RHODE ISLAND T. F. GREEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND BREEZE AIRWAYS HOST “AUTISM FLIES” EVENT WITH AUTISM DOUBLE-CHECKED
“Trial” airport and airline experience helps empower families
Warwick, RI – October 22, 2024 – Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) today offered its first “Autism Flies” event in partnership with Breeze Airways and Autism Double-Checked. The program allows participants to practice the travel experience at the airport before an actual flight, helping families and individuals better navigate the challenges that come with new situations.
Those registered for the event arrive at the airport ahead of their “flight,” enter the terminal, collect their boarding passes at the ticket counter, and proceed through the security screening process before arriving at the gate area to await boarding. When called, participants board the aircraft, find their seats and fasten seat belts, listen to the onboard announcements, enjoy the “in-flight” snack service, and then finally deplane, with the prospect of booking a real trip in the future!
“Some people with autism can have real difficulties with new situations. ADC’s Autism Flies events provide a chance for these individuals and their families to become familiar with the situation so that when they take an actual flight, they’re able to do it with a greater degree of comfort and confidence,” said Alan Day, Founder and CEO of Autism Double-Checked.
“It has always been our top priority to provide a simple, accommodating and reliable travel experience to each and every one of our Guests,” said David Neeleman, Founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “As the hometown carrier in Providence, offering more destinations of any other carrier, it was important for us to bring together our local partners to host this amazing event at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. We hope this experience gave these special Guests the confidence to book a real trip in the near future and we can’t wait to welcome them back onboard.”
“Events such as these helps empower individuals and families who might otherwise never experience the wonder and opportunities of air travel. We appreciate our partnership with Breeze Airways and Autism Double Checked to help this special community make memories that will last a lifetime,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.
Leading up to today’s event, several months ago the Rhode Island Airport Corporation began facilitating “Autism Aware” staff training which teaches special needs sensitivity training. “Autism Ready” training for staff provides further job-specific information that educates staff about situations that may arise and how best to assist autistic travelers in those situations. These efforts provide families the added peace of mind knowing that airport and airline staff recognize the challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum.
In May, Breeze Airways became the very first U.S. commercial airline to be certified by Autism Double-Checked, which offers training designed to make autism inclusion simple and impactful for different sectors of the travel industry, such as airlines, hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The company is based in Connecticut and was started in 2015 by two professionals who specialize in traveling with autism and are also parents to special-needs children.
In May of 2022 aviation entrepreneur and Breeze Airways founder David Neeleman initiated a training program for frontline Team Members on delivering a safe and happy travel experience to individuals with autism. By operating out of underserved airports, Breeze, the Seriously Nice™ new U.S. low-cost airline, seeks to provide a more pleasant travel experience for all and is pleased to extend its caring service to the autism community.
