Because each airline is different, it is always recommended to contact the airline you will be flying with to inquire about current procedures and policies. Keep in mind policies can change, so inquire before every trip rather than relying 100% on previous experience.

Practical Tip: Always pack a realistic attitude, extra time, and flexibility as well as extra patience into the travel plans and itinerary.

Customer service has not been ideal for a long time and air travel passengers are better to be realistic with expectations rather than frustrated and upset.

1. Understand your specific needs. Plan out each step of the journey, including transporting all belongings, navigating airport security, and in-flight activities. Communicate your concerns and ask for assistance in the planning stage if unsure of your needs.
2. Recruit a friend or relative to assist you and accompany you through airport security to the gate. If traveling as the only adult in your traveling party with a special needs child, obtain a security pass from the airline ticket counter for a family member or friend to assist you through security and all the way to the departure gate. Consult with your airline to confirm this is an option and ask them to note in the reservation the child has special needs. The relative or friend must bring proper identification and personally check in at the ticket counter with the confirmation number of the flight and the child's name.

This is an option for:
Departure Airport-a friend or relative to accompany you through airport security and help you all the way to the departure gate
Arrival Airport-a friend or relative at the destination to meet you at the arrival gate and help you through the airport
Connecting Airport-if you happen to know someone who lives near the connecting airport who would be willing and able to help, ask them to meet you at the arrival gate and help you through the airport to your connecting flight gate.

*Identification is required by the airline and airport security even though the friend or relative is not flying. Make sure they bring their ID to the airport!

**Remind him/her to arrive early and allow extra time to wait in potential lines at the ticket counter and airport security as well as make it to your gate earlier than estimated arrival time AND to bring their ID. ***All airport security rules apply to the friend or relative accompanying you to the departure gate even though they are not boarding an airplane.
3. Avoid short connections. Short connections are not designed with special needs or family travelers in mind. With potential airport and aircraft delays as well as the need for extra time when traveling with special needs (including family travel), these short connections are stressful for all and best avoided.
4. Communicate your needs patiently and politely at every step of the flight process. From reservation agents or travel agents, ticket counter agents, airport security agents, gate agents, and on the aircraft with flight crew, do not expect anyone to understand your needs and do not assume they were even informed of your child's needs ahead of time. This way you will not be as surprised or unprepared if a communication breakdown occurs during the process.

Practical Tip: As a parent of a special needs child, you have learned more than you ever thought possible about special needs specific to your child. Do not expect others to understand practical needs of a child simply by telling them his/her condition. Be patient and specific about what the condition means in terms they can understand. If you need assistance, ask for specific things so they feel comfortable helping you.

5. Consider using a child carrier and a stroller for airports. Hands free is essential for parents to multi-task as well as keep little ones safe and nearby.
6. Print out all relevant information (airline, airport security, FAA) as it pertains to your situation and carry this within easy reach. Calmly show the printed information to the agent or flight crew if needed. This applies to medications, breast milk, medical equipment, car seats or CARES harness, etc.
7. Calmly ask to speak with a supervisor if there are issues and do not ever lose your cool. It is essential to remain calm for several reasons.
• Children (even infants) react to tension and stress. A stressed parent traveler may result in a child acting out or crying in response. (This will only make matters worse)
• Stressing adds to the tension of your travel day and escalates issues. For your own good, keep things calm.
• Airline and airport personnel do not respond favorably to threats, crying, shouting, or any other stressed out behavior.
*If you have an unresolved complaint or issue, ask to speak with a Complaint Resolutions Officer (CRO). Airlines are required to have a CRO available either in person at the airport or by phone to resolve issues.
8. Use a reliable, multi-pocket, comfortable backpack to carry belongings. Traditional diaper bags are not as travel friendly as they may fall of the shoulder when juggling the tasks of travel and parenting.
9. Consider shipping necessary supplies to the destination and lighten your load. Pack the carry on for potential needs for the journey. Think quality versus quantity when packing.
10. Take care of yourself. Arrive at the airport well fed, well rested, and hydrated. Time goes fast when tending to the special needs of your child all the while navigating through the journey. There is a reason oxygen masks must first be applied to the adult before the child. Be healthy so you can be there for your child.

Practical Tip: Smile, breathe, and consider the reality that others often are focused on their own needs and may place them before your child's needs. Special needs also can be intimidating to others simply because they don't understand what it means in terms of interaction, reaction, and practical requirements. Communicate patiently.

Related Posts:
CARES harness FAA approved for special needs children (even over 44lbs.)
Travel product recommendations when flying with a special needs child
Strollers & carriers: a must when traveling
Top 4 strollers that travel well
Ship supplies to your destination with Jet Set Babies
Traveling with tired kids: 10 tips to make it comfortable
Airport security: traumatized child needs calm parent
Additional resource links:
Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/
U.S. Department of Transportation: http://www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/asp/airacc.asp