Any recent airport security experiences?

[MrsBlovesDisney]

We're heading to WDW in April.... we've gone once a year for the past 6 years or so (and probably every other year prior to that). I have a DS12 with autism. He's come a long way over the years with regard to WDW... the flight, the parks, etc...he seems to have adjusted well, and we know what works and what doesn't work. We do still have a tough time at the airport regarding security. He gets anxious, and because it's hard to tell by just looking at him that he has issues, it's assumed he can follow directions easily. He's getting better with taking off his sneakers, and does a better job walking thru the metal detector (without having a complete meltdown). Now with new security measures in place, I have to wonder if it'll be back to the drawing board again. I can't imagine getting him to stand still with his hands in the air so they can screen him (or whatever that new machine does). Not sure if they're doing that for everyone now, or if the new system is in place at all airports? Also, it drives me crazy that they have a line for "families with small children". That's usually the longest line which stresses him out even more. We want to get in, get thru, and move on quickly. I sure wish they had a line just for "special needs". We'll be flying out of Boston, but if anyone has any info or advice to make his "pass thru" easier, I'd really appreciate it!! TIA!!

 

[peemagg]

I don't think that many of the airports have those scanners yet. I think most just have the same ones that they have had for sometime. You can always ask for a private screening if that will make things easier.

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

You can always ask for a private screening if that will make things easier.

What is a private screening? Also, how does one schedule that?

 

[peemagg]

I myself have never done it, but I think you just need to ask the security officials for a private screening when you get there. The officials can answer your questions more when you get to the airport. You also might want to check out the TSA website for more information about getting through security.

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

I myself have never done it, but I think you just need to ask the security officials for a private screening when you get there. The officials can answer your questions more when you get to the airport. You also might want to check out the TSA website for more information about getting through security.

Thank you!! I'll do that!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. The first post is an index to what you will find in the other posts.
One of the posts is about air travel and includes some links to the TSA website that should be helpful. (including some movies)
My DD is in a wheelchair and can't walk, so she can't walk thru the metal detector. If you can get your son to walk thru, it would probably be a lot easier.
My DD gets patted down by a TSA agent, her shoes get swabbed and there is a lot more need to follow directions than she would have by just walking thru the metal detector.

Because my DD can't speak, as we get to the first TSA agent, we do explain a little about her - she can understand, but not speak, she will try to do what she is asked to do, but may not be able to.
If you are concerned that the screener may assume by looking at him that he can follow directions easily, you may want to consider cluing the TSA agent into his needs a little bit.

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. The first post is an index to what you will find in the other posts.
One of the posts is about air travel and includes some links to the TSA website that should be helpful. (including some movies)
My DD is in a wheelchair and can't walk, so she can't walk thru the metal detector. If you can get your son to walk thru, it would probably be a lot easier.
My DD gets patted down by a TSA agent, her shoes get swabbed and there is a lot more need to follow directions than she would have by just walking thru the metal detector.

Because my DD can't speak, as we get to the first TSA agent, we do explain a little about her - she can understand, but not speak, she will try to do what she is asked to do, but may not be able to.
If you are concerned that the screener may assume by looking at him that he can follow directions easily, you may want to consider cluing the TSA agent into his needs a little bit.

Thank you for the info!! I have reviewed the TSA website...and will follow your link as well for more info!

We are thankful DS can walk thru the metal detector....hopefully that will be it....if he had to be patted down, etc, I think that might be a disaster (God Bless your precious little angel....what a trooper)! Although he can speak, I'm afraid it is very limited...BUT he can say who he is... I am not shy at all advising the attendants about his autism. Anything to make it easier on everyone involved.

Thanks everyone for your help!!

 

[Mouse's Shadow]

We flew 6 weeks ago out of Columbus, probably not as busy. The TSA agents were wonderful with DS who is non-verbal and in wheelchair. My only advice, is that perhaps you could make a game out of takeing his shoes of and putting them in a tub. If you do this at home, maybe it will make it easier at the airport. My DS loves to thumb wrestle, so that's how we occupy him in line. It keeps his mind off of whats going on around him. My son has short term memory problems so we have to repeat things a lot in order for it to sink in.

Our hardest part is when they seperate him from us to wand him. Perhaps asking to do this in private, might be the best thing in the future for us too. It would certainly cut down on the confusion of all the stimuation going on around him.

My biggest problem is that I get anxious and I think he feels it. If I'm able to stay calm and zen-like things seem to go better.

Good luck, Hoping you have lots of Disney Magic while you travel.

 

[MrsBlovesDisney]

We flew 6 weeks ago out of Columbus, probably not as busy. The TSA agents were wonderful with DS who is non-verbal and in wheelchair. My only advice, is that perhaps you could make a game out of takeing his shoes of and putting them in a tub. If you do this at home, maybe it will make it easier at the airport. My DS loves to thumb wrestle, so that's how we occupy him in line. It keeps his mind off of whats going on around him. My son has short term memory problems so we have to repeat things a lot in order for it to sink in.

Our hardest part is when they seperate him from us to wand him. Perhaps asking to do this in private, might be the best thing in the future for us too. It would certainly cut down on the confusion of all the stimuation going on around him.

My biggest problem is that I get anxious and I think he feels it. If I'm able to stay calm and zen-like things seem to go better.

Good luck, Hoping you have lots of Disney Magic while you travel.

Thanks for the tips!! I also agree with being anxious and our children being able to sense it! I'm going to try very hard this trip to "stay cool"!!

 

[bookwormde]

Another helful thing is to leave lots of time at the airport so you and your child do not feel "rushed", and/or try to schedule flights that are not during the busiest times (we try to do 1st flight out).

bookwormde