Practice at the airport. Twice is nice.

The participants for this event were a mixed group. Some had been to a prior event and, for some, this was their very first time at the airport. This guy went from apprehensive to full of joy – on just his first try.

One of the guests for our first event at Bradley International, Jake, didn’t make it to the plane and got no further than the jet bridge that time. This second time around, Jake did it all! He and his family got their gate passes, went through security, waited at the gate, boarded, listened to the announcements and then, very calmly deplaned.  After some more practice, he’ll be ready for his own frequent flyer membership.

This time, two kids couldn’t quite make it to staying on the plane. They boarded but felt they had to leave as soon as they got there. Maybe they’ll be like Jake and need to come back a second time. Maybe they’ll need a third or a fourth try. They will be warmly welcomed back whenever they come. 

LISA writes

What an awesome event you organized today for our children!  Mark called delighted and sent photos of Ellis and his dad just taking all the details of today’s simulated travel event.

We will be happy to attend future events!!!

A very heartfelt thank you to all you do!

 

SABRINA writes

Thank you so much for the experience! My son was definitely impressed by the airport experience and we now know that he can do it, though the actual leaving part made him a bit nervous. We were amazed it was so close to us since we had only ever heard of it in other major cities.

TAMARA writes

The ppl at the Event was very helpful. And thank you again for hosting an event as such! My son had sooo much fun and really enjoyed the experience! He never been on a plane before and he loves it!

Oct. 25—The “Autism Flies” practice boarding was hosted by Breeze Airways in a partnership with Autism Double-Checked, a Stamford-based company that trains businesses in the travel industry on accommodating autistic customers. More than 50 families participated in two sessions held Tuesday, the second Autism Flies event so far.

As part of the program, flight attendants with Breeze Airways received training from Autism Double-Checked on ways to help passengers with the stresses of air travel. The airline said more than half of its flight attendants have completed the training, which will now be offered to pilots as well.

Families began at the ticket counter, checking their bags and making their way through the TSA checkpoint. With their carry-ons in tow, they walked to Gate 22 and waited to get on their plane. Doug, a therapy dog with the Bradley Buddies program, toured around the sitting area as kids stared out the window, or at their tablets.

Mikal Larsen of Windsor Locks brought her sons Dylan and Alex to practice the boarding process. Alex, 9, has been formally diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, while Dylan, 7, has not.

Larsen said her family has no specific plans for a destination, but wanted to make sure Alex and Dylan would be well-equipped when they make travel plans down the road.

“I don’t know where I’m gonna fly, but eventually I’d like to travel with them,” she said.

Jessica Fritz-Aguiar traveled from Wethersfield with her daughter Regan, 10, who was on the waiting list for the event since May.

Fritz-Aguiar said she also does not have specific travel plans, but thought it would be a good way to immerse Regan in new scenarios.

“I think it’s good to get her in situations she hasn’t been, taking her out of her element,” Fritz-Aguiar said.

Regan said she wanted to go to a carnival, and her mother replied that she’d find a carnival to fly to.

Larsen said she has seen families get kicked off of flights due to behavior issues, and would hate to see that happen to her after spending hundreds of dollars on an actual trip.

“As a parent, you have that fear,” she said.

Once boarding began, families walked down the jet bridge and found their seats. Some sat down with confidence, others had some difficulties, but everyone made it onto the plane and stowed their luggage. The flight attendants went through the basic security procedures and passed out snacks to their “passengers” to prepare them for takeoff.

Then, the plane’s occupants took their belongings and walked off.

Tom Doxey, president of Breeze Airways, said the entire Autism Flies event is conducted on a volunteer basis to help future passengers have a more pleasant experience flying, which can often be scary to some.

“It’s a really meaningful thing to be a part of for us,” Doxey said.

Doxey said some of the participants on Tuesday were taking part in their second boarding exercise to see if they could make it further along without issues.

“There’s varying degrees of how far you can make it in the process,” Doxey said, shortly before boarding a real flight.

Alan Day, co-founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked, said the growing community of autistic individuals is largely ignored by the airline industry, and the Autism Flies program provides a way to both recognize passengers on the autism spectrum and give them deeply valuable practice. He said he received emails from participants who said it went great, and others who want to go again.

“Some things require a number of repeated experiences to be comfortable,” Day said.

Day said the ultimate goal is to both help all passengers enjoy the experience of traveling and to help businesses show that they can give travelers the attention and care they need. He said Autism Double-Checked provides training and certifications across the industry, and will hold its first practice hotel stays in November.

“You wouldn’t want to commit to staying in a hotel if you didn’t know how your child would react,” Day said.

Kevin A. Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, gave his thanks to Breeze Airways and Autism Double-Checked for holding the event and helping to make an impact in the community.

“At Bradley International Airport, we strive to make travel enjoyable and easy for everyone,” Dillon said.

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(c)2023 Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.