How to make air travel easier for kids with sensory sensitivities
If you’ve ever traveled with a child who has sensory sensitivities, you know that airports can feel like sensory overload on steroids. The fluorescent lights, constant announcements, unpredictable security procedures, and crowds are overwhelming for any kid, but for children who process sensory information differently, it can be genuinely triggering.
And look—even for those of us without sensory sensitivities, airports can send your nervous system into overdrive. I once spent eight hours stuck in the JetBlue terminal at JFK after a red-eye, and the alarm blared every 15 minutes for what felt like an eternity. Every nerve I’ve ever had was frayed to the brink of madness. So if airports can do that to a caffeinated adult, imagine what they do to a child whose brain is already working overtime to process sensory information.
The good news? With preparation and the right strategies, air travel doesn’t have to be a nightmare. We spoke with Alisha Simpson-Watt, LCSW, BCBA, LBA, Executive Clinical Director and Founder of Collaborative ABA Services, for practical advice on sensory-friendly travel and making flights more manageable.
What your child is actually experiencing
“Airports can be overwhelming environments for children with sensory sensitivities,” Simpson-Watt explains. “They are often crowded with unfamiliar people, constant movement, and loud or unexpected noises such as announcements, alarms, and rolling luggage. Lighting can be bright, spaces are unfamiliar, and there may be sudden transitions or long periods of waiting. All of these sensory inputs combined can quickly become triggering for a child who processes sensory information differently.”
In other words: it’s not just one thing. It’s the cumulative assault of everything at once—the PA system crackling overhead while someone’s rolling their luggage over your foot while the person next to you is eating something that smells like feet while the fluorescent lights buzz and flicker. For a child whose nervous system is already working overtime to filter and process sensory information, there’s no respite, no break from the barrage. They can’t escape it, and neither can you.
Preparation is everything
If you only do one thing before your trip, prepare. “Preparation is key. Planning ahead allows families to anticipate challenges before they arise,” Simpson-Watt says.
This isn’t about being a helicopter parent or obsessively controlling every variable—it’s about reducing the number of unknowns your child has to process in real-time while you’re also trying to remember which gate you’re at and whether you packed the charger. The unfamiliar is inherently stressful for sensory-sensitive kids; the more you can make the experience predictable, the better equipped they’ll be to handle it.
She recommends using social stories—visual or written narratives that walk children through what the airport experience will look like. Think of it as a preview trailer for the main event: what security looks like, what happens when you board the plane, where you’ll sit, what the sounds will be. Some airports even offer programs like Autism Flies, which provide mock flight experiences so children can familiarize themselves with the process beforehand. If your airport offers this, use it. There’s no substitute for actually walking through a jet bridge and sitting in an airplane seat when there’s no time pressure and no consequences for needing to leave.
The best times to fly with sensory-sensitive kids
When you fly matters. “Weekdays and non-peak travel times are often less crowded and therefore less overwhelming,” Simpson-Watt notes. But you also need to consider your child’s internal clock. “Avoiding flights that interfere with sleep schedules, such as overnight or very early morning flights, can make a significant difference.”
When you fly matters. “Weekdays and non-peak travel times are often less crowded and therefore less overwhelming,” Simpson-Watt notes. But you also need to consider your child’s internal clock. “Avoiding flights that interfere with sleep schedules, such as overnight or very early morning flights, can make a significant difference.”
Sure, that 6 a.m. flight might be cheaper, but is it actually cheaper when you factor in the emotional cost of dragging an already-dysregulated kid through security before sunrise? A Tuesday mid-morning flight might cost more upfront, but if it means fewer people jostling for space at the gate and a child who’s actually had breakfast and isn’t running on fumes, it’s worth every extra dollar. You’re not being precious or high-maintenance by choosing flight times that work with your child’s rhythm—you’re being strategic. Call the airline directly if you need to; gate agents often know which flights tend to be quieter, and they’re usually happy to share that intel if you ask.
Pack the right essentials
Simpson-Watt is clear about what should be in every sensory-sensitive child’s travel bag: “A preferred stuffed animal, fidgets, a stress ball, noise-canceling headphones (which are a must for many children), a personal tablet or device, and familiar snacks. Having these items easily accessible can help regulate sensory input and provide comfort throughout the trip.”
