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Mock flight helped families who have loved ones with disabilities practice and prepare for the airport journey.
For many travelers, air travel is routine, from checking in and passing through security to settling into an airplane seat and taking off. But for families with children or loved ones on the autism spectrum, the unfamiliar sights, sounds and sensations of air travel can be overwhelming. That’s why Ontario International Airport (ONT) recently partnered with Alaska Airlines to create an unforgettable experience that helped more than 35 families practice and prepare for the airport journey in a safe, supportive and sensory-friendly way.
The event was designed to help the VIPs with autism and their families become more comfortable with what it’s like to fly. From check-in to boarding, guests were guided through each step of the travel process through ONT — but with extra patience, understanding and encouragement of trained staff and volunteers at every turn.
Planning for Success
Planning for this event started months before the September kickoff. At the helm was Larry Rolon, who serves as ONT’s ADA coordinator. He oversees and ensures airport services and facilities meet the needs of all travelers with disabilities.
Rolon also works in partnership with the LeRoy Haynes Education Center in La Verne on ONT’s Autism Self-Identification Program, which helps families with autism prepare for airport travel. In July, volunteers with the LeRoy Haynes Education Center and the Autism Society began coming up with the logistical details alongside Alaska Airlines staff, to ensure all VIPs would be safe during the mock flight. The volunteers were also on hand on the day of the flight experience to help direct VIPs and families through the airport and to the gate.
A Smooth Check-In at Terminal 2
Families began their day at ONT’s Terminal 2, where they checked in at the Alaska Airlines ticket counter. Alaska’s friendly customer service team welcomed each VIP and family member, provided real boarding passes, and explained what would come next. For many participants, this was their first time seeing the process up close. Having the chance to explore the airport without the pressure of catching a real flight made all the difference.
“At Alaska Airlines, when it comes to disability inclusion, we’re looking at three different groups of individuals. We’re looking at our employees, our passengers and the communities that we serve,” explained Steven Nelson, Alaska Airlines’ Director of Culture and Belonging.
Steve knows all too well the importance of exposing people with disabilities and their families to the airport journey, as he is a neurodivergent accessibility individual himself.
“It can sometimes be a little overstimulating,” Nelson said. “Maybe it can be a little scary. But events like this allow people that opportunity to come in, meet our employees, see the great things the airport has to offer and really give them a really wonderful experience. And hopefully this helps them become full-time guests in the future.”
Boarding the Plane and 'Taking Flight'
After successfully making their way through security, families headed to the departure gate, where ONT’s Community Engagement team and Ontario Airport Customer Experience Specialists (better known as O.A.C.E.S.) greeted them with smiles and cheers. Soon, it was time to board the aircraft, which was a major milestone for many participants.
Once on board, passengers were treated to the full in-flight experience. The Alaska Airlines flight attendants conducted the familiar safety demonstration, explaining seatbelts, oxygen masks and emergency exits, just as they would on any commercial flight. Then, the aircraft taxied around the runway for approximately 30 minutes, which gave families a sense of what it feels like to be on a real plane before takeoff.
For many guests, hearing the engine sounds, feeling the vibrations and watching the plane move was both thrilling and reassuring.
Celebrating the Journey
When the aircraft returned to the gate, participants deboarded to cheers from volunteers and airport staff. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Each guest received an Alaska Airlines swag bag filled with sensory toys, ONT goodies and light refreshments.
Many parents shared that the event gave them the confidence to plan future travel with their loved ones. For some, it marked the first time their child had ever stepped foot on an airplane, and it went better than they ever imagined.
“A lot of these families with autism are hesitant to fly or will not fly at all because they don’t know how their loved one will act at the airport or handle the flight,” Rolon said. “But after they go through our flight experience, they realize that it’s not that hard and there’s support, and they have less fear."
Building Confidence, One Flight at a Time
This special event is part of ONT’s ongoing commitment to making air travel accessible and inclusive for all passengers, while also highlighting ONT’s numerous accessibility features for travelers with disabilities. In 2023, the airport introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which offers passengers with non-visible disabilities the opportunity to travel with confidence. These passengers are given a lanyard to show that their disability might not be immediately apparent, and they may need a little extra help, time and understanding while at the airport.
Rolon expressed pride in the partnership with Alaska Airlines, emphasizing that accessibility and inclusion are essential parts of the airport’s mission.
Click here for more information for families traveling with autism at ONT.
“There’s lots of resources both at the airport level and through the airline,” Rolon said, “and we’ll all get the get through the travel journey together!”
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