The airport industry is focusing more heavily on the passenger experience. It seems like a simple investment, since happy passengers will spend more time in the airport and likely spend more money during that time. They’re also more likely to come back to that airport in the future, repeating the cycle.

However, just entering an airport often raises people’s stress levels. Airports are inherently unfamiliar environments, with long lines, large crowds and noise levels that can feel overwhelming—especially for individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those linked to autism. Significant portions of the population are further impacted by disabilities; about 28.7% of American adults have a disability¹ and 15% of American students received special education services in school in the 2022-2023 school year². Typically someone with a disability travels with at least one other adult or family member, meaning at least one more person will be affected by the stress of traveling with a disability.

How Accessible Are Airports?

Most airports have accommodations for visible disabilities like mobility, vision or hearing impairments. Wheelchairs, priority boarding and adapted announcements are widely available. But what about hidden disabilities, like autism or ADHD? These aren’t always obvious and traditional supports often fall short.

For example, nearly half of those with autism also experience anxiety and difficulty with transitions, which can make travel particularly challenging. ADHD and traveling don’t always mix well either, as overstimulation and long waiting periods can increase stress. Without proper support, air travel can quickly become overwhelming.

Flying With Autism

Once on board, minimize sensory overload by using noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses or a weighted lap pad to help create a calming bubble. Bring familiar comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket, and consider visual schedules or social stories to reinforce what's coming next. If possible, let flight attendants know about any sensory needs. They can assist if things get overwhelming.

Flying With ADHD

To support focus and reduce restlessness, plan short activities in advance, like coloring books, puzzles or fidget tools. Keep snacks and water on hand to prevent dips in energy. Movement breaks may be limited during the flight, so practice seated stretches or use a wiggle cushion to help with body regulation. Noise-reducing headphones and a timer or watch can also help break up long flights into manageable chunks.

Training Matters: Hidden Disabilities Aren’t Always Seen

It’s not enough to install a sensory room—airport staff must also be trained to recognize signs of sensory overload and know how to help. This training can make a big difference for passengers struggling with transitions or environmental triggers.

Trained staff can redirect passengers to calming areas, offer alternative security screening processes, or provide tools that reduce anxiety and dysregulation.

Travel Sensory Kit: Products That Make Flying Easier

Planning ahead with the right tools can make flying with ADHD or autism smoother and less stressful. Whether you’re packing for a child or adult with sensory needs, here are five travel-friendly products to consider:

• Noise Reduction Headphones

Help reduce the overwhelming sounds of airports and airplanes with adjustable headphones designed for sensory sensitivities.

• Weighted Lap Pad

Provides calming deep pressure input to ease anxiety and improve focus during flights or long wait times.

• Bag of Fidgets

A compact collection of quiet, travel-ready fidgets that support focus and emotional regulation on the go.

• Busy Fingers™ Tangram Puzzle

These interactive, gel-filled shapes offer tactile and visual input. Use them at home for airport prep or during long layovers to help regulate energy.

• Weighted Vest

A discreet option that provides steady proprioceptive input to promote calm in overstimulating travel environments.

5 Top Tips for Making Travel Easier for Kids With Sensory Needs

1. Prepare Your Child Ahead of Time

Help your child feel more secure by talking through the trip in advance. Practice parts of the journey like airport security or sleeping somewhere new. Roleplay the experience or use a visual schedule so they know what to expect and can feel more in control.

2. Pack Comforts From Home

Bring familiar items like weighted stuffed animals, sensory tools, noise-cancelling headphones or favorite utensils. These little comforts can help your child stay grounded and feel safe in new surroundings.

3. Keep Routines as Consistent as Possible

Stick to familiar foods and routines when you can. Pack their go-to snacks and utensils, and set up a quiet space where they can take breaks during meals or gatherings.

4. Create Space for Expression and Downtime

Give your child ways to express themselves, whether that’s a journal, sketchpad or taking photos. Let them skip the group photo or take breaks when things feel overwhelming—flexibility is key.

5. Plan for Extra Support

Traveling with a helper—like a friend, caregiver, or family member—can make all the difference. It also helps to communicate your child’s needs to hosts ahead of time, so everyone’s set up for a smoother visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What sensory triggers are in airports?

Everyone has unique triggers depending on their sensory profile. Common sensory triggers in airports include large crowds, harsh fluorescent lighting, loud noises and countless different conversations happening at once. 

2. What are the best sensory tools for flying?

Our occupational therapists recommend portable, quiet and easy to clean sensory tools for flying. Weighted lap pads like the Wipe Clean! Weighted Lap Pads are great for providing grounding deep pressure input while in your seat. Instead of a typical neck pillow, choose the Vibrating Neck Pillow for additional stimulation. Wear compression clothing for constant soothing input that helps kids with self-regulation.

3. How do you prepare a sensory child for a flight?

Kids with sensory processing needs often benefit from advance preparation for new or overwhelming environments. Show them pictures and videos of what to expect, read a social story and offer an opportunity for them to ask questions about the air travel experience. 

4. Does airline staff know about sensory needs?

Airlines are becoming more attuned to sensory needs. Call your airline ahead of time to find out if their staff is knowledgeable about autism, ADHD or sensory processing disorders, and whether they have any sensory-friendly accommodations available for your child. Look up your airport to see if they have a sensory space that you can reserve time in, too.

Air travel offers opportunities to go on adventures in places you otherwise couldn’t reach. It’s still inaccessible to many people with autism, ADHD or other sensory processing disorders, as the experience inside an airport and on a plane is far too overwhelming. With the right strategies in place, airports can be more sensory-friendly so that everyone can enjoy the adventure that awaits.

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/articles-documents/disability-impacts-all-of-us-infographic.html

²https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg/students-with-disabilities