Airplane suggestions for DS3 with autism

[clanmcculloch]

TSA at MCO does seem to really vary. In August I asked about the families and medical needs line since I didn't see any signs (I like to use it because I figure we've got plenty of medications and I never know if I'll need extra time for DD14 to talk with the TSA agent (she's autistic) and I don't want to hold up busier travellers). The agent I asked laughed and said we're near Disney World and half the people are families so all lines are family lines. In the past there was always one on either side. The trip where we used a wheelchair we just walked over to the family and medical needs line as the sign clearly showed an image of somebody with mobility needs. There was no special shorter line or access. My experience definitely mirrored WheeledTraveler's. There was one time where the crowd was huge and we hung back a bit because DD14 was getting nervous about the mob looking area and we got talking with a TSA agent asking if there was any particular agent who would be more patient wiht DD14. She asked us to hold on a minute and went to talk to somebody and then came back and escorted us to the employee line. We never expected that (I honestly just wanted her opinion about which agent would be more likely to be patient with her because she was getting aggitated by just looking at the mob). This sort of thing can happen but I NEVER expect it or count on it.

For our upcoming trip we're flying Jet Blue for the first time and paid for those bigger seats that also come with access to some kind of expidited line through security. I don't know how exactly that works but that alone is worth the upgrade fee to me. The extra leg room and early boarding is bonus. I can't wait to see how it works.

 

[kalimom6]

I wonder if the employee line was what we would have wnt through if we kept the appt with a TSA agent. Hmmm....almost wish we would have!!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Can you take your son on a short flight somewhere or simulate the experience of being in a small area with other people for him? It would be awful if you couldn't get him redirected. It would be awful for him, you, and everyone around you on the plane. Every child, regardless of their needs deserves to go on vacation, but from the way you described his development at this point, flying may not be the best option for him. Flying is intense, even more so if you don't fully understand what is going on. And if the people around you don't understand, they might think it is a discipline issue instead of special needs. I've seen people be rude to parents on planes, and I wouldn't wan you or DS to get even more stresses out.

 

[disney david]

TSA at MCO does seem to really vary. In August I asked about the families and medical needs line since I didn't see any signs (I like to use it because I figure we've got plenty of medications and I never know if I'll need extra time for DD14 to talk with the TSA agent (she's autistic) and I don't want to hold up busier travellers). The agent I asked laughed and said we're near Disney World and half the people are families so all lines are family lines. In the past there was always one on either side. The trip where we used a wheelchair we just walked over to the family and medical needs line as the sign clearly showed an image of somebody with mobility needs. There was no special shorter line or access. My experience definitely mirrored WheeledTraveler's. There was one time where the crowd was huge and we hung back a bit because DD14 was getting nervous about the mob looking area and we got talking with a TSA agent asking if there was any particular agent who would be more patient wiht DD14. She asked us to hold on a minute and went to talk to somebody and then came back and escorted us to the employee line. We never expected that (I honestly just wanted her opinion about which agent would be more likely to be patient with her because she was getting aggitated by just looking at the mob). This sort of thing can happen but I NEVER expect it or count on it.

For our upcoming trip we're flying Jet Blue for the first time and paid for those bigger seats that also come with access to some kind of expidited line through security. I don't know how exactly that works but that alone is worth the upgrade fee to me. The extra leg room and early boarding is bonus. I can't wait to see how it works.

It printed on you ticket and you show an employee not Tsa then they will direct you through the employee line. Well that how we did it last time we traveled in oct. it very easy and quick if they do it in the same spot you will have your own X-ray and metal detectors unless their other employees or travelers using the speedy line. The funny thing is we didn't even realize that Orlando had it until we went through and look that other lines didn't have an employee looking at tickets before Tsa. Then we looked at are ticket and it was on their.



Just a tip be ready to say your name and where you are going. They asked us in JFK but lax so not sure if it a random thing or a Tsa agent going an extra step. He wait to we said are name then looked at the ticket and so I guess they want to make sure your not using some one else I'd and try to catch you saying the wrong name and destination.

 

[disney david]

I wonder if the employee line was what we would have wnt through if we kept the appt with a TSA agent. Hmmm....almost wish we would have!!

Most likely yes because their they could spend more time answering questions and showing you what happens.

 

[mandylou6]

we used a wheelchair for our autistic son godsend around the parks he was 10 at the time.

 

[gladdiola]

My DS7 is autistic; he has been on planes 1-2/year since he was an infant. Like a PP noted, snacks and drink during take-off and landing work best for us as well. I avoid anything sugary to minimize hyperactivity. He enjoys the window seat and loves to look out the window during take-off and landing. On long flights cross country we bring electronic devices (tablet with kid games or portable DVD player) that is shared by all 3 of our kids; we find that rotating the tablet between them every 15-20 minutes works well. For shorter flights (<2 hrs), I can hand him a few gluten free pretzels which he has to request from me and he will line-up on his tray before eating. This activity occupies him quite well and it forces him to interact with me, which I like. In return for the pretzels I request high-5s and kisses on the cheek, or I will use it to get him to say words. I also pull out the flight information pamphlet and talk to my kids about all the safety information. Now that they are getting bigger and recognizing words I find them taking the time to look at it on their own during the flight, even my DS7.
Enjoy your upcoming trip OP, your preparation will be well worth it!

For my son, evening flights go easier if he eats a decent sized dinner before boarding. By the time he gets on the plane he is tired from the day and ready to get comfortable or even go to sleep before the plane leaves the gate.

 

[Lisa71]

Our DS has CP and overnight flights worked great. TSA has always been nice to us too even when he was randomly screened for explosives in Kauai.