Also, keep them easy to access. This is not the time to play Tetris with your suitcase or worry about carry-on weight limits. These items are tools, not luxuries. That stuffed animal that smells like home? That’s your child’s anchor when everything else feels chaotic and wrong. Those noise-canceling headphones? They’re not about shutting out the world; they’re about giving your child’s nervous system a break from processing every single sound in a 50-foot radius. And familiar snacks aren’t just about avoiding hunger—they’re about having something predictable and safe when everything else is strange. Keep all of this within arm’s reach, ideally in a bag your child can access themselves if they’re old enough. You don’t want to be digging through an overhead bin during boarding while your kid is spiraling.
Finding calm spaces
More airports are adding dedicated sensory rooms—quiet spaces with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and calming visuals. But availability varies widely. “The best approach is to contact the airport ahead of time to ask whether sensory rooms are available and where they are located,” Simpson-Watt advises.
Some resources that can help: TravelingWiki.com maintains a crowdsourced list of airports with sensory rooms and autism resources, organized by location. Major airports like Seattle-Tacoma, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Portland, Boston, and Indianapolis have well-established sensory rooms, but smaller regional airports are increasingly adding them too. When you call the airport directly, ask specifically for “sensory rooms” or “quiet rooms”—sometimes they exist but aren’t well advertised. Get the exact location (concourse, gate number, pre- or post-security) and any access codes you might need, because the last thing you need is to arrive at a locked door during a meltdown.
If your airport doesn’t have one, ask staff for help finding a quieter space. Look for nursing rooms, less crowded gate areas, or business lounges. You can also create your own “sensory oasis” using noise-canceling headphones and your child’s preferred sensory items.
Getting through security
Security checkpoints are often the most stressful part. Simpson-Watt recommends utilizing TSA Cares, a program specifically designed to support travelers with disabilities. If you expect you’ll need extra support, contact them or fill out a TSA Cares form at least 72 hours before your flight to arrange for additional screening assistance.
Another helpful tool: TSA Notification Cards, which allow you to discreetly inform agents of your child’s medical condition or special needs. “They can reduce misunderstandings and stress during the screening process,” Simpson-Watt says.
Seating strategy
There’s no universal “right” seat for sensory-sensitive kids, and anyone who tells you otherwise is oversimplifying. “Seating preferences depend on the individual needs of the child and family,” Simpson-Watt notes. “Some families prefer window seats to reduce visual distractions or prevent elopement, while others prefer aisle seats for extra space or easier movement.”
You know your kid best. If they’re the type who needs to see what’s happening and watching the window helps them feel grounded, go window. If they need to move, stretch, or access the bathroom without having to climb over strangers, aisle is your friend. If they’re prone to wandering or find comfort in being contained, window might prevent a mid-flight escape attempt. There’s no wrong answer here—just what works for your specific child in this specific situation.
The one non-negotiable? “The most important consideration is ensuring the child is seated next to a trusted family member for comfort and support.”
When booking, consider using the DPNA code (Passenger with Developmental or Intellectual Disability Needing Assistance), which alerts airline staff that your child may need accommodations. “These supports are available to anyone with a disability or medical condition,” Simpson-Watt emphasizes.
When overload happens
Even with perfect planning, sensory overload can still happen. “Reassurance and access to preferred items are essential,” Simpson-Watt says. “Keeping the experience as predictable and low-stress as possible can reduce sensory overload.”
If your child has a meltdown, her first piece of advice follows the apt adage of putting your own oxygen mask on first. Focus on yourself before you address anything else. “Remaining calm is critical.” From there, “parents can prompt and model calming strategies such as deep breathing, using sensory tools, or offering quiet reassurance. Allowing the child time and support to regulate, rather than rushing the process, can help de-escalate the situation.”
The bottom line
Air travel with a sensory-sensitive child will probably never be easy, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Simpson-Watt’s final wisdom? “Preparation truly makes a difference. Bringing familiar comfort items, setting realistic expectations, and asking for help when needed can make air travel a more positive experience for the entire family.”
Translation: Give yourself permission to use all the resources available to you, lower your expectations of what a “perfect” travel day looks like, and remember that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s smart planning. Your kid doesn’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to be prepared and calm enough to help them through it.
source https://www.mother.ly/travel/sensory-friendly-travel/
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