Hello my name is Alexandra. I’m an avid autistic traveller and know a thing or two about navigating airports. I have recently been to Melbourne and the Northern Rivers and have therefore travelled through Sydney Domestic Airport, Melbourne Tullamarine Domestic Airport as well as Gold Coast/Coolangatta Domestic Airports. As an autistic traveller I choose to wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme lanyard.
The ups …
I have had mixed experiences at airports. Some airports are doing a great job of acknowledging and supporting those who wear the lanyard. The security staff at one airport had the Hidden Disabilities Line cut off by a rope, which was fantastic to see because it improves accessibility for lanyard wearers as well as wheelchair users and parents with prams. They acknowledged me and assisted me in which queue to line up in once l was let through the designated queue.
One member of the airline crew at my departure gate was wearing the Hidden Disabilities pin, and therefore when they saw l had the lanyard on they were quick to keep me updated with how long it was until boarding, which l found very helpful.
… and downs of airports
Some airport experiences are on the other side of the quality spectrum. The Hidden Disabilities Line at another airport I recently used wasn’t well managed at all. Anyone seemed to be able to use it although the sunflower was displayed clearly. This can mean that the line becomes crowded which can make the experience uncomfortable and stressful for people with a disability.
Alexandra’s tips for navigating airports
Here are a few tips for those on the autism spectrum who are travelling through airports:
- Look up Google to see if the airport in question has a website and if they are, see if they display the Hidden Disabilities sunflower on their website. Both Gold Coast Airport and Sydney Airport have accessibility initiatives.
- Look at maps of the domestic or international terminals so you have a vague idea of where things are. With Melbourne at the moment parts of the airport are being refurbished, so that may not be shown on the maps online.
- Depending on the airline you are travelling with and if food can be added to your booking, l find it handy to do a shop at the convenience store in the terminal or if time allows have a junk food binge in the lead up to boarding.
