Why It’s Important to Let TSA Know Your Child Is on the Autism Spectrum — and to Take Advantage of Early Boarding
Air travel can be exciting, but for families with a child on the autism spectrum, it can also be overwhelming. Between long lines, loud announcements, and crowded spaces, airports can quickly become stressful environments. The good news is that there are simple ways to make the experience smoother and less stressful for everyone — starting with notifying the TSA and requesting early boarding.
Letting TSA Know About Your Child’s Needs
Whenever we fly with our son, we always let the TSA agents know that he is on the autism spectrum and may need extra time to go through security. Each time, we’ve found them to be incredibly understanding and accommodating.
By informing the TSA, you allow their officers to adjust the process to meet your child’s needs — whether that means slowing things down, explaining each step clearly, or allowing your family to go through screening together.
TSA offers a wonderful program called TSA Cares, a free helpline that provides assistance for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or special needs. Through TSA Cares, you can request a Passenger Support Specialist to meet your family at the airport and help guide you through security in a calm, supportive way.
📞 TSA Cares Helpline: 1-855-787-2227 (available weekdays 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET and weekends 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET)
✉️ Email: TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov
⏰ Recommended: Call at least 72 hours before your flight.
Why Early Boarding Matters
Once you’ve made it through security, taking advantage of early boarding can make the next phase of travel much easier for your child.
Here’s why it helps:
- 🛫 Extra time to find your seats: You can get settled before the main boarding rush begins.
- 🧸 A calmer environment: Your child can acclimate to the space, adjust to the noise level, and unpack comfort items without feeling rushed.
- ✈️ Less stress for everyone: Boarding early means fewer crowds and less sensory overload, setting a peaceful tone for the entire flight.
For our family, those few extra minutes before takeoff make a big difference. Once our son is seated and relaxed, the rest of the flight usually goes much more smoothly.
A Quick Travel-Prep Checklist for Families with Autistic Travelers
✅ Notify TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your trip.
✅ Pack familiar comfort items like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or a weighted blanket.
✅ Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle (after security).
✅ Use social stories or visuals to explain what to expect at the airport and on the plane.
✅ Request early boarding with your airline at the gate.
✅ Keep key documents and identification in an easy-to-access spot.
Our Experience
Every time we’ve flown, notifying TSA and using early boarding has made travel more relaxed for our son — and for us as parents. TSA agents have consistently been patient, kind, and understanding, which helps us feel supported throughout the journey.
Traveling with a child on the autism spectrum may take a bit more planning, but with the right tools and preparation, it can be a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Helping Families Travel with Comfort and Confidence
At The Quest for Magical Vacations LLC, we understand that every family travels differently — and some need a little extra care and planning. Whether it’s assisting with TSA coordination, helping you navigate Disney’s DAS program, or planning sensory-friendly experiences, we’re here to make travel more comfortable, inclusive, and magical for everyone.
✨ Let us help you plan your next stress-free and sensory-friendly vacation — because every family deserves a magical journey.