American Airlines relaunched its program for special needs kids, especially those on the autism spectrum, last weekend at DFW International Airport, where the...
The program targets kids with autism and other disabilities with a trip through the airport and onto an American Airlines plane, hoping to calm anxieties for kids and parents alike.
Diorio, along with her husband and Caroline’s twin brother Ryan, got a dry run for a future vacation on Saturday at DFW International Airport, as American Airlines restarted a program that the COVID-19 pandemic put on a two-year pause. The “It’s Cool to Fly American Airlines” program is targeted toward special needs flyers who want practice with the travel experience.
Airports and air travel are often stressful for everyone and the COVID-19 pandemic has put a microscope on just how challenging it can be, with a sharp spike in unruly passenger reports and airline operation meltdowns that lead to delays and cancellations, sometimes resulting in more angry passengers.
“It’s targeting kids with autism, but we don’t turn anyone away,” Sickler said. “Anyone that has anxiety can come, even adults with anxiety.”American Airlines coordinates the program through local autism and special needs community groups. Right now, there is a waitlist for those who want to participate. The next event is in Charlotte on April 23 and Los Angeles on May 7. Philadelphia, Orange County, Jacksonville, Cleveland and San Diego are also on the schedule.
“At first you see the tension on the face of parents. They are really quiet,” Sickler said. “I tell them it doesn’t make a difference if it doesn’t go well. It’s better that it doesn’t go well here than during a planned vacation.” That included plenty of planning by Diorio and other parents. She packed noise-canceling headphones and an iPad. The airport made it special with therapy dogs for the kids. American Airlines packed goodie bags with coloring books and other groups donated Happy Meals from McDonald’s.
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