If you, a child, or companion is autistic, this guide explains the assistance you can expect at major UK airports – including Sunflower Lanyards, quiet routes, familiarisation visits, and more.
Most major UK airports now offer dedicated support for autistic passengers and those with hidden disabilities. All airports listed below participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme. Familiarisation visits are available at 16 of the 20 airports covered. On the day of travel, contact your airport’s special assistance team at least 48 hours before departure to arrange support.
What help can autistic passengers expect at UK airports?
Air travel can be overwhelming for autistic passengers and their families. The good news is that UK airports have made significant progress in recent years. Below are the main types of support available across the network.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme
All major UK airports have adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme. Wearing a sunflower lanyard discreetly signals to trained staff that you or your travel companion may need a little extra time or support. Staff can offer priority access at security, more time to process instructions, and guidance through busy areas.
You can request a lanyard online before your journey or collect one at the airport’s special assistance or customer service desk on the day of travel. Lanyards are free of charge and do not automatically entitle the wearer to fast-track security – check the individual airport entry below for details.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines
The Civil Aviation Authority requires airports to provide accessible services for passengers with hidden disabilities, including clearer signage and assistance points, trained staff to support neurodivergent travellers, and priority queuing where operationally possible. For the most up-to-date regulatory guidance, visit the CAA website or contact your departure airport directly.
Familiarisation visits
Many UK airports offer pre-travel familiarisation visits, allowing autistic children and adults to walk through terminal procedures before the day of travel. These visits typically cover check-in, security, and departure areas. Contact your airport’s special assistance team well in advance – most airports ask for at least two weeks’ notice.
At-a-glance guide to autism-friendly UK airports
Here is a quick overview of the support available at each airport. Click an airport name to jump to its full entry. Last reviewed: June 2025.
| Airport | Online resources | Lanyard type | Quiet route | Quiet area | Fam. visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | Guide | Sunflower | No | No | Yes |
| Belfast International | Guides | Sunflower | No | No | On request |
| Birmingham | Guide + video | Sunflower | Escorted | No | Yes |
| Bournemouth | Guide | Lanyard | Escorted | No | Yes (Nov-Feb) |
| Bristol | Video + guide | Sunflower + card | Yes | No | Yes |
| Doncaster Sheffield | See note | See note | No | No | See note |
| East Midlands | Guide | Sunflower | Escorted | Yes | Yes (monthly) |
| Edinburgh | Video + guide | Sunflower + pin | Escorted | No | Yes |
| Exeter | Video | Sunflower | Yes | No | Yes |
| Glasgow | Guide | Sunflower | Escorted | No | Yes |
| Leeds Bradford | Guide | Sunflower | Escorted | No | On request |
| Liverpool | Guide | Voucher | Escorted | Yes | On request |
| London City | Guide | Sunflower | No | No | Yes (open days) |
| London Gatwick | Guides | Sunflower | Yes | Yes | Public areas only |
| London Heathrow | Video + guides | Sunflower | No | Yes | No |
| London Luton | Guide | Sticker | No | Yes | No |
| London Southend | Guide | Wristband | No | No | Yes |
| London Stansted | Video + guides | Wristband | Yes | No | No |
| Manchester | Limited | Sunflower | No | No | No |
| Newcastle | Guides | Autism Passport | Escorted | Yes | Yes |
| Southampton | Guides | Sunflower | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Escorted quiet route = accompanied by a staff member. Table reviewed June 2025 using CAA data and individual airport sources.
Aberdeen Airport
Aberdeen Airport works with national and local organisations to help passengers with hidden disabilities travel through the terminal with confidence. Last verified: June 2025.
Familiarisation visits can be arranged ahead of departure day, giving a child or adult the chance to see the terminal and understand what to expect. Staff will explain how they can help on the day. To arrange a visit, email abzadm@aiairport.com.
Sunflower Lanyards and a hidden disability card are available free of charge. Email abzadm@aiairport.com ahead of your trip or collect one from the Assistance Desk on arrival.
