or anxiety. Talk about the holiday with as much pictorial information as you can find.
Before you travel
Think about contacting the resort or hotel in advance to ask about their facilities and let them know your child’s particular requirements. Pack a child-friendly bag with suitable toys and snacks for the flight and pre-load films and favourite programmes to a device for off-line viewing, in case the in-flight entertainment is not suitable. You may find it helps to carry an Autism Alert card or to wear a sunflower lanyard to avoid having to explain your child’s needs each time.
Help and support from UK Civil Aviation Authority
Advice regarding holidays from the National Autistic Society
