Simulated Flights to Help Families with Autistic Children

Traveling with neurodiverse kids can be so challenging many parents simply avoid flying as a family. But Breeze Airways’ Autism Flies events pave the way for families of kids with autism to take off with confidence.

The program stages a trial run of the airport and boarding experience, as well as gives a taste of what to expect on a real flight. Families check in just as they would for a real trip, proceeding through security screenings, boarding the plane, taking their seats and experiencing a simulated 15-minute “flight” onboard an aircraft.

The flight attendants, specially trained, go through all the pre-flight procedures, including safety demonstrations and offering snacks and water from the snack cart. Also easing the stress for parents is knowing on this “flight,” fellow passengers understand the challenges of neurodiverse children.

Autism Flies events are designed to simulate the real flight experience as much as possible without actually leaving the ground. Recognizing people with autism have difficulty with unfamiliar settings and activities, this program strives to make these routines and environments more familiar.

Along with helping children prepare for future flights, Autism Flies gives parents more confidence in the prospect of future real flights with their children. Knowing Breeze Airways flight attendants have been trained in how to identify and work with passengers on the autism spectrum is especially reassuring to parents.

In May of this year, Breeze Airways was certified by Autism Double-Checked, becoming the first domestic commercial carrier to achieve this recognition. Training for flight attendants includes in-depth modules and materials on how to best identify and accommodate guests on the autism spectrum, and create the smoothest possible travel experience for them and their families. The airline now extends the training to its pilots and gate agents.

Autism Flies experiences have been sponsored most recently at Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport and are planned for other Breeze Airways gateways in 2025. With perks such as free family seating and no change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure, Breeze has positioned itself as a family-friendly low-cost airline.