Travel and Tourism

Airports

Many airports are now adopting a scheme to support people who have disabilities, including hidden disabilities. For example, at Newcastle airport, you can pick up a lanyard from the Passenger Assistance desk. This lanyard discreetly lets airport staff know that the person wearing it may need a little more time or assistance to travel through the airport. A hidden disabilities/autism passport can also be downloaded from their website. Once this is completed and validated at the airport, it can be used to fast track through security so you don’t need to wait in a queue. This is at the discretion of security staff, however, as the airport does not actually manage the queues. Once through security, you can also use the passport to access a quieter waiting area within the terminal. There is also a social story, travel advice, and an activity book that can be downloaded to help support people on the autistic spectrum. If you are travelling from a different airport, it is worth logging onto their website before you travel to see what assistance they may be able to offer.