Travelling abroad

I've got to say Jet2, I really like that company. Good value but it almost feels like a step above easyjet and other budget airlines.

It's all about the spin :-)

Also - how does she react to car journeys? Does she like to go fast? Does she like rides at Legoland? She will take her cues from the way you behave - if you tell her you're going on a fun day out on a big ride that goes up high so you can see for miles with a surprise lunch and a little private cinema in every seat - and she's getting special VIP service so she doesn't need to queue like everyone else and she gets to get on the ride first because she's so important it sounds a bit better than the boring reality of air travel.

Check out the in-flight entertainment - there's lots of things to distract the mind while flying. (I scored over 1,400,000  playing Bejewelled on the way to Florida).

There's so many things that can be fun - if you contact the airline, you can often get little presents delivered to her from the staff on the flight to make it exciting for her like a bear in a flying suit or some sweets (it only costs about £20 and it can build a positive memory).

Where are you going? How long is the flight?

Hi Plastic,

thank you you for taking the time to reply to my message, I’m grateful for the advice and help you’ve given. I have been on the Jet2 website (these are the likely carriers to our destination) and they do have a policy for people with Autism. However I am concerned that once the boarding process is finally upon us my daughter might realise the journey ahead and what that involves and will start to get concerned but more importantly scared and upset, this could lead to getting off and disrupting everyone involved but also missing out on taking Mollie abroad. 

I have thought about noise cancelling headphones but she’s not silly and will know dad is trying to hide something big lol....but I just want her to experience other places in the world and also teach her that flying is a wonderful experience and nothing to be frightened of.

Hi - Lots of airports offer a sunflower lanyard to indicate hidden disabilities - speak to their disability assistance people and they'll organise it all for you.

I fly regularly and the lanyard means I get escorted through the whole security section - no queues or stress or hassle. I get pre-boarded so no stress on the plane.

Some overseas airports recognise and use the same system (Orlando does) and it makes it all sooooo easy.

If you speak to the airline customer assistance and explain what your problems are, they will do everything they can to help. (they want bums on seats and repeat customers so they are very proactive).

I use a lot of other strategies too depending on where I'm going.

What problems do you foresee?