A downloadable Airport Experience Guide for Children is available to help young autistic passengers prepare for the terminal journey. Download the Aberdeen guide and find the accessibility page here.
Belfast International Airport
Belfast International Airport aims to turn what can be a daunting experience into a positive one for autistic passengers and their families. The airport works with specialist assistance provider OCS. Last verified: June 2025.
Familiarisation visits to the airport can be arranged on request. For more information, email feedback@bfs.aero.
Sunflower Lanyards are available from the OCS Special Assistance desk in the check-in area on the day of travel. Staff are trained to recognise the lanyard and to allow holders to remain with their family or friends throughout the journey. The lanyard does not provide access to fast-track security lanes. For further information, email autism@bfs.aero.
Downloadable guides for both children and adults are available on the airport’s accessibility page. Visit the Belfast International Airport accessibility page here.
Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport is an Autism Friendly Award winner. It has worked closely with Autism West Midlands and assistance provider OCS to create a supportive environment for autistic passengers. Last verified: June 2025.
Pre-travel familiarisation visits are available at Birmingham Airport through OCS. Call OCS on 0121 767 7878 to arrange a visit.
Sunflower Lanyards are available free of charge from the OCS Helpdesk on the ground floor of the terminal building, opposite the Spar store.
Birmingham Airport has produced downloadable booklets for parents, carers, and children in partnership with Autism West Midlands, plus a video guide. Access the Birmingham Airport accessibility resources here.
Bournemouth Airport
Bournemouth Airport works with Autism Wessex to train staff and support autistic passengers through the terminal. Last verified: June 2025.
Familiarisation tours of the terminal are available between November and February and can be tailored to individual needs. Tours are organised through Autism Wessex – visit autismwessex.org.uk or call 01202 483360 to book.
An Assistance Lanyard is available to help staff recognise passengers who may need support. For information on obtaining a lanyard, call the helpdesk on 07534 988571.
A downloadable accessibility guide to the airport is available. Visit the Bournemouth Airport accessibility page here.
Bristol Airport
Bristol Airport holds the Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society. All customer-facing staff have completed a training and awareness programme for passengers with hidden disabilities. Last verified: June 2025.
Bristol Airport offers a Sunflower Lanyard alongside a Hidden Disabilities card. The card can be handed discreetly to staff alongside a boarding pass or passport, signalling that the holder may need more time to process information, help avoiding crowded areas, or assistance reading information screens. Staff are instructed to use clear, plain language with card holders.
A downloadable booklet helps children and adults understand what to expect when moving through the terminal. Visit the Bristol Airport accessibility page here.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) closed to commercial passengers in November 2022. Plans are in place to reopen the airport, but commercial flights are not expected before 2028. The assistance information previously listed for this airport is no longer current. We will update this entry once the airport reopens.
If you are travelling from the South Yorkshire region, the nearest alternative airports with full accessibility support are Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, and Manchester.
East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport has a range of initiatives to help make the terminal experience less overwhelming for autistic passengers and those with hidden disabilities. Last verified: June 2025.
Try Before You Fly visits run once a month and let children and adults familiarise themselves with the airport layout and security procedures before their travel day. A quiet room is available both landside and airside. Find upcoming Try Before You Fly dates on the East Midlands Airport website.
Sunflower Lanyards are available free from the Passenger Service Desk in the check-in hall. You can also request one in advance by emailing paxservicesteamleader@eastmidlandsairport.com.
A downloadable children’s booklet and a Special Assistance Passport for parents and carers are both available. The Passport helps staff understand an individual passenger’s specific needs. Access East Midlands Airport’s downloadable guides here.
Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh was the first airport in Scotland to receive the Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society, in recognition of its accessible and supportive terminal environment. Last verified: June 2025.
Familiarisation visits to the landside terminal are available. These do not include areas beyond security or visits to aircraft. To book, email additionalneeds@edinburghairport.com with your preferred date and time.
Sunflower Lanyards and pins are available. Both can be collected at the Special Assistance Reception on the day of travel, or posted to you in advance – email additionalneeds@edinburghairport.com to request this.
