ITA Airways Innovates Travel for Autistic Flyers
Here’s everything you need to know about ITA Airways new autism program!
Getting to an airport, navigating through unfamiliar processes and noisy spaces, packed with people and boarding an airplane are seemingly simple things but it could bring discomfort to autistic people. So, in these moments, being aware and in control makes a huge difference to their comfort and feeling secure.
ITA Airways has created an innovative approach to help make air travel smooth and easier for those with autism with their new initiative in partnership with the ANGSA association (Associazione Nazionale Genitori perSone Autistiche - National Association of Parents of Autistic People).
As part of the ENAC project “Autism - Travelling through the Airport”, the main aim of this program is to help people with autism live peacefully through experiences such as travelling by air.
Here’s how ITA Airways is changing air travel for people with autism to make it easier for them.
To make autistic people familiar with the journey, ITA Airways has a cabin simulator located at their hub Rome Fiumicino Airport, available free of charge, so that they are prepared for the flying experience. They can get used to being on a plane along with its cabin, announcements and the noise.
A real flight crew will explain take-off, cruise and landing operations on board so that autistic flyers can become familiar with the control and security procedures, and arrive on the day of departure calm and safe.
On the day of simulation, the future flyer or any accompanying person needs to bring a valid identification document (passport or identity card) and a cabin trolley. After completing the experience, all participants will receive a "READY TO FLY" flight familiarization certificate.
On the day of departure, ITA Airways staff will provide personalized assistance to autistic people and their travel companion free of charge guiding them through all the stages of journey from the ticket purchase to the flight experience and baggage claim at their destination. Those who are travelling alone must fill a form signed by themselves or a delegated person to verify their status and must present it at airport check points if asked. Travellers will then be able to enjoy following services with this program:
• Dedicated number for special assistance
• Priority check-in
• Dedicated escort (only participating airports)
• Free Fast Track (only participating airports)
• Amica Lounge (only participating airports)
• Priority boarding
• Dedicated seat in the front rows
• Priority baggage claim
Here is a list of airports that have joined this autism initiative:
Bari Airport (BRI)
Brindisi Airport (BDS)
Genoa Airport (GOA)
Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Naples Airport (NAP)
Catania Airport (CTA)
Venice Airport (VCE)
Trieste Airport (TRS)
Turin Airport (TRN)
Olbia Airport (OLB)
Alghero Airport (AHO)
Palermo Airport (PMO)
Cagliari Airport (CAG)
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
Brightsun Travel is a proud partner of ITA Airways and offers best flight deals to worldwide destinations – click here for bookings or talk to our travel experts on 0208 819 1111.
