What do people with an invisible disability need to know about flying?

Key points:

• Some disabilities are visible and others are not, so it is important to flag any possible conditions with relevant staff upon arrival and if necessary, ahead of time
• Security are on high alert in airports, which can lead to a sense of stress and tension in passengers
• Check to make sure that any required medication is allowed and stock up ahead of time, with relevant documentation

This edition of Disability Support Guide will look at people living with an invisible disability, the challenges which they may face and offer some tips for an easy time at the airport. Set your seats back and your tray tables in an upright and locked position, as this article is about to take off.

What is a hidden disability?

Hidden disabilities are not ‘visible,’ in the sense that a person could not look at a person with the condition and determine that they require assistance. As such, during stressful, noisy and tense locations, like airports — with staff and security constantly on high alert — it is important that you let staff know if you or your child may not be able to cope or follow directions. Hidden disabilities include:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Aphasia — difficulty with verbal communication
• Asthma
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
• Coeliac disease
• Chrohn’s disease
• Diabetes
• Dyslexia
• Epilepsy
• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
• Long COVID-19
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Narcolepsy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)
• Tourette syndrome

For some people with these conditions, important things to consider prior to boarding may relate to mobility, accessibility or working out an action plan independently and at home to ensure that medications (ie. insulin) are within reach to avoid potential risk.

For others, certain conditions carry with them the potential for things to go wrong in a major way, due to laws, the nature of the disability and symptoms themselves or through misinterpretation on the part of airport staff.

ADHD

Although people with ADHD have a learning disability, which can range in severity and is relatively manageable through medication — the medication itself is incredibly controversial across different nations. It is incredibly important to check the legality of prescription stimulant medications across different countries you may be travelling to, as drugs such as Adderall — which is classed as an illicit amphetamine in Australia, are recommended to doctors in the United States, which may lead to the medication being revoked upon entry to Australia or worse.

In Japan, Adderall is strictly illegal and although Ritalin (methylphenidate) is legally prescribed to people with sleeping disorders, it is not legally prescribed for people with ADHD. Bringing stimulants into Japan, even with foreign prescription documentation and legal authority, may result in imprisonment on the spot and potential jail time. 

Autism

People with autism may find the airport to be loud, noisy or overstimulating, with harsh restrictions surrounding pre-board checks and following orders under observation. Familiarising yourself or a person you care for with autism with the layout of the airport, along with boarding procedure, departure procedure, what the screening process involves and the reasons for it, may be able to offset a lot of that anxiety. Usually, airports offer a lot of that content online, with maps, support and introductory videos online, but some airports also offer specific guides for people with autism to run them through each part of the process, like Adelaide Airport.

It’s important to explain the severity of security at an airport, including things you can’t say or things which might be misinterpreted, along with the consequences of not doing what you’re told, when told to. Keep a pair of headphones on hand for blocking out the noise and entertaining yourself online with a playlist or an audiobook, along with a pair of light-reduction sunglasses in case it gets too bright.

Tourette syndrome

There have been many instances of people with tourette syndrome experiencing tics in airports which lead to some undesirable situations. People with tourette syndrome can’t control these tics, but may say things which are otherwise avoided at all costs in airport security situations or while on a plane, such as ‘bomb’ or ‘terrorism.’

Make sure that if you or if someone you know with tourette syndrome is flying, an action plan is made with the travel agent, airline, security and the airport support staff ahead of time to ensure safe transit and ensure that people are able to interpret tics as unintended and non-optional. Before arriving at the airport, ensure that you or the person with the condition is clearly visually displaying a sunflower, which is a well-known symbol of hidden disability and may assist staff or the wider airport foot-traffic of the situation. To be safe, make sure that you have relevant documentation, as a doctor’s note may be required in case a physical or verbal tic leads to a response from staff.

Parkinson's disease

It is recommended that people with Parkinson’s disease request wheelchair access ahead of time, through arrangements with the airport staff or airline, even if it may not be necessary for travel. Having documentation of the condition from a doctor, along with a carry-on bag for medicines or syringes, as required, may be allowed through airport security. It is also advised that mobile check in terminals are avoided or used with the support of available on-site staff.

General advice

• It never hurts to plan ahead — contact staff ahead of time and advise them of your condition, what they would recommend and anything that you believe they may be able to assist with
• The sunflower lanyard or visually obvious sunflower icons should be worn to let staff know of a non-visible disability, although official documentation will help those who may be unfamiliar with the significance of the sunflower
• Check the laws of countries you may be entering or the legality of different medicines and carry-on procedure
• If you feel something, flag a staff member or — in an emergency, a member from the public to notify them of a change in your wellbeing
• Be aware of airport etiquette and follow the rules to the best of your ability, ask staff if you are unsure or require assistance with understanding
• Travel with a buddy if possible, who is aware of your needs, impairment and own preferences when it comes to travel
• Familiarise yourself with what to expect, where to go and what to say in order to request help in another language, if needed
• Make sure that travel insurance covers progressive conditions or the cover offered for any likely outcomes that could arise from symptoms of your condition

Related content:

Planning your next accessible adventure
Tips for travelling with disability
Disability accessible travel and tourism