Travel with Your Autistic Child Without Extra Stress

How to plan ahead when flying with your child this summer. 

We were in the worst turbulence I’d ever experienced. I put my head down, trying to curb the nausea, and began praying that our plane wouldn’t go down. The entire cabin was utterly silent, as if everyone was feeling and thinking the same thing—except for my then four-year-old child with autism, who was laughing loudly and delightfully as if we were on a ride at Disney World. 

I glanced over at my husband, and we locked eyes. In our nonverbal exchange, we both acknowledged this was way too serious a situation for our son to be enjoying. His inappropriate behavior turned heads in our direction, but it hadn’t started there. It began way back at TSA check-in.

Traveling can be stressful. Traveling with a child with special needs is next-level stress. Through the years, we’ve learned a few strategies to help make our air travel smoother. Hopefully, these seven tips will help you, too. 

Advance Preparation for Flying with a Child with Special Needs. 

1. Book your flights—and your seats—well in advance.

If you have a child with autism, you’re likely well-versed in advance planning. Often, the spontaneous and unexpected (or expected) behaviors of our children have us thinking through plans B, C, and D. So as soon as you know when you are flying, begin looking for flights. 

Book flights that are going to be the most convenient for you and your child. For instance, if you have an early riser, an early flight time might not be as challenging as it would be for a child who needs to sleep in to avoid a meltdown. If possible, try to book a direct flight to reduce the number of transitions for your child. 

Depending on the airline, some carriers make special accommodations for children with ASD. Call ahead to speak with an agent to determine whether or not you are eligible for medical seating. This option can ensure you sit with your fellow travelers as well as secure bulkhead seating. If your child tends to engage in behaviors like headbanging, kicking, or hair-pulling, the bulkhead might be the best place for you. 

It’s also worth paying extra to select seats in advance, especially if you don’t get medical seating. These days, airlines often allow you to choose seats and add baggage for an extra fee. If your budget allows, it’s well worth the cost to get seats your child will most likely be comfortable with—whether that’s near a window or an aisle, at the front of the plane or the back. It may also be more calming for your child (and helpful for you) if your family can sit together. As much as it hurts to fork over the extra seating fees, you’ll thank yourself later. 

2. Create a visual schedule. 

Once you’ve finalized your dates, put them on a visual calendar so your child can see how many days are left until you travel. Along with a countdown calendar, it’s also helpful to write a social story tailored to your child. Include pictures of each part of the travel process—checking in, going through security, boarding, and what it feels like to lift off and land. Any details you can share will help your child understand what to expect, especially during transitions, which are frequent when traveling. 

Some airlines and airports offer a virtual tour, or even in-person tour for kids and their families ahead of travel day. If available, this experience can help your child visualize what the day will look like. If you can arrange an airport security walk-through in advance, it might reduce anxiety about what to expect when going through security. 

3. Pack creature comforts, favorite snacks, and essential travel gear.

Packing is a big part of having a successful travel day. Make sure to pack the favorite stuffed animals, stim toys, and anything else that provides comfort. It’s also a good idea to bring well-charged electronic devices for entertainment. Now is not the time to worry about the screen time limits—if it helps keep your child calm and focused, use it! 

However, remember there may be times during the flight when electronic devices must be turned off. Have a back-up plan for these moments, and consider a reward system to motivate your child while they practice waiting in new and different circumstances. 

Snacks can be especially comforting, and airport terminals might not have many of your child’s preferred foods. Bring familiar, packaged foods or fruits that your child enjoys. While you can’t bring liquids through security, you can still bright plenty of solid snacks. Also, pack some gum to help prevent ear popping during takeoff and landing. 

If your child is a sensory seeker, be sure to pack the tools that help them stay regulated. Chewlry, a weighted blanket or lap pad, noise-canceling headphones, or other sensory items can all help keep them grounded during the flight (pun intended!).

Finally, consider using a FAA-approved CARES restraint system designed specifically for air travel. CARES attaches to the airline seat and adjusts to your child’s size. This system has worked wonderfully for my son during many flights. Not only did it help keep him in his seat, but I also think it made him feel more secure in an upright position. 

4. Call ahead and let TSA know you’re coming.

Getting through security is often one of the most stressful parts of air travel. Lines can be long, and security agents give a lot of instructions that need to be followed quickly. When traveling with a child with special needs, the process may take a lot longer. It really helps to let Transportation Security Administration (TSA) know you are coming by calling ahead. 

