Hidden disabilities

The National Autistic Society has some helpful advice if you're travelling with children or adults with autism. 

Airports are very busy places with lots of noise and distractions. If you have Dementia these things can become even more amplified. The Alzheimer's Society provides a useful fact sheet with advice for people travelling on holiday.

We have made great progress in getting as many front line staff as possible Dementia Friends to ensure they are aware of the complexity and not everyone with Dementia has the same needs as the next. Importantly they are able to offer support when it is needed.

Hidden disability assistance cards and lanyards are available on request at the Special Assistance Reception desk located in the terminal concourse.

We have worked with our service provider and relevant charities to develop a hidden disabilities assistance card, in addition to the lanyard scheme. The card, which is the size of a business card, acts as a discreet sign to airport staff to identify passengers who may need additional support or assistance as they travel through the airport. The card can be handed discreetly to airport staff along with the passenger’s boarding pass or passport.

The special assistance card advises staff that a passenger may need more time to process information, help in avoiding crowded places or extra assistance in reading departure boards or flight information, for example. The card also encourages airport staff to use clear language when giving instructions. Airport staff will also be aware that passengers carrying a card may need to remain with a family member or companion at all times.

If you have Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD) you may find the thought of travelling quite daunting, whether that’s due to toilet accessibility, going through security with a stoma bag or other IBD related concerns.

To help with any anxiety and make sure you have a more positive travel experience, Crohn’s and Colitis UK have put together a travel and IBD fact sheet to help you feel more comfortable when planning a vacation or business trip.

The Ramble Tag is available for passengers who have requested visual impairment assistance on arrival at the Airport.

Our sensory room is designed specifically for passengers with disabilities such as autism, dementia or cognitive impairment, who would benefit from a safe and interactive place when in unfamiliar surroundings. Located in the Special Assistance area in the departure lounge. It is wheelchair accessible and free for customers departing from the airport, with 45-minute sessions available through our booking system.