Our curated tools, like multi-sensory rooms, plus our airport and TSA partners, are here to help make your trip a success, whatever your needs may be.
Photo Caption: Located near Gate C16 in Terminal 1 at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, this unique facility enhances the Navigating MSP program by providing a place for passengers with sensory, physical and cognitive disabilities, those with a fear of flying and service dogs to experience and become familiar with the aircraft cabin in a quiet environment.
Air travel can be a challenging experience for passengers, especially those with cognitive disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, but it doesn’t have to be this way, with a variety of resources available.
Our curated tools, like multi-sensory rooms, plus our airport and TSA partners, are here to help make your trip a success, whatever your needs may be.
Delta works with airlines across the industry to develop our Passenger Accessibility Commitment, helping to make air travel more enjoyable for customers with disabilities.
Eric and Christina Hanson travel frequently with their 10-year-old daughter, Bella, and often post about their travels on social media to encourage others with autism to travel. Christina says Bella has flown more than 40,000 miles in the past two years, and that Delta has provided them with a great travel experience.
“Every time we flew, Delta made sure we boarded early with our daughter and made sure she was settled in. They checked in frequently to see if she needed anything and brought extra snacks,” Christina said. “The Delta staff made her feel comfortable, relaxed and welcomed, which is always wonderful.”
Familization Tour
Delta has partnered with two of its busiest hubs, Atlanta and Minneapolis, to provide families with the opportunity to practice in a hands-on environment. Families with disabilities can practice airport navigation procedures in preparation for their trip.
Atlanta Tour: On these monthly tours, Delta volunteers guide participants through TSA security procedures, tour the terminal and board the plane. Participants also learn “flying tricks” from volunteers who connect with people with cognitive and physical disabilities. Navigate Atlanta Tour: This program offers free practice flights through the airport and on the plane for children and adults who may experience discomfort while flying. Delta partners with local governments to build mock cabins that can be used when a real plane isn’t available. Volunteers for this program are Delta employees who have family members with disabilities. They are available to answer questions and offer friendly advice and encouragement throughout the tour.
Sensory Room
To make travel more enjoyable for patients with sensory sensitivities and their families, multi-sensory rooms provide a supportive and safe environment. These rooms feature calming colors, sounds and activities. Delta has sensory rooms in Atlanta and New York that are available to ticketed passengers on an as-needed basis. Please speak to a Delta Redcoat representative.
Many other airports in the U.S. and one location in Ireland offer multi-sensory rooms for all customers.
Pittsburgh International Airport: A Concourse New York LaGuardia International Airport: Terminal C Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: F Concourse San Diego International Airport: Between the TSA entrance and exit Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: ST Level A Gates near the train Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport: B Concourse next to Chick-fil-A Portland International Airport: D Concourse across from D11 Myrtle Beach International Airport: Baggage claim Dublin Airport: Next to Gate 400
TSA Care
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances with additional assistance during the security screening process. Travelers with special needs or concerns about navigating the airport security screening process can contact a TSA officer or supervisor to request a Passenger Support Specialist who can provide on-site assistance.
Pre-boarding
One parent can board early, take their seat, and “nest” with all carry-on bags stowed under the seat and comfort items accessible and ready to use, while the other parent stays with the child in the boarding area or in a uncrowded area a short distance away and waits to board last. Boarding last also minimizes waiting time on the plane as the gate clears.
Learn from the Advisory Committee on Disabilities
Delta strives to be the airline of choice for all our customers through thoughtful, reliable and innovative service. For 14 years, Delta has partnered with its Disability Advisory Council to promote accessible travel for all. The council is made up of 14 frequent flyers and disability experts who meet regularly to advise Delta on a range of matters that impact the travel experience of people with disabilities. The Delta team was excited to partner with council member and autism expert Carol Gray to design the LGA sensory room.
Eric Hanson and his daughter, Bella.
“Everything Delta and its partners do is important and makes a huge difference for my family,” Eric said. “Bella loves to travel and even hopes to become a flight attendant for Delta one day.”
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