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Air Travel

I'm an autistic who loves flying and airports, but hates some of the things one finds in both (they are crowded, noisy, and bright). I travel by air frequently, so I feel I may have some suggestions that would benefit other autistics.

Start and End in Small Airports

Don't start at a major airport for either end of the trip if you can. Use a smaller airport, as you'll have to stand in line less, wait less for the plane, and, overall, be around people much less. Sadly, this isn't always an easy thing to do, especially if you already have tickets. I always try to fly out of very small airports. Today, with the increased security measures, starting at a small airport can save you significant time.

Where to Sit on the Plane

Consider a bulkhead row seat or sit right behind the emergency exit, since there is more leg room. However note that these seats are often preferred by people flying with young children, so they may not be ideal if you are easily overstimulated by children.

Try to sit near the front of the plane if the engines are mounted in the rear of the plane. This will make the flight quieter. A travel agent can also suggest good seating for reducing noise. Sitting near the front will also mean you will be one of the first to get off the plane (although also one of the last to get on).

Sound Sensitivities

As mentioned above, choose the quietest seat that you can. In addition, consider bringing ear plugs with you for both the airport and the airplane. For frequent travelers, it may be wise to invest in a set of "noise canceling headphones," which eliminate most of the aircraft noises. Note, however, that these can not be used during the takeoff or landing stages of flight, so ear plugs may still be needed. Also, consider that certain types of ear plugs may make pressurization painful, so it might be best to try a couple of different types. I find the expanding-foam earplugs to work well for me.

Prepare for the Trip

If you are a person who doesn't like change, prepare for the trip as far in advance as possible. Read about the plane you will be flying on. Find terminal maps of the airports where you'll be making connections. Research the cities you will be flying through.

Boarding

Ask to board last if you don't like to be around lots of people. You can find someplace quiet to wait it out. If you wait somewhere away from the gate, make sure you have a way of making it to the gate before the scheduled departure (note that if the plane is significantly delayed you still need to be at the gate before the scheduled departure). Often airlines require you to be at the gate up to 30 minutes prior to departure to ensure you will still have a seat. If you need to leave the gate area and are not sure if this will be okay, check with someone behind the counter first.

Luggage/Check In

Try to carry on all your luggage, if you can do it That way you won't have to endure the crowds waiting for their bags (wearing a backpack may also help comfort you, if you are an autistic who likes deep pressure). Remember, however, that airlines have strict baggage rules, so verify that your bags conform to their rules.

In addition, in the US, if you are flying to another domestic destination you can avoid the long lines at the check in counter by carrying on all your luggage and using the airline's online check-in. Simply print your boarding pass at home via the airline's website (this will only work if you have E-Tickets). When you get to the airport, walk past the check in counters and proceed directly to your gate.

If you must check luggage, try to pick an airline which has automated check-in at the airport (note that not all automated check-in services allow luggage to be checked - find out if it will before you book your tickets) or consider pre-printing your boarding pass with the airline's online check-in system (then look for a special line at the airport for people just needing to check bags). Using curbside check-in may also save time.

A final suggestion to cope with the increased security is to call the airline in advance and explain the situation. Mention that you or your child is autistic and both crowds and lines can be extremely stressful, sometimes even causing what will look like a breakdown. Ask for permission to check in at the "first class" counter and for a pass to allow you to use the handicapped or first class screening position (which usually has less of a line).

Brightly Lit Airports

Airports are always brightly lit. I find it essential to wear sunglasses whenever I'm visiting an airport, especially during the day.

Pressurization

Bring gum or something else that you can chew on during takeoff and landing. Don't fly if you have a sinus problem, because it will be very painful for you (it is painful for anyone, but can be much worse for an autistic) and possibly even a risk to your ears. Another alternative to gum is some sort of (non-alcoholic) beverage to sip during during takeoff and landing, although some airlines may not allow you to drink your beverages while taking off or landing.

Security Screening

The US Transportation Security Administration suggests that you provide your airline or travel agent with advanced notice if someone needs to be accompanied to the gate by someone who does not have a ticket. They will need to obtain a "gate pass" to be able to pass through security.

You may notify the screeners that you or someone you are traveling with is autistic. You may mention that he may become upset if touched, and that it is due to autism, not a desire to be a threat. It may be a good idea to mention that you would like to be warned that a touch will be required before the screener touches you. You are not, however, required to produce any medical documentation under any circumstances, although it may be shown to screeners if you feel it will help.

Medical devices, such as assistive communication devices, do not count toward your baggage or carry-on allowance. However, you should attach a tag with your name and address to all such devices.

If a personal search is required, you can ask to be taken to a private screening area. This may be a good choice if the combination of physical touch and noisy environments is stressful. You must submit to such a search regardless of medical conditions, however it can be done in private. You should also mention if light touch is painful, so that the screeners can try to avoid causing pain.

Making Connections

If it isn't a direct flight, and you have to make a connection, find a quiet place in the airport. This, sadly, is nearly impossible, but you may need to do it if it is a long connection. My recommendation is the airport chapel. It is also a not usually as brightly lit as the rest of the airport. Don't worry, it is very rare for anyone to try to push their religion on you in the chapel. Be careful, though, to make sure you can get there without having to pass through security again. You might ask an airport employee if you can do that, and, if not, where a quiet place is. They can also help you to know if you'll have enough time to get there, and when you should leave for your gate.

If you have to make a connection, review maps of the terminal and plan your course to get the connection. Be warned, though, that airlines don't always land and take off from the gates they expect. You might also consider asking for assistance if you have difficulty making the connection. If you explain the situation to an airline employee, they can provide a wheelchair and an employee to take you to the connecting gate. This might be useful in situations where you are experiencing a great deal of anxiety or feel you may get lost.

Have Fun!

Enjoy your trip! Some autistics (myself included) enjoy flying immensely. The sensations that you feel in a plane can be wonderful. I especially used to enjoy turbulence, before my body changed so that it now makes me slightly airsick. But, even if you don't like the sensations, remember to look forward to arriving at your destination (or back at home)! Good luck!