How to Get Through Airport Security More Easily If Your Kids Have Special Needs  

Traveling with kids is stressful for most parents. But if your child has special needs, the anxiety can seem overwhelming. Waiting in line, the crowds, the lights, the noise can all lead to problems for your special needs child. Luckily, a thoughtful woman has posted a solution on social media for parents of kids with special needs, reports Lifehacker.

Call TSA Cares (855-787-2227) to arrange for a passenger support specialist to help your family through security. One mom wrote a letter to the Transportation Security Administration to thank them for their help. The mom reports feeling anxiety just looking at the long line ahead of her and her family before her support specialist showed up and helped them through the security process including a quiet and easy security check and pat down before finding their gate, all within 15 minutes.

The TSA Cares helpline was launched in 2011 to help passenger with disabilities, medical conditions and special needs get through security. You still go through a security process, but it tends to be gentler and more understanding. All you have to do is call the helpline three days prior to your flight to make arrangements.

There are other ways that you can make traveling with a special needs child a little easier as well.

• Some airports offer online videos to show anxious passengers what is to come.
• Practice with your child, Arc’s Wings for Autism lets your autistic traveler do a practice run prior to the real deal
• Request priority boarding when you make your reservation and let gate personnel know of the request when you arrive. This way the plane won’t be crowded when you board and get settled
• Print and fill out a TSA Disability Notification Card to let TSA know about your special needs
• Make sure to have comfort items, like noise-canceling headphones for sensitive ears