Special Assistance
For many of us, the prospect of going on an aeroplane, especially for the first time, can be daunting in itself. For those with autism or travelling with a person on the autistic spectrum, it can be even more of an ordeal, the idea of having to travel on an aeroplane can be frighteningly overwhelming – trying to settle nerves, control excitement and quell the fear of the unknown.
Here at Belfast International Airport we want to turn that daunting experience into a memorable one.
Like many people, there are those on the autistic spectrum to whom flying poses no problem. For some, however, routine and consistency is crucial to their everyday lives and the thought of doing something as out-of-the-ordinary as flying can be very upsetting.
It is always recommended to book assistance through your airline or tour operator at least 48 hours before departure or arrival at Belfast International Airport.
When booking assistance through your airline or tour operator, please book DPNA assistance, if there is an option to give further information regarding the assistance you require please type the word Autism. This will then enable our special assistance provider to give the appropriate level of help.
An Autism Awareness Lanyard is available to assist with your journey through the airport and can be collected on the day of travel from the OCS Special Assistance desk in the Check-In Hall on production of your boarding pass.
The lanyard should be shown to Airport Staff where additional assistance or support may be required at any stage of your airport journey.
The lanyard informs staff that a member of your family group may need a little more time to process information and may require additional assistance to prepare for check in and security screening. Staff are also aware that passengers wearing a lanyard may need to remain with family or friends throughout the process. It should be noted that wearing of the Lanyard does not exclude passengers from the Security Screening Process
With the lanyard, you can approach security using the left hand Priority Security lane. Security staff at the boarding pass scanners will then direct you into a Special Assistance Lane from that point.
Please note that the lanyard does not permit fast track through Security or Passport Control but is designed to assist you through the process as smoothly as possible.
One lanyard is issued per family and can be worn by any member of the group. It should be kept for future travel as it has the added benefit of being recognised in a number of other UK airports.
To help prepare for your trip and to ensure that your airport experience is as enjoyable and as stress free as possible, we have recently produced downloadable and printable booklets.
The booklets show pictures and words of what to expect during a journey through Belfast International Airport. There are lots of fun activities and interesting facts along the way.
If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected]
BFS Autism Guide Adults