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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

  • Book through the airline directly instead of a third-party site if possible. When you book directly through the airline you can select an option for “additional assistance,” then select “special needs assistance.” This option is not available on third-party sites
  • Choose a preferred seat based on your child’s preferences
  • If possible, fly out of smaller airports as noise levels and crowds will be reduced
  • If possible, fly nonstop to avoid layovers
  • Sign up for TSA Precheck so you don’t have to remove shoes or jackets and will have access to shorter lines


BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT


DURING YOUR FLIGHT

  • You have the right to request additional assistance during boarding, deplaning, and making connections
  • Use visual supports
  • Utilize reinforcers consistently throughout the visit (don’t wait until things start going wrong!)
  • Save some reinforcers for later in the flight, especially if it is a long flight
  • Take pictures you can use for future social stories



AFTER YOUR FLIGHT

  • Do something highly preferred by your child right after the visit
  • Write down unexpected obstacles so you can plan for them next time
  • Make notes for your social story


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