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Solo travelling and Airports

RavenWolf

Hello Everyone !

I will soon be travelling by plane for the first time on my own. I wondered whether anyone had any experience or advice to give? 

I'm extremely nervous and have been having nightmares about it for weeks. It's mostly the airport environment and process (and the fear of getting lost) that is stressing me out most. Also the waiting around will make my anxiety build and where I am at most risk of shutdowns and meltdowns. 

I have contacted both airports I will be travelling from/to, but I am still waiting for their response. I am looking into booking assisted support and I will wear my sunflower lanyard. 

Are airports supportive and understanding towards autistic adults? 

What things help you remain calm and comfortable?

I plan on taking a copy of my diagnosis letter as I worry the staff will question me because I mask well. 

I would be very grateful for any advice . Thank you!  

Parents

  • If you've travelled on a plane with others, then it will be about the same, just more boring. Arrive early, so you can take your time, as that will ease the anxiety about getting lost (probably more than the waiting-around will cause it).

    Bring a small rucksack with all your essentials (one you can store at your feet on the plane). Include safe foods, hand sanitiser, headphones, books, phone charger, stim toys, sunflower lanyard, tissues, wipes, small towel, etc. Find a nice corner to wait in near the gate. Do a bit of people-watching, or keep your head down (as you prefer). Something like a baseball cap might help you regulate your visual field. Don't forget to breathe if you feel a little anxious.

    At the other end of your flight, just follow the crowd getting off your plane and you won't get lost.

    Most airports provide assistance to travellers who have support needs. If you fear getting lost, ask to have someone guide you through the airport to your gate. This service doesn't just apply to people in wheelchairs. (You're looking into this already, but support should be available.) Some airports also have sensory rooms that you can book ahead of time and just hang out there while you wait.

  • in reply to Damojo

    Hi Damojo, thank you for your reply and advice! It's been a over 5 years since I went on a flight and the last time wasn't a great experience. I'm also scared I'll have a panic attack and not be able to calm myself without my best friend. I wish I didn't have to travel alone. thank you again for your reply, it is very helpful :) 

Reply
  • in reply to Damojo

    Hi Damojo, thank you for your reply and advice! It's been a over 5 years since I went on a flight and the last time wasn't a great experience. I'm also scared I'll have a panic attack and not be able to calm myself without my best friend. I wish I didn't have to travel alone. thank you again for your reply, it is very helpful :) 

Children
  • in reply to RavenWolf

    I haven't flown on my own in quite a while, but I've done a few trips by myself where I had to get multiple connections and the like. It all went fine, nothing to report.

    I don't have a fear of flying and I love looking out the window. Planes are way, way, wayyyy safer than cars. However, I find the whole airport and aeroplane thing to be such a PITA: it's slow, boring, uncomfortable, crowded, cramped, noisy, bright, smelly, etc. However, it's also very predictable. You know in advance exactly what it will be like; it's always the same, so there will be no big surprises. You can visualise it before time and prepare for it. I like to bring lots of little snacks, a good book and some music, and then tuck myself into a "quiet" corner near the gate to reduce the number of people moving around me. (Hiding out in a bathroom might also be a way to chill.)

    The most recent time I flew (June), I wore NC headphones for the first time in the terminal building and on a plane and they were a great help. (I think I might wear a hat and use foam earplugs the next time for even better insulation against sights and sounds.) I sat on the terribly uncomfortable Ryanair 737 seat for three hours and was in my own little world (shifting from "cheek to cheek" to stop my legs going numb!)

    So, where was I? Oh, yeah: nobody is saying that flying is pleasant, but its predictability makes it tolerable, even for us. You'll sail through the airport, get your seat on the plane, wonder how seats can be that uncomfortable, read a book/watch TV, get off at the other side, follow the crowd through the terminal, and escape to the fresh air. Done! Piece of cake!

    You've got this!