Making travel more welcoming for Bella and others on the autism spectrum
Air travel can be a challenging experience for customers – especially those with cognitive disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder – but there are several resources available, so it doesn’t have to be.?
Eric and Christina Hanson travel frequently with their 10-year-old daughter Bella and encourage others with autism to travel, frequently posting about their journeys on social media . Christina noted that Bella has flown more than 40,000 miles over the last two years, and Delta has provided a wonderful travel experience.?
“Every time we've flown, they've always made sure that we could board early with her and let her get situated. They come check on her often to see if there's anything that she needs, they bring extra snacks,” Christina said. “Delta people have made it easier and more relaxing and just embraced her, which has always been amazing.”?
Delta aims to be the carrier of choice for all customers through thoughtful, reliable and innovative service. For 14 years, Delta has partnered with our Advisory Board on Disability to promote accessible travel for all. This board consisting of 14 frequent fliers and disability experts meets regularly and advises Delta on various items impacting the travel experience for people with disabilities.?
Here are some of the resources available to Bella and others on the autism spectrum.?
FAMILIARIZATION TOURS?
Delta partners with airports in two of our busiest hubs – Atlanta and Minneapolis – to give families the opportunity to practice in a hands-on environment. The familiarization tours allow families with disabilities to come and practice the process of traveling through an airport in preparation to travel.?
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SENSORY ROOMS?
To make travel more enjoyable for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families, there are supportive and safe environments within multisensory rooms. These rooms include calming colors, sounds and activities. Delta created sensory rooms in Atlanta and New York that can be accessed by ticketed passengers based on individual need. Please locate any Delta Red Coat for assistance.?
A number of other airports across the U.S., as well as one location in Ireland, offer multisensory rooms for all customers:?
TSA CARES?
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a passenger support specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance.?
PREBOARDING?
One parent can board early to set up a "nest" by getting seated, having all the carry-ons stored under the seat and having any comfort items out and ready for use. Meanwhile, the other parent can stay with the child in the boarding area or just slightly away in a less congested area and wait to board last. Boarding last will allow the jetway to clear and minimize the time sitting idle on the aircraft.?
“All these things Delta and its partners do matters and makes a difference for my family,” Eric said. “Bella loves to travel and even hopes to become a Delta flight attendant one day.”?
Brand and Loyalty Experience Leader | Driving Awareness, Engagement, and Retention Through Meaningful Connections
1 年We strive for the best customer experience at Delta Airlines. We accommodate all forms of disabilities. Happy to answer questions and address concerns.
RSA at Delta Air Lines
1 年Fantastic?
Senior Relationship Banker
1 年On our family vacation this year, Delta was amazing. We were able to preboard with our 5 year old autistic child. It was wonderful! There was 1 gate agent in Honolulu that wouldnt let us board early but another gate agent let us through.... the only complaint i had on both our long flights, was that i was told there would be child friendly options and there were ZERO. My kid was on the plan for 12+ hours and would only eat cookies. Other than those 2 things... wonderful wonderful service!