Families with special needs children experience boarding a flight in Miami airport program

Children with Special Needs Experience Flying for the First Time in Miami

About two dozen children with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, had a unique opportunity on Monday to conquer one of their biggest anxieties during the holiday season: flying. The event, organized by Miami International Airport and American Airlines, aimed to familiarize these children, ranging from 5 to 18 years old, with the airport and the boarding process in a controlled environment.

This was the airport’s second Instruction and Readiness event of this year, which had to be suspended due to the pandemic. Since its inception in 2015, over 100 families have participated in the program, which resumed in April. The public can request new sessions.

While airports and flights can be hassle for anyone, they pose unique challenges for children with developmental disorders and their families. Sensory overload caused by loud noises, bright lights, and large crowds can trigger anxiety in children on the autism spectrum. Many parents even say that their children’s first flight has been delayed for years.

The families participating in the event entered Concourse D on the second level near TSA Checkpoint 1 at Miami International Airport. After checking in, the children were given boarding passes and went through a simulated boarding process at reserved ticket counters. American Airlines agents, who volunteered their time, checked the children in one by one. Notably, the children showed exemplary behavior and patiently waited in line, without a single complaint.

The event also served as training for American Airlines employees, who gained exposure to travelers with special needs. Juan Carlos Liscano, American’s vice president of Miami hub operations, emphasized how this experience helps them create a more inclusive environment at the airport.

Following the check-in process, the children and their families passed through the TSA checkpoint. Despite one incident of a child expressing their desire to go home, everyone continued on to Gate 22 in Concourse D, where they boarded a simulated flight on an American Airlines plane. The children peacefully took their seats and received a safety demonstration. The flight captain then greeted them through the intercom, announcing the flight to Orlando.

The families expressed their satisfaction with the experience. Barbara Torres, who brought her son Marcel Moreno as a birthday present, shared that her son had never flown before due to his autism and sensitivity to loud noises. She felt relieved to see that he handled the simulated flight well. Similarly, Samuel Castillo’s parents, Maria Galvis and her husband, mentioned that their son’s fear of flying had previously made it impossible for them to travel. However, they noticed a positive change in him during the simulation and are hopeful for future flights.

Overall, the families reported a great experience, with the children eagerly awaiting their next opportunity to fly.