Booking special assistance when flying with children

Booking special assistance when flying with children can feel overwhelming, especially if your child has SEND, a hidden disability, sensory sensitivities or mobility needs. At Fun & Play, we know that family travel already takes planning, and adding airports, queues and unfamiliar routines can raise anxiety for both children and parents.

This guide to booking special assistance when flying with children brings everything together in one place: when to book, who to contact, what actually happens on the day, and how to make the journey calmer and more predictable for your family 💛

Why booking special assistance when flying with children matters

Special Assistance (often called SA or Assisted Travel) isn’t just for wheelchairs or visible disabilities. It also supports:

• Children with autism or sensory processing differences
• Children with hypotonia or low muscle tone
• Children who struggle with crowds, noise or transitions
• Families who need extra time, clear communication or quieter routes

Booking special assistance when flying with children helps airports and airlines prepare in advance, so support is ready when you arrive (not improvised at the last minute).

When and how to book special assistance

✈️ Always book with the airline (not just the travel agent)

When booking special assistance when flying with children, the most important rule is this:
👉 Always request assistance directly with the airline.

You can usually:

• Add Special Assistance during booking on the airline’s website
• Or add it later via Manage My Booking

Some travel agents offer to do this for you, but you know your child’s needs best, and direct booking is usually more reliable.

⏰ The 48-hour rule (very important)

Aim to book assistance at least 48 hours before departure. UK and EU rules expect airlines to pass your details to the airport team ahead of time so staff, equipment and timings are in place.

If you forget, assistance may still be arranged on the day, but it’s not guaranteed and could involve delays.

Airline contacts for special assistance (UK-friendly)

When booking special assistance when flying with children, these are the usual routes for popular airlines:

✈️ British Airways

• Add Special Assistance via Manage My Booking online
• Accessibility Team available for questions
• Learn more about British Airways Special Assistane here

✈️ easyJet

• Add assistance during booking or in Manage Bookings
• Dedicated assistance support available via their website
• Learn more about easyJet’s Special Assistane here

✈️ Ryanair

• Add assistance in My Bookings up to 48 hours before departure
• Assisted Travel phone support and callback available
• Learn more about Ryanair Special Assistane here

✈️ Jet2 / Jet2holidays

• Request assistance via Manage My Booking
• Assisted Travel team available by phone or WhatsApp
• Learn more about Jet2 Special Assistane here

📌 Tip: Contact details can vary by route and airport, so always double-check the airline’s official accessibility page.

Extra baggage & priority perks to know about

When booking special assistance when flying with children, many families don’t realise they may be entitled to extra support around luggage and boarding.

• Most airlines allow an extra hand luggage item for necessary medical or assistive equipment
• Wheelchairs and mobility aids travel free of charge and don’t count towards baggage allowance

💡 Helpful wording to use:
“Necessary medical equipment or assistive device bag”. This helps staff immediately understand why the extra bag is needed.

Types of special assistance (it’s not just physical)

Airlines and airports usually recognise two broad types:

✔ Physical / mobility support

• Wheelchair assistance
• Escort through terminal
• Help with stairs, aisle chairs or luggage

✔ Non-physical / SEND & neurodivergent support

• Help navigating crowds
• Clear communication and wayfinding
• Quieter routes or spaces
• Understanding hidden needs

When booking special assistance when flying with children, be specific about what kind of support your child needs. This helps staff plan the right approach.

What happens on travel day (step by step)

🧳 Before check-in

• Some airlines allow online check-in even with SA
• Others require in-person check-in if assistance is booked

Either way, your assistance only starts once you report to the airport’s Special Assistance desk. This step activates the support.

🤝 At the airport

Larger airports like Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport or Luton have:

• Dedicated Assistance desks or lounges
• Staff who guide you through security and passport control
• Options for quieter or private searches if needed

🛫 Boarding

• Most SA passengers board early (pre-boarding)
• This allows time to settle without crowds
• Some families choose late boarding for sensory reasons. Just note staff may not accompany you onboard if you do

🛬 On arrival

• You may be asked to wait until other passengers disembark
• This ensures staff are ready to support you
• If your child can walk independently, you can agree a plan with staff

🌻 The Sunflower Lanyard: a small thing that helps a lot

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard is widely recognised in UK airports. It discreetly signals a non-visible disability and encourages patience and understanding.

Top tip:
Mention the lanyard at check-in and security, it often helps access assistance lanes or priority points even if you’re not using full SA services.

FAQs: Booking special assistance when flying with children

Final thoughts from Fun & Play 💛

Booking special assistance when flying with children isn’t about asking for “extra”, it’s about making travel accessible, calmer and more dignified for your child and your family.

With the right planning, clear communication and a bit of local knowledge, flying can feel far less daunting, and even empowering.

If you’d like more SEND-friendly travel tips, family guides or supportive resources, Fun & Play is always here for you ✨