15/10/2026
Travelling overseas with a loved one with disability? Plan Guide ✈️
Many of you may have already seen this news: earlier this month, a family flying out of Adelaide to visit relatives overseas was asked to leave their flight before take-off after their 10-year-old autistic son became excited and vocal on board. Their bags were taken off the plane, and the family is still waiting for a full explanation.
My heart goes out to this family. For many families with a member with disability, this is the nightmare. Our support coordinators have helped a number of our clients travel overseas successfully. Here’s what we’ve learned from helping families prepare, and we’d like to share it with you:
1. Understand the needs
Identify the biggest challenge.
Every participant’s needs are different. Some autistic children can easily become excited or overwhelmed by new environments, loud noises and crowds. International flights can be very long, which is hard enough for most of us (I personally need plenty of entertainment), let alone for people who are more sensitive than we are. Talk to your therapists early. Your PBS practitioner or OT can help with a travel plan, a social story about the airport and flight, and strategies for moments of overwhelm.
2. Plan and book
Choose the right route.
People with mobility needs, chronic health conditions, fatigue, or medication and medical equipment needs should plan their flight length, number of connections, and even overnight stopovers around their own needs. Choose sensible connection times, and check whether your transit airport has quiet rooms or sensory spaces.
Check every airline on your route.
In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act means airlines can’t refuse someone simply because of their disability. But international trips often involve more than one airline, and rules and staff training can differ from country to country.
Tell the airline in advance.
Request disability assistance, and ask whether they recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. Many families worry that telling the airline in advance will get them refused. That fear is understandable. But being told “no” weeks before is far better than being removed from the plane on the day, because you still have time to choose another airline.
Ask for priority boarding and the right seat.
Boarding early, before the cabin is busy and noisy, can help a lot. A window seat or a seat near the front can also reduce stimulation.
Understand your NDIS options.
Your existing NDIS supports can generally be used overseas for up to 6 weeks, so a support worker can travel with you and care continues. If you’ll be away longer, contact the NDIA before you leave. If your plan is agency-managed, using it overseas can be harder, and you may need to change how your plan is managed first. Flights and accommodation for a support worker usually aren’t covered, so check with your plan manager or support coordinator early.
Get the right travel insurance.
Choose a policy that covers pre-existing conditions, and check what it covers if your plans are disrupted.
3. Get ready for travel day
If possible, visit the airport beforehand to walk through check-in, security and the gate area so the trip feels familiar. Many Australian airports offer assisted travel or sensory-friendly support, so contact them ahead of time.
Bring what’s familiar: favourite toys, books, music, noise-cancelling headphones or comfort items, or even a trusted support worker (yes, it’s possible!). Carry a doctor’s letter explaining the diagnosis and how your loved one may express themselves.
Have a plan for talking with crew: a short, calm explanation of what certain behaviours mean and how you’ll keep everyone safe.
4. If you’re refused boarding or asked to leave
✅ Stay calm and cooperate with staff. It protects your family and your case.
📝 Write down the flight number, the time, and the names of staff involved.
📩 Ask for the reason in writing.
🧾 Keep all tickets, receipts and records of extra costs.
⚖️ For flights departing Australia, complain to the airline first. If it isn’t resolved, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Every family deserves to travel, reconnect and celebrate together. 💛
If you’d like help preparing for a trip, our team is here to talk
