We all know that flying these days is not easy. But are you flying as a minor? By yourself? When you’re NeuroDivergent? It will make Airplane snake It looks like you’re walking around the park. Imagine last year my autistic 15-year-old daughter, Sage, had to fly herself from a school in Utah to a California home on vacation.
All people with autism are affected differently by autism. Sage is no exception. Most often she experiences sensory problems, which can be difficult when she is in noisy or crowded places, in a tough quarter with many others, and in a sweaty, warm place.
She claimed it was “cold.” After all, her dad (me!) is a freelance family travel writer and she’s been flying forever. On the other hand, I was skeptical. I have seen first hand how difficult it is for members of the Neurodivergent community to find accommodation in modern society, but I was worried about how she knew potential delays, potential Snafus, and what else.
I was also worried about logistics. Sage is unable to qualify or accept any minor programs that are not accompanied by airlines. Most of these programs are for children aged 5-12, and your child combines chaperones and chaperones at both ends of the journey, but not the flight itself.
At the same time, I thought Sage was still quite young to be able to survive security, navigate the airport, potentially buy snacks, follow boarding protocols and be asked to be located on the plane.
I was wrong.
As she predicted, she did great things. After that first round trip, she took the other three, which is so great. Her success calmed my nerves. Now when she flies alone, I’m as “cold” as her. In honor of Autism acceptance monthI recently sat down with her and discussed her experience flying solo.
Did you pass through your mind when you first heard you had to go home alone?
Not only did I go home, but because you trusted me to fly alone. I flew enough to know that security wasn’t the best experience, what was it like? We got there early, so it was quick for most of the time.
What was your packaging strategy?
I didn’t make a list, but I had the opportunity to pack it quickly enough and look into my own several times. On the morning of the flight I admitted that I kept asking myself. But I didn’t.
OK, the morning of the flight. What emotions were you experiencing and how did they feel in your body?
For that first flight, I definitely felt in my stomach. But it was more exciting than anxiety. “Let’s go!” Then the plane made me feel a little uneasy. “If the plane crashes, what would happen if the last thing I’ve ever seen was what a stupid movie I’m watching? The way I stopped thinking about it was by turning on the film. A flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco is only 90 minutes.
How was the flight?
Next to me was a woman who really owned the armrest. I kept my arm on it and she was really mad at me. At one point she was like, “Can you stop doing that?” “Yes, please calm down.” Later on the flight, I accidentally touched the armrest again and she began to depart for me again. Looking back honestly, I was a calm person. She was someone who had problems. If you are flying an airplane, you will need to share the armrest. No one owns them. Lady, if you’re sitting next to me on that flight reading this, I know you didn’t like the way you kicked me out of the armrest.
To what extent did you have to respond to other unexpected things?
On my second or third flight, I was 3 hours late at the tarmac. We were on the plane, we were far from the gate but we couldn’t go anywhere. It reached me. I felt a bit claustrophobic, but most of the time it meant more time before I could go home, which made me frustrated. During the delay I watched a movie, tried to sleep, and played solitaire on my phone.
I know you stick to snacks. What did you eat or drink?
I didn’t eat anything from the cart, that’s certainly true. The only options were those Biscoff cookies and Doritos. I don’t like either of them. I had soda on one of the flights and was really paranoid as I was going to spill it on me and the people next to me, so I drank just a little.
What did you think about using a plane bathroom?
I didn’t have to do that. I avoided them as I know the flights are short and the bathrooms of planes are notoriously annoying. Thankfully, at Salt Lake City Airport there is a bathroom just off the gate where I always pop out. I usually go right before I fly and it’s fine until I get home.
How much do you think your autism colored your experience on these flights?
I should have done a little, but it was really not a big deal. People on the more serious aspects of the autism spectrum are likely to have issues with their seatmates fighting against you for security, plane delays, and armrests. I was able to manage it. In general, I think airlines should provide more accommodation for people with autism. Maybe some economy seats have legroom so people don’t feel sloppy and feel uneasy about it. Maybe some lines with armrests for everyone. So no one needs to share it.