A downloadable social story guide covers departing from and arriving back at Edinburgh Airport. The Suzie Goes On An Aeroplane books can also be posted to you on request. Visit the Edinburgh Airport accessibility page here.
Exeter Airport
Exeter Airport offers guided familiarisation tours for autistic children and adults ahead of their travel day. Last verified: June 2025.
Guided familiarisation tours can be arranged by contacting the airport at least two weeks before travel. Email assistance@exeter-airport.co.uk or call 07896 168326 to request a visit.
Sunflower Lanyards are available from the Assistance Desk.
Visit the Exeter Airport accessibility page here.
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick works with the National Autistic Society and has trained Airport Autism Champions to provide ongoing support for frontline staff. Last verified: June 2025.
Gatwick does not offer formal familiarisation visits to its terminals but advises visiting the public areas of the airport ahead of departure day to help reduce anxiety.
Gatwick launched its Sunflower Lanyard scheme in 2016. Lanyards are available from Assistance Reception desks located both before and after security, and can be collected even if you have not pre-arranged special assistance. The lanyard covers all hidden disabilities — speak to a member of staff if you have specific requirements. Email HiddenDisability@gatwickairport.com for more information.
An autism-friendly visual guide to the terminals and a quiet area are both available. Download the Gatwick accessibility guide and find the full accessibility page here.
Travelling by car? Compare Gatwick Airport parking options with APH.
Glasgow Airport
Glasgow Airport encourages passengers, parents, and carers to make contact ahead of their flight to find out about the help available in the terminal. Last verified: June 2025.
Pre-travel tours of the airport are available to help children and adults prepare for the day of travel. Contact the special assistance team to arrange a booking.
Sunflower Lanyards are available from the special assistance desk on the ground floor in the main check-in area. Frontline security staff are trained to recognise the lanyard and provide additional support during the search process.
A downloadable autism-friendly visual guide to the terminals is available. Visit the Glasgow Airport accessibility page here.
Heathrow Airport
As the UK’s busiest airport, Heathrow can be particularly overwhelming for autistic passengers. The airport works with the National Autistic Society and Autism West Midlands to improve its hidden disabilities service. Specially trained staff wear a Helping Hands badge to make them easy to identify. Last verified: June 2025.
Heathrow produces guides for anxious travellers covering all four terminals, including maps of quiet areas and assistance points. These guides cover both departures and arrivals and are available for Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. While not autism-specific, they are a useful additional resource.
Sunflower Lanyards should be requested in advance. Email special_assistance@heathrow.com with your postal address to have a lanyard sent to you before travel.
Heathrow’s autism-specific leaflet includes practical tips for navigating the terminals and a cut-out card where you can record communication or behavioural details to share with staff. Quiet areas are also available in all terminals. Download the Heathrow autism leaflet and access the full accessibility guide here.
Travelling by car? Compare Heathrow Airport parking options with APH.
Leeds Bradford Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport’s special assistance team is available before and during travel to support autistic passengers and those with hidden disabilities. Last verified: June 2025.
If you require additional support during your journey, Leeds Bradford Airport’s Assisted Travel team is available to help. If you have any questions before you travel or need to arrange assistance, you can get in touch via the airport’s Contact Us form.
Leeds Bradford Airport also supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. Passengers can request a Sunflower Lanyard as a discreet way of letting airport staff know they may need extra time, patience or assistance during their journey. Please note that wearing a Sunflower Lanyard does not provide fast-track access through security. The lanyard can also be used on your return journey through Leeds Bradford Airport.
To help passengers prepare for their visit, the airport provides an Assisted Travel guide with information about the passenger journey, available facilities and support services. You can find full details on the Leeds Bradford Airport Assisted Travel page.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Liverpool John Lennon Airport provides support for autistic passengers and those with hidden disabilities, including a dedicated quiet area beyond security. Last verified: June 2025.
The special assistance team can be contacted ahead of departure for any queries or concerns. Email customerservices@liverpoolairport.com with your flight number and departure date.
