Travel with a Special Needs Child & Tips for Airport Security

Airport Travel with a Special Needs Family Member

On our recent trip to Walt Disney World the first stop we made upon entering the Magic Kingdom park was guest services to request the Guest Assistance card for Cody. It basically offers us the opportunity to avoid long lines and use an alternate entrance or sometimes the fast pass entrance. It’s a true benefit that I don’t take for granted. Cody has a tough time in long lines, which means the entire family has a tough time, so I’m grateful for this option when we visit the Happiest Place on Earth.

When we arrived at the airport after our vacation came to a close, the first thing I noticed was the long line to get through security. With the Guest Assistance card still on my brain, I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask if  TSA offered an accommodation to those with special needs. I approached the first agent that I saw and politely explained that long lines are a challenge for my son and wondered if there was another option. The very kind agent pointed me to the wheelchair line where she said the wait would be much shorter, if at all. She explained that if the agent there asks, to tell them that she sent me over and if needed, repeat my concerns for Cody. We went through the line, all four of us, in less than five minutes, no questions asked. I need to emphasize that this may have just been luck or it may, in fact, be a policy with TSA, but I would encourage anyone who has someone in their travel party with special needs(especially those who struggle with lines) to at least ask, very politely, upon arriving at the airport. I even made a point of tweeting how grateful I was to the Orlando airport TSA agent who had been so helpful and accommodating to our family.

Another suggestion that I think is very important is to not feel intimidated when you get to the screening area. While Cody is as tall as an adult and doesn’t necessarily look like he has special needs, his autism definitely affects his ability to understand and follow directions at times. It’s important that I be his voice and express to the agent that while he may seem non-compliant, it’s not the case, it’s just that he doesn’t exactly comprehend what’s being asked of him. When I did that the agent actually offered for me to stand next to her and help with giving him directions – what a relief, seriously. Something else that is key for us is to be sure he is flanked by myself and his Dad so there’s someone on either side of the screening machine to guide him. I realize we can’t all have the benefit of two adults when traveling with our special needs kids, but mostly I want everyone who does travel with them to know that TSA is(at least in my experience) very understanding and accommodating.

Comments

  1. It’s so nice to hear a *good* TSA story these days! And kudos to Disney for making everything easier, too.
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    • I’m so glad I could share a good story. I hear too often of the not-so-good ones and often get worried as I approach the checkpoints when I travel for fear of something awful happening me or a passenger near me, but I’m so grateful that hasn’t been the case. And yes, I love Disney for offering the Guest Assistance card!

  2. Antonia Murphy says

    What a great idea! I’ll definitely try that. Since out special needs son is just 4 years old, it’s taken me awhile to get up the courage to ask for special accommodation. But when I do, it seems like people are only too happy to help! Two more examples:

    1)calling the airline ahead of an international flight to request special assistance on either end (we basically had a personal valet to walk us through customs and security!), and also–

    2)telling the girl at the movie box office that our SN son might not settle down for the movie, so could we please give it a try and pay her *after* the movie if it all went well. The answer? Of course!

    Asking for help goes a long way. Thank you for your blog!
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  3. It’s important that I be his voice and express to the agent that while he may seem non-compliant, it’s not the case, it’s just that he doesn’t exactly comprehend what’s being asked of him. When I did that the agent actually offered for me to stand next to her and help with giving him directions – what a relief, seriously. Something else that is key for us is to be sure he is flanked by myself and his Dad so there’s someone on either side of the screening machine to guide him.

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  5. This looks like a good game to take for our upcoming road trips. We will be visiting my mother and that would be a 5 hour drive. Although my kids are not very young anymore, teens and preteens can get pretty bored too. Shut the Box would definitely keep them entertained.

  6. This looks like a good game to take for our upcoming road trips. We will be visiting my mother and that would be a 5 hour drive. Although my kids are not very young anymore, teens and preteens can get pretty bored too. Shut the Box would definitely keep them entertained.
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  7. We were in Orlando just last week because my husband had a conference to go to. The craziest part of our visit was the afternoon thunder, lightning and rain storms. You could literally take a bottle of shampoo outside and wash your hair, it rained that much. Apparently it is the start of hurricane season in Florida! Nevertheless, it was beautiful, nice to get a little heat. We didn’t do Disney but we did hit Universal Studios — the side with the newest Harry Potter area and wow, it was very cool — even to a bunch adults. We did Disney/Universal and a Disney Cruise when our kids were younger but would love to do it again now that they are adults! Disney/Universal never get old!!!manta ray night snorkel

  8. You could literally take a bottle of shampoo outside and wash your hair, it rained that much. Apparently it is the start of hurricane season in Florida! Nevertheless, it was beautiful, nice to get a little heat. We didn’t do Disney but we did hit Universal Studios — the side with the newest Harry Potter area and wow, it was very cool — even to a bunch adults. We did Disney/Universal and a Disney Cruise when our kids were younger but would love to do it again now that they are adults! Disney/Universal never get old!!!

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  16. Yes! Although am I the only one who gets so darn swollen on a plane that I have to wear my loosest shoes and pants? Even with travel socks my feet swell and I gain about two inches round my middle. So gross. I’m actually thinking in future I might just wear wrap dresses instead cause I end up majorly uncomfy normally.

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  19. Great tips but the funny thing here is, my kids are great travelers. I am NOT. I’m the one that needs all of the toys to keep me occupied so I can ignore all of the crazy traffic!Omio Coupons

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