We once held up the security line for 45 long minutes while traveling with my son. I felt every one of those minutes too. Not only did all of my son’s medications and medical supplies trip the sensoring equipment, which required them to be unpacked and examined on the cold, stainless steel counter for everyone to see, but every person in line behind us shifted impatiently as their luggage stacked up. Never before had I felt so exposed and vulnerable. Even our hospital stays don’t compare to that level of anxiety, because I knew that if even one of those essential items didn’t make it back into our bag, we wouldn’t be able to replace it when we arrived. 

What I should have done to avoid that disarming situation was call TSA Care in advance. 

If you call TSA Cares at least 72 hours in advance, you’ll receive extra assistance and may be routed through a shorter line with fewer people. The staff will take extra care to ensure your child is not overstimulated. Additionally, if you have medications or other important supplies in your carry-on bags, those items will need to be unpacked and inspected. Letting TSA know ahead of time allows them to plan appropriately while keeping everyone safe.

Once You’re at the Airport

5. Arrive early and find a quiet spot. 

Getting to the airport early seems like obvious advice, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to reduce stress. When traveling with a child with autism, you can’t predict what might trigger overwhelm—crowds of people, restaurant smells, loud flight announcements, people running to their gates, or flight delays. Arriving early means you have enough margin to navigate each transition at your child’s pace, without the added pressure of time breathing down your neck. 

Once you’re through security (phew!), find a quiet place near your boarding gate. If your child is still struggling with the noise and busyness of the airport, look for a less crowded corner where you can settle in with an iPad or other calming activities. Some airports also offer lounges or designated quiet areas—consider booking one if it’s within your budget. Having a calm place to regroup can make all the difference in setting a positive tone for the rest of your trip. 

6. Ask for priority boarding

When you arrive at the gate, explain your child’s diagnosis to the boarding agent. You might also consider getting a doctor’s note in advance, especially if your child’s disability is invisible or less apparent to others. Having a valid document explaining how ASD affects your child in unfamiliar or uncertain environments can help you secure priority boarding. 

Priority boarding allows you and your family to board the plane alongside other passengers with disabilities, elderly passengers, or families with small children. This helps you feel less rushed and reduces the added stimulation that comes with everyone boarding at once.

If you are using a stroller or other mobility device, ask the agent for a gate check tag. This tag allows you to leave your stroller or device at the end of the jetway before you board the plane. It will be ready for you to use again when you deplane.  

During the Flight

7. Remember to ask for help if you need it.

Once you’re on the plane, take a moment to celebrate how much you’ve planned and prepared for this day. You’ve done so much already, and that deserves recognition. But even with the best preparation, flying can still bring surprises. Takeoff, landing, turbulence, or even the flight attendants’ safety demonstration might overwhelm or startle your child. 

Set expectations ahead or time whenever possible. Remind your child about the sounds, sensations, and changes that come with flying—from engine noise to seatbelt signs. Reinforce positive behaviors with plenty of encouragement and praise. 

And if your child becomes upset or needs extra support, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Flight attendants and even fellow passengers are often more understanding than you might expect. Let me know specifically how they can assist.

No matter what happens, remember that this experience, even the challenges, not only gets you to your desired destination, it builds resilience in both you and your child. 

Hopefully, your flight will be smooth sailing (or smooth flying!), unlike my own thunderstorm-filled journey with a wildly- laughing little one. You’ve got this—and every flight is one step closer to an eager and willing travel buddy. 

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Kathy McClelland is a freelance copywriter and marketer for pediatric healthcare and special education brands from Austin, Texas. Before becoming a mom, her work included promoting medical journals and online publications for the American Academy of Pediatrics and parenting books for Tyndale House Publishers. When her second son was born with a rare genetic condition, she was thrust into the world of special needs parenting. Her website is kathymcopywriting.com.

 

Disclaimer: While I am a consultant writing on behalf of BrightPath Behavior, my child is not a current client. The views and experiences shared in this blog post are entirely from a parent’s perspective. My goal is to provide informative content and insights based on my personal experiences, as well as interviews conducted with the staff at BrightPath Behavior.

 

Note: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and does not replace professional advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional or therapist for personalized guidance.