Some help for air travel with a PWD

Vitruvius

My DW is well beyond the ability to travel. But I occasionally read here about caregivers who are concerned about air travel with their PWD. So I thought I would mention a program for air travel that I just became aware of. It is called the Sunflower Lanyard Program and is available at many US airports. An announcement from my local airport describing the program:

Sunflower Lanyard Program – Enabling Easier Travel for Passengers with Hidden Disabilities

The Sunflower Lanyard Program is a globally recognized customer service program that helps travelers subtly inform airport staff that they have an invisible or less visible disability and may need extra assistance. [This includes PWD.] It is provided to travelers free of charge. Travelers and their caregivers may request free lanyards at airline check-in counters and information booths. They don’t need to provide proof of their disability to receive one. With advanced notice, travelers may also request to have a lanyard mailed to them by contacting the departing airport. 

I have posted this in the general forum as well.

Anna2022

Thank you!

ButterflyWings

Had not heard of this. Good for them. Hoping there is some training or protocol for all the various workers when they see this lanyard.

Another tip: If planning to fly with a PWD, contact TSA Cares to reserve curbside-to-gate escort & wheelchair service if you ask for it. Breeze through security with a free helper, who knows their way around the airport and will wait while you take a solo potty break or if you need someone trusted to wait with your bags while you toilet your PWD LO. Lifesaver.

Joe C.

Below is a link for TSA Cares. I used it when flying with DW and it was a great help with getting through the security screening process.

https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares

Denise1847

Wonderful information. Thank you.

White Crane

Thank you all for this important information!

Sunshine2024

My LOWD traveled with us this past month and I was sure to tell the TSA he has dementia. They were thankful and respectful through the process.

Thanjs for sharing your tip.

Lgb35

Have any of you flown with someone during the MCI phase? DH and I are flying to see our son this weekend. Our son is in the military so we only see him about twice per year, he is expecting his first baby in a couple months so it’s a fun trip. DH has done nothing but complain since I booked the flights. DH is still working etc but SO negative. I asked him if he was excited about the trip at all and he snapped back at me like I was the one complaining. I am honestly a little nervous about the trip down there. I’m wondering if this will be his last trip to see our son.

housefinch

Forgive me if this seems inappropriate to post. My 2 kids both have autism, daughter has intellectual disability, severe anxiety, ADHD, gross motor delays. They look physically “normal” which makes things difficult if they have tough behaviors in public. We will be traveling by plane in a week & I’m definitely getting her a lanyard. We live near a very busy US airport. I also marked her ticket or reservation as disabled for the first time ever. Will see how everything goes & I’m happy to report back afterwards. I know this is not the same as dementia, but she has some similar behaviors (loud vocalizations, gets upset easily, won’t necessarily follow commands, can’t go to bathroom on plane without supervision, unsteady gait, repetitive questions). Family bathrooms are also a godsend. I have a stepdad with Alzheimer’s for whom my mom is sole caregiver and read many posts (super helpful, thanks to everyone here).

ThisLife

A member of a support group I attend found that not all US airports are familiar with the program yet. One of three weren't. And I cannot remember which two did not. Sorry. They weren't small airports either. Could have been some staff who hadn't yet been trained, too. Their trip was good though.