Traveling with your family can be an adventure, but travel can also be stressful. Follow this helpful checklist to reduce the stressors involved with flying.
WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
- If at all possible, book directly through the airline rather than a third-party website. When making a direct flight reservation, you can choose "special needs assistance" under the "additional assistance" option. On third-party websites, this option is not accessible.
- Depending on your child's preferences, select a seat.
- Fly out of smaller airports if at all possible because they will have fewer travelers and noise.
- Avoid layovers by flying nonstop if at all possible.
- Enrolling in TSA Precheck allows you to access shorter lineups without taking off your shoes or outerwear.
BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT
- As soon as the flight is scheduled, show the date to your child if they use a calendar.
- Make use of a social story (we made one for your convenience), https://www.kansasbehavior.com/resource/im-going-on-a-trip
- Watch films about flying on YouTube, such as this one by the parent of an autistic child: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6oBGKEdYxc - start at the 1:57 mark
- Request further help from your BCBA in preparing your child for the flight.
- Use this website to contact TSA Cares in advance to ask for assistance: https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares - If you want accommodations, you must submit your request at least 72 hours in advance of the airport's security checkpoint.
DURING YOUR FLIGHT
- You have the right to ask for further assistance while boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights.
- Utilize visual aids
- Don't wait until things start to go bad; use reinforcers constantly during the visit.
- Save some reinforcers for the flight's later hours, especially if it's a long one.
- Take photos that you can utilize for later social media posts.
AFTER YOUR FLIGHT
- After the visit, engage in something that your child really enjoys.
- Keep track of unforeseen challenges so you can prepare for them in the future.
- For your social story, take notes.
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- Central Kansas Office: 785-377-4744
- Kansas City Office: 913-225-9110
- Wichita Office: 316-400-3535
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