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Bluepixie
Mamarazzi
Member since 6/07 2618 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
I just have to share this information with you all because I was so amazed to find this program close to us here in Boston, I know JetBlue will most certainly have something similar in NY.
We are taking DS to Disney in May. It'll be our first plane trip with him and our first big family vacation. Ever. He'll be a month shy of 4 when we go.
I have hesitated for about 2 years to book this trip. Mostly because I didn't know how DS would react in the airport and in security and on the plane. He's very nervous around crowds of people indoors and needs to do things on his own time. This fact alone had me worried we'd never make it through a security screening without a massive tantrum. Not to mention he has an electronics fixation and would try to push any and all buttons that he saw.
DS's teacher gave me information about the Wings For Autism event that JetBlue holds twice a year at Logan Airport here in Boston. They basically shut down their terminal for a few hours on a day during the week and do a 'trial run'. Families go through all the motions of air travel - checking in at the desk, going through security, waiting at the gate, boarding the plane and getting settled in a seat. Basically everything without leaving the ground.
If you can't make the event on the day they hold it, JetBlue will make arrangements to do a private 'trial run' a few weeks before your trip. Then, on the day you travel, they will assign a customer service rep to accompany you and your family through security and help you board the plane.
I am beyond touched that JetBlue has such a commitment to special needs families and would go to such great legenths to ensure that everyone has enough preparation time.
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Posted 1/30/12 2:17 PM  |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
Sounds like a great program.
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| Posted 1/30/12 4:42 PM |
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rbsbabies
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/08 544 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
 
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| Posted 1/30/12 8:28 PM |
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islandersgirl74
Love Being A Mommy!
Member since 6/06 5804 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
That is awesome....they should do that at more airports!!!
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| Posted 1/30/12 9:24 PM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
Posted by islandersgirl74
That is awesome....they should do that at more airports!!!
and airlines.
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| Posted 1/31/12 8:37 AM |
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AidansArmy
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 1292 total posts
Name:
Suzanne
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Re: Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
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| Posted 1/31/12 10:23 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
Just in case anyone wasn't aware. When you fly, you can go to the counter at the gate and tell them you are flying with someone who has a disability, and that you need to pre-board. They will give you a blue card that you present at the gate, and you board first. This can be a blessing, or a curse depending. If you board early, your child can settle in, etc. Or they might get antsy waiting for the flight to take off.
If you are flying Southwest, I would rec. this since you guarantee having a seat next to your child. I've been on flights where the flight attendants had to bribe passengers with free drink coupons to move so a parent could seat with their child. I can only imagine how difficult that would be in a normal situation, now add a special needs child to that.
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| Posted 1/31/12 11:33 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
That's so amazing. i can't find any info about it in NY
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| Posted 1/31/12 5:30 PM |
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rsquared
Sweet P is here!
Member since 4/11 2026 total posts
Name:
R
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Re: Wings For Autism - practice air travel event
That's awesome!!! I teach ASD students and I have two going on airplane trips for the first time this summer! I will pass this on to their parents!
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| Posted 1/31/12 6:56 PM |
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