# How do I fly with my autistic child?

> Airport support programmes, preparing with pictures, packing a calm kit, and getting through security.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/flying-with-autistic-child
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-28

**Short answer:** Contact your airline and airport ahead of time: in the US, TSA Cares can arrange help through security, and many airports and airlines offer assistance for disabled travellers. Prepare your child with a picture schedule of the whole trip (car, airport, security, wait, plane, landing), pack a sensory kit, and choose seats and times that suit your child.

**Key takeaways**
- Contact **TSA Cares** or your airport's **assistance** service early.
- Make a **picture schedule** of the whole trip.
- Pack a **sensory kit**.
- Choose **times and seats** that suit your child.

## What help is available at the airport?

In the US, TSA Cares helps travellers with disabilities through security if you contact them before your trip.[1][2] Many airports worldwide offer special assistance and quiet routes.

## How do I prepare my child?

| Step | Picture |
| --- | --- |
| 1 | Car to the airport |
| 2 | Check in |
| 3 | Security (bags on the belt, walk through) |
| 4 | Wait at the gate |
| 5 | Plane: seat, seatbelt, take off |
| 6 | Snack and activities |
| 7 | Land, get bags, car |

A short social story with airport photos helps too.[3]

## What should I pack?

**Try:**
- Headphones or ear defenders
- Tablet with downloaded shows
- Familiar snacks and a water bottle
- A comfort item and a change of clothes

**Skip:**
- Relying on in-flight wifi
- Tight connections
- New clothes or shoes on travel day

**Ears on take-off and landing.** Swallowing helps with ear pressure. Offer a drink, snack or pacifier during take-off and landing.

Free printable: [Free printable: social narrative template](https://theautismkit.com/printables/social-narrative-template.pdf)

## What can I do before the trip?

- [ ] Contact TSA Cares or airport assistance
- [ ] Make a trip picture schedule
- [ ] Pack a sensory kit

## Common questions

### What is TSA Cares?

A US TSA helpline for travellers with disabilities and medical conditions. You can request help through security by contacting them before your trip.

### What about outside the US?

Many airports offer special assistance, and some recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. Check your airport's website.

### Should I tell the airline?

Yes. Airlines can often offer early boarding and seating help if they know ahead of time.

## Sources

1. TSA: TSA Cares. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares
2. TSA: Disabilities and medical conditions. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures
3. Carol Gray Social Stories. https://carolgraysocialstories.com/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.