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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

  • When I last travelled solo I used assistance and found it was really useful. However, you book it through your airline, and mine only had 'learning disability' as the most related option. After a phone call with the airline clarified that yes that really is what you need to press, that's what I did. However, there were two versions, one to get you to the departure gate, and one to get you to the plane, but in both cases you get picked up from the plane.  I chose at the time to get me to the departure gate, but I was sufficiently overwhelmed by the sensory everything that in one case the woman taking another assistance user in a wheelchair onto the flight took me to as I was completely unable to talk and she clearly felt I needed the help. She was correct. 

    So I completely recommend getting assistance, not sure I'd have gone at all otherwise, but check which version you are booking.

Reply

  • When I last travelled solo I used assistance and found it was really useful. However, you book it through your airline, and mine only had 'learning disability' as the most related option. After a phone call with the airline clarified that yes that really is what you need to press, that's what I did. However, there were two versions, one to get you to the departure gate, and one to get you to the plane, but in both cases you get picked up from the plane.  I chose at the time to get me to the departure gate, but I was sufficiently overwhelmed by the sensory everything that in one case the woman taking another assistance user in a wheelchair onto the flight took me to as I was completely unable to talk and she clearly felt I needed the help. She was correct. 

    So I completely recommend getting assistance, not sure I'd have gone at all otherwise, but check which version you are booking.

Children
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