British Airways launches visual flying guide to support passengers with autism

British Airways announced that it had partnered with Learning Rose, an organization that develops support material for people with autism.

To commemorate the partnership, British Airways launched its first initiative with Learning Rose: a visual guide to flying created to support customers and passengers with autism.

The guide, which was developed by Learning Rose, is also endorsed by the UK’s National Autism Society.

Using simple icons and text to describe the sights, sounds and smells passengers can expect in a flying experience with the airline, the guide was designed for autistic passengers but can also support those who have a fear of flying, or anyone who’s looking for support and reassurance.

In addition to the visual guide, the partnership between British Airways and Learning Rose also includes colleague training, support and consultation sessions to ensure the airline’s staff are ready to effectively assist.

“At British Airways we welcome more than half a million customers who require special assistance each year and we’re fully committed to making sure our service is accessible to all. We’re always looking for ways to improve the experience for customers with visible and non-visible disabilities. Our partnership with Learning Rose is just one of the many initiatives we have in place to make flying as stress-free as possible and we’re looking forward to further strengthening and enhancing our partnership going forward,” Calum Laming, chief customer officer at British Airways said in a statement.

This initiative makes British Airways the first airline in the UK to be awarded the renowned Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society and the first to formally recognize the sunflower lanyard scheme, partnering with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

In February 2022, British Airways officially started a support initiative for customers and passengers with hidden disabilities in partnership with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

Under the initiative, customers can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard as a subtle indication that they may require additional support, assistance, or simply a little more time while traveling.