Air travel can be pretty stressful for many of us and it can be especially stressful for people with autism. So, American Airlines is bringing back a program that can help.
Fort Worth-based American Airlines is bringing back what it calls practice flights to help autistic and disabled passengers feel more comfortable. In these practice flights, passengers get to check out the airport and board a plane that will taxi on a runway for about 30 minutes around the airport, letting people feel what it's like to be on board. Pilots even power up the engine so people can hear and feel the thrust of the engine.
American started the program in 2014, however, it was put on hold for the past two years because of the pandemic. The program will resume later this month in Charlotte North Carolina. Right now, there is a waitlist to participate in that event.
American coordinates the program through local autism groups and has hosted more than 6,000 people so far.
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