Wings for Autism returns after 3-year hiatus at Logan Airport

An event designed to help make flying easier for families traveling with children who have autism made its return to Logan Airport on Saturday.

After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, Wings for Autism returned for its 20th year. Families with neurodivergent children were able to go through a mock boarding process- practice for when the children have to enter the air for the first time.

Participants waited for their number to be called, got their tickets scanned, and then got to board a plane.

According to program coordinator Jennifer Ryan, the program began because of a parent’s failed trip to Disney and allows a bit of practice for what can be a very stressful process.

“It’s a very realistic experience for kids to be able to practice this,” said Ryan. “There’s a family here today that’s come maybe ten times before and they came just to let us know that she had a successful flight to New York recently. The child that started the whole thing now has his own passport and travels internationally.”

The program was developed by Massport in partnership with Charles River Center, JetBlue Airways, TSA, Massachusetts State Police and the Logan Airport and is now modeled at nearly 70 other airports nationwide.

JetBlue and Delta contributed three planes for the aviation dress rehearsal.

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