An Autism Awareness Voucher is available to help passengers through security, either independently or with a Special Assistance provider. The voucher does not provide fast-track access. Contact customerservices@liverpoolairport.com to request one.
A downloadable terminal guide is available to help passengers know what to expect at each stage of the airport journey. Visit the Liverpool Airport accessibility page here.
London City Airport
London City Airport is a compact, single-terminal airport which many families find less overwhelming than larger hubs. It holds regular open days for autistic passengers in partnership with the National Autistic Society. Last verified: June 2025.
A member of the team can be arranged to meet and accompany your party through the terminal to the departure gate. Email assistance@londoncityairport.com to arrange this.
Open days are available, designed with the National Autistic Society and parents of autistic children. These cover check-in, security, departures, and boarding. Contact assistance@londoncityairport.com for the next available date.
Sunflower Lanyards are available from the Information Desk in the terminal building.
The Travelling through London City Airport booklet walks through every stage of the journey, from arrival to departure and from landing to leaving. It can be collected from the Information Desk or downloaded. Visit the London City Airport accessibility page here.
Luton Airport
Luton Airport works with the National Autistic Society to improve the journey for autistic passengers. Dedicated security lanes and a secluded waiting area are available. Last verified: June 2025.
Autistic passengers and their companions can use the security lane designated for passengers with reduced mobility, currently Lanes 1 and 2, for faster queue progress. A private search area is also available. Once through security, passengers can wait in the Special Assistance waiting area, a more secluded public space signposted from the main departure lounge.
Hidden disability stickers are available from the Special Assistance desk on arrival at the airport.
Downloadable guides covering arrival at the airport and the security process are available. Visit the Luton Airport accessibility page here.
Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport offers hidden disability support at all three terminals, including Sunflower Lanyards and access to family and priority lanes at security. Last verified: June 2025.
Autistic passengers will not be separated from their companions at any point in the terminal journey.
Sunflower Lanyards are available at all terminals from the information desks. Wearers and their companions can access family and priority security lanes, and special assistance lanes at the UK Border on arrival.
Manchester Airport does not currently offer a downloadable guide for passengers with hidden disabilities. Check the airport’s website for any updates. Visit the Manchester Airport hidden disabilities page here.
Travelling by car? Compare Manchester Airport parking options with APH.
Newcastle Airport
Newcastle Airport has worked with the North East Autism Society to develop downloadable guides and a unique Autism Passport that grants fast-track security access. Last verified: June 2025.
Quieter seating areas are available beyond security, including a dedicated space behind the Dixons Travel store. Passengers on the autism spectrum will not be separated from their travelling companions. Pre-travel visits can also be arranged by contacting Newcastle Airport here.
Instead of a lanyard, Newcastle Airport offers a downloadable Autism Passport. Once completed, it is validated at the PRM assistance desk (located between check-in desks 32 and WHSmith) and then shown at the security boarding card checkpoint. The Autism Passport entitles the holder and their companions to use the fast-track security lane. Download the Newcastle Airport Autism Passport here.
Three downloadable booklets are available: Travel Advice, My Airport Journey, and an Airport Activity Book. Access all Newcastle Airport accessibility resources here.
Southampton Airport
Southampton Airport offers one of the most comprehensive hidden disability programmes of any regional UK airport, including a dedicated quiet route, a CARE programme for staff, and a quiet room. In 2025 the airport introduced an AI-powered digital assistant accessible via QR codes around the terminal, providing real-time wayfinding and personalised accessibility support. Last verified: June 2025.
Pre-travel visits to the landside terminal are available. Contact the Airport Ambassadors on SOUAmbassadors@southamptonairport.com to arrange an escorted visit.
On the day of travel, passengers can register with the Special Assistance team, who will guide them through the airport’s quiet route. Where possible, a separate check-in desk and security lane will be opened. Passengers wearing a lanyard or registered with Special Assistance will not be separated from their party.
