Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but for kids with autism traveling presents a whole new set of unique challenges. One airline is hoping to help these families by becoming the first fully-certified autism-inclusive air carrier.
JetSuiteX has been working since last year to earn this special certification in order to help passengers with autism travel more comfortably. The certification process involves training airport services crew members, pilots and flight attendants to educate them on the important issues surrounding travel for those with autism. The training includes instruction on how issues may present in specific situations, and what JetSuiteX crew members can do to help minimize discomfort.
photo: Courtesy of JetSuiteX
As of now 80 percent of JetSuiteX’s fronting crew members have been trained and certified, putting the company on track to meet it’s goal of 100 percent certification. As a private carrier, JetSuiteX also flies out of private terminals which helps eliminate the need to wait in lines and crowds.
JetSuiteX has partnered with Autism Double-Checked on this initiative and will host a special event inviting families and kids with autism to participate in a mock flight. Those who register in advance can experience checking-in and boarding a plane without actually flying anywhere. The event takes place Apr. 27 at the Burbank Airport in Burbank, California.
JetSuiteX currently services local California flights out of Orange County (SNA), Las Vegas (LAS), Concord/East Bay (CCR), Oakland (OAK) and Burbank (BUR), as well as Coachella Valley/Thermal (TRM) and Mammoth (MMH) seasonally.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
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