Autism Flies
Practice boarding events
Navigating an airport can be challenging for a healthy adult — but for individuals on the autism spectrum, it can be downright overwhelming. Airports are often crowded and full of new and unusual sensory experiences.
These very special programs give you the chance to practice every step of the boarding process at your local airport. It goes like this:
- Register in advance, just like booking a real flight.
- Bring the whole family to the airport on the day of the event.
- Check in at the counter and receive your boarding passes.
- Go through TSA security exactly as you would on a real flight.
- Proceed to the assigned gate and wait for your flight (to nowhere) to be called.
- Board the aircraft, get comfortably settled, and fasten your seat belts.
- Listen to all onboard announcements.
- When instructed, disembark the plane and go through the arrival process.
- The program is FREE. It’s local. You can participate multiple times.
- Program name may vary by location depending on the local partner organization.
Autism Flies Events
Events for 2026
Airport
Bradley International Airport, Hartford (BDL)
In partnership with Breeze Airways
Date
Tuesday April 21st 2026
Capacity reached
Airport
Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
In partnership with JSX Air
Date
September 2026
Register for an Invitation
Other Upcoming Events
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana (SNA)
Provo, Utah Airport (PVU)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
An airport near to you
Airport
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
In partnership with Breeze Airways
Date
Fall 2026
Register for an Invitation
Airport
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
A Wings for All program from the Arc of USA
Date
April 25th 2026
Register here
Photos from Previous Events
