For the tenth year in a row, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is giving students with autism the chance to experience air travel—without ever leaving the ground.
On Wednesday, May 14, starting at 9:30 a.m., the “Autism in Flight” program will once again simulate a full flight experience for about 50 students and their families at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The mock journey—complete with boarding passes, TSA screening, and a simulated flight to Punta Cana—takes place in Terminal 3’s baggage claim area and is designed to help ease anxiety for children who may struggle with unfamiliar environments and sensory overload.
A collaboration between BCPS, JetBlue, the Broward County Commission, and the Broward County Aviation Department, the program offers a hands-on, educational experience meant to make future air travel less stressful for children on the autism spectrum. This year’s milestone marks a decade of preparing young flyers for real-world travel scenarios.
Students from nine elementary schools across the county will take part, including Coconut Creek, Coral Park, Dania, Fox Trail, Horizon, Liberty, Mirror Lake, Norcrest, and Park Springs Elementary. In the weeks leading up to the event, participating students engaged in classroom lessons on airport procedures, security protocols, and airline etiquette.
“Autism in Flight is more than a simulation—it’s a confidence-building journey,” said BCPS organizers. “For many families, this is the first time they can imagine air travel as a realistic option.”
The program not only supports students and families, but also trains airport, airline, and TSA personnel on how to better serve passengers with autism.
Now in its 10th year, Autism in Flight has helped hundreds of families better navigate the skies—turning what might once have seemed like an impossible trip into a manageable and even enjoyable experience.
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