Sunflower Lanyards are available from the Special Assistance desk. Southampton Airport has signed up to the national Sunflower scheme, replacing an earlier proprietary lanyard. Staff are trained to recognise the lanyard and provide additional support where needed.
A downloadable guide with maps and further information is available. Visit the Southampton Airport accessibility page here.
Southend Airport
Southend Airport has trained key staff to support passengers with hidden disabilities through the terminal. Last verified: June 2025.
Pre-travel familiarisation visits are available. Contact the team at LSAenquiries@SouthendAirport.com for more information.
A discreet blue wristband is available free of charge from the ticket desk in the terminal building. Staff are trained to recognise the wristband and offer additional support as needed.
A downloadable leaflet with further information is available. Visit the Southend Airport accessibility page here.
Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport’s Autism Awareness Scheme includes free Fast Track lane access for the passenger needing assistance and their immediate family. Last verified: June 2025.
The Autism Awareness Scheme entitles the passenger needing special assistance and their immediate family to use Fast Track lanes at security and passport control at no extra cost.
A Special Flyer Wristband is available to help staff identify passengers who may need a little extra time or support. Passengers should complete the wristband request form at least five days before departure. Visit the Stansted Airport special assistance page to complete the form.
Share your experience
Have you travelled through a UK airport with an autistic passenger? We want to hear what worked well and what could be improved. Your feedback helps us keep this guide accurate and useful for other families planning their trip.
You can also find out what support airlines offer to autistic passengers here.
FAQs
Yes. All major UK airports offer some level of support for autistic passengers. Most participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme. Many also offer quiet routes, quiet rooms or waiting areas, downloadable visual guides, and familiarisation visits before the travel day. Use the airport entries above to find what is available at your departure airport.
Contact the airport’s special assistance team at least 48 hours before departure and ideally as early as possible. Provide details of the passenger’s needs so the airport can make appropriate arrangements. You should also inform your airline when booking, as airlines can provide additional support during the flight. Contact details for each airport’s special assistance team are included in the individual airport entries above.
Gatwick, Heathrow, Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Newcastle, Southampton, and Luton all have designated quiet areas or quiet rooms available to autistic passengers and those with hidden disabilities. The table above gives an at-a-glance overview for all airports covered in this guide.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is a discreet green sunflower-patterned lanyard that signals to trained staff that the wearer may need additional time or support. All major UK airports participate in the scheme. You can collect a lanyard free of charge from the special assistance or customer service desk at most airports, or request one by email before your travel day. Some airports will post one to you in advance. The lanyard does not automatically entitle the wearer to fast-track security – check your airport’s individual entry above for details.
Yes. Most major UK airports offer pre-travel familiarisation visits for autistic passengers. These typically cover the landside terminal, check-in, and security areas. They do not usually include airside areas or aircraft. Contact your airport’s special assistance team to arrange a visit – most require at least two weeks’ notice. Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow, London City, Newcastle, and Southampton are among those with well-established familiarisation programmes.
Some UK airports provide sensory packs containing items such as ear defenders, fidget toys, or communication cards to help reduce anxiety. Availability varies by airport. Contact your airport’s special assistance team in advance to ask what sensory support is available.
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We came home via East Midlands Airport and despite all three of us wearing the sunflower lanyards (My son has ASD and my wife ADHD), we were treated appalingly by both Traveller Assist and Border Force. We might as well not worn the lanyards as they were not taken into consideration by either team, and actually my wife was shouted at which just increased her stress levels and thus her reponse to being shouted at. Absolutely shocked at the poor understanding of hidden disability shown. Will not be flying from their again.
So glad to hear this. However, as person with hyperacusis (ultra sensitivity to noise which often accompanies autism), what if an autistic child in the same quiet lounge just will not shut up screaming? I cannot bear loud noise. You have two special requirements passengers in the same room but with very different needs. I would be forced out into the busy, noisy airport and the autism friendly lounge would not be of any help to me. You almost need a noisy child/family autism lounge as well as a quiet lounge. Or since you allow in travelling companions and families, there is no guarantee they will not be noisy.
east midlands does now have a quiet room landside and airside.