Flying with a hidden disability What if I need more time and space?

When you have a hidden disability, such as autism, a disorder or suffer from overstimulation, and you fly, it's nice if people at the airport and inside the plane take this into consideration. You can request assistance from your airline for this. To best prepare yourself, you can take part in the Schiphol Autism Tour. Do you want to let people know that you have a hidden disability? This is possible at Schiphol with the green sunflower lanyard. This way we can recognise you and give you more time and peace of mind at security and passport control.

Tell us about your disability

Did you know that you can let your airline know that you have a hidden disability? This applies in the broadest sense, so also when you feel quickly overstimulated, for example. Let your airline know when you book your flight, or at the very latest 48 hours before your flight departs from Schiphol. When requesting assistance - but certainly also on the day itself - make it clear what kind of help you need. This way, we can make the assistance suitable for your personal situation.

Flying with autism

Flying through Schiphol can be quite a task if you have autism, because of all the stimuli and procedures to follow at the busy airport. A clear explanation beforehand and support during your journey can help with this. This is why Schiphol works together with the Flying with Autism Foundation. This organisation helps you discover the possibilities available to you. For example, you can:

  • get help with the application for assistance;
  • take part in a guided tour at the airport to prepare for your trip;
  • or get useful tips and tricks to make your journey more relaxed.

Find more information at vliegenmetautisme.nl.

Schiphol autism tour

Especially for everyone with an invisible disability, there is now a chance to prepare well for your air travel. Join us on this 2-hour tour and we will show you in a fun and relaxed way all the facets you will have to deal with when flying. This tour is a collaboration between Flying with Autism Foundation, KLM, Axxicom and Schiphol. Book a tour at vliegenmetautisme.nl.

Green sunflower keycord

Want to travel at your own pace and independently? Then wear the green sunflower keycord when you are at Schiphol. Pick up the keycord at the assistance desk or order it here before you travel. This will allow us to recognise you and give you more time at the checks.

Quiet places at Schiphol

Schiphol is an international airport that sees tens of thousands of travellers come and go every day. Would you like to escape the crowds and triggers for a while? Head to the Meditation Centre in Lounge 2, after security. It's also darker and quieter at Holland Boulevard, between Pier E and Pier F. If you want to sit quietly somewhere, there are plenty of opportunities to retreat and relax

Facilities for hidden disabilities

  • Sunflower lanyard
  • Quiet places
  • Schiphol autism tour

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