Assistance in Airport

You basically need to follow the standings, and that's it.

Well, here in's and out out at Stansted Airport
https://www.stanstedairport.com/help/special-assistance/hidden-disabilities/

I didn't see this but might find this intresting https://community.autism.org.uk/f/health-and-wellbeing/15393/flying-airport-special-assistance-iata

I'll try to ask - I think most of the time I've used the self-check in, and then I don't have any information about who is next to me. Sitting in a less busy area on the plane would be nice and much quieter. I do have noise-cancelling headphones, and I wear them on the plane, and find them very helpful in blocking out the rumble that the plane makes. Babies cry at high pitch frequencies which cannot be fully blocked out unfortunately. 

Interesting you mentioned differences over the pond. And I agree that I think people in the UK are quite fortunate when it comes to disability compared to many places in the world. People are often very understanding. In a lot of other countries there are hardly any adjustments available, and autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc is hardly recognised. 

I am not sure about that, it could be something to mention at check in and seating preference.  I was allowed through, with the wheelchair travellers, to sit somewhere less busy and then one of the first on the plane here in the UK.  Where I travelled over the pond by plane never made any fuss.  This adds to my view that Autism/Aspergers still has a long way to go worldwide until it is as visible as PRIDE. 

I do not suffer that audio trigger you mention but maybe some noise cancelling headphones could also help - I regret not having the plug in variety (Bluetooth unavailable on the ground, take-off and landing) on my flight for either in-flight entertainment system (No bluetooth functionality at all) and/or phone/tablet/laptop.

I was wondering what kind of support could you get with the lanyard? I'm usually fine travelling alone, but I have sensory difficulties, so I would really like to not be sat near a crying baby. Would it be possible to ask for that on a plane? (It's really hard to know who will be sitting near you before you go onboard). 

Not from my experience.  I turned up to Gatwick on Friday 12th April, approached the information desk for my Saturday flight preparation and mentioned I was Autistic/Aspergers.  I got the green lanyard with yellow flowers off him and it was recognised here in the UK.  Flight across the Atlantic was like royalty a bit (The staff seemed well aware of it and I provided some useful feedback).  

Over the pond, there seems to be less knowledge from the airports/airlines in my experience but that may just be that they were aware but not interacting with me.

I do not like promoting my neuro diverse condition, I just want to be treated like everyone else although it helps others understand (from a lanyard to some traits to noise reducing headphones). Plus I am not clear that is is definitely nature in my case (family behaviours/traits/personality).

The lanyard should get you past the queues. 

Have a nice time.

Thanks for all your advices! Really appreciated! Just a short flight about 3 hours, however it’s a bank holiday weekend so we are a bit worry that she might be distress with the long q and crowds. 

No - there's no forms.  it's a lanyard.  Just explain what the problems will be and they'll sort it out.  Keep the lanyard because it works in a lot of destination airports - like Orlando - for when you get there and on the way back through the other airport..

What problems do you foresee? 

Is it a long flight?

I can suggest taking lots of things to keep her occupied and take in in turns to keep her entertained.   The flight crew will also do whatever they can to keep her happy.

If it's a long flight, get some small snacks to distract her between the boring bits of the flight.

Also, try to make it special for her let her know that because she's so important, (maybe get get a plastic tiara) she goes through the vip route and she gets to pick her seat (suggest the one she's allocated is the best one - make up a reason) and introduce her to the flight crew as she boards (you'll be first on board and as the crew will be manning each door, they can all learn her name - it make their in-flight interactions easier with her - they will see the lanyard).

Get her ready for take off by seeing if your plane is faster than all the others - get her to count how long it takes from rolling to getting off the ground. - get her to guess what the clouds are shaped like - try to spot cars & boats from the plane to keep her interested. 

during the flight, in a quiet spell, take her around the plane to count the toilets, count the people, see how many windows the plane has etc.

you might be last off the plane so tell her she gets to spend more time in the comfy seats - and count the people going past you. 

At the other end, if you have the lanyard, they should walk you through the disabled/vip passport route - if not ask for it.

Where are you going?

Thanks for your reply. We are going as a family of 4. My girl is 3 years old and she is autistic. So just ring them and show up at assistance desk for the wristband, no application form required? 

I've done it - it's brilliant.

Give them a bell to let them know you'll be coming and ask what else they can help you with - and ask them to sort out any help you might need at the destination airport.

Try to get there a bit early to avoid the rush - if it's not busy, they might walk you through the vip route which has no queues and they'll help you through security.

I recommend booking an airport lounge too if you prefer a bit of peace & quiet before going to the gate.

Is it just you or a whole family?  They normally let you pre-board too so you're on the plane first so you can be seated & settled before everyone else boards.

Chat to the airline assistance too to see if they can offer any help during the flight.