Taking Flight, One Practice at a Time: April Events Celebrate Autism Appreciation Month with Confidence-Building Experiences

April was Autism Appreciation Month — and for Autism Double-Checked and our airline partners, that meant one thing: more opportunities for autistic travelers and their families to practice flying in a supportive, sensory-considerate environment.

Across four cities — and even internationally — we were thrilled to partner with Breeze Airways, JSX, and LATAM Airlines to host practice boarding events that welcomed families to experience the airport journey in a low-pressure, welcoming way. These events are designed not just as one-time experiences, but as building blocks. We strongly believe in — and encourage — practicing as many times as needed. Whether a family joins us once or returns again and again, each step brings more confidence, more comfort, and greater access to the world.

Here’s a look at what happened in April:

✈️ Oakland, CA (OAK) – April 12

JSX hosted a fantastic practice boarding event for families at Oakland International Airport — reinforcing their leadership as the first autism-certified air carrier. Every JSX crewmember is trained to be Autism-Aware, and it showed in the warmth, patience, and understanding they brought to this experience.

We’re proud to partner with JSX to offer events like this across their network — because everyone deserves to feel the joy of flying, and practice makes that possible.

✈️ Hartford, CT (BDL) – April 22

Bradley International Airport was buzzing with smiles and support during our Autism Flies event with Breeze Airways. Families participated in a practice run of the airport journey, helped every step of the way by an incredible Breeze crew who made travelers feel welcome and seen.

This event was especially meaningful because BDL is the first airport in the United States to become Autism Double-Checked certified. This certification represents the highest level of autism-readiness — a commitment by the airport to help meet the needs of travelers on the autism spectrum at every stage of their journey.

✈️ São Paulo, Brazil (CGH) – April 26

LATAM Airlines hosted a practice boarding event for families at Congonhas Airport (CGH) in São Paulo, welcoming 50 guests, including 25 autistic individuals and their companions. More than 30 LATAM volunteers and a local autism expert association provided outstanding support throughout the day.

Families moved through each stage of the travel experience — from check-in and security to onboard service — all recreated with thoughtful attention to detail. The LATAM Brazil team’s care and dedication created a calm, joyful atmosphere that was deeply appreciated by everyone involved.

As an Autism Double-Checked airline, LATAM has trained its employees to better understand and support autistic travelers. This international event represents a growing movement toward inclusive air travel across the globe, and we’re proud to be part of that effort with LATAM in Brazil.

✈️ Providence, RI (PVD) – April 29

Hosted in partnership with Breeze Airways and Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, this Autism Flies event gave families the opportunity to walk through the full airport experience — from check-in to boarding a real Breeze plane.

Participants moved at their own pace: some breezed through security and enjoyed a snack onboard, while others took more time getting familiar with new steps. A few lucky travelers even got to visit the cockpit and meet the pilots! The day was a beautiful reminder that progress looks different for everyone — and that’s perfectly OK.

Accessible travel isn’t just a hope — it’s happening. Thanks to our certified airline partners and the many airport teams and volunteers who bring these events to life, more families are discovering that air travel can be possible — even joyful.

We invite families to practice as many times as they need — because building comfort doesn’t follow a timetable. Whether it’s your first event or your fifth, we’re here to help you take flight with confidence.

Want to join us for a future event?
Visit autismchecked.com/autism-flies/ to join the waitlist for an event near you!