August 20th is National Accessible Air Travel Day – an awareness day many people haven’t heard of. While it only became a recognized day in 2022, people have been working to make air travel more accessible for decades. Did you know that President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s plane, “The Sacred Crow,” was modified to accommodate his wheelchair? That was back in 1945, 45 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law!
Thanks to disability advocacy, air travel is more accessible than it has been in the past. However, getting on a plane still presents some challenges for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Airports and in-flight noises can be overwhelming and overstimulating, in environments with strict procedures. If you or a loved one with IDD are getting on a plane, you’ll want to prepare.
Below are some ways you can prepare for your trip if someone in your group lives with IDD. We wrote this article specifically with PDX and Eugene Airport (EUG) in mind, since these are the most typical departure points for people in the Willamette Valley. We hope having this information makes travel easier.
Know Your Rights
Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), people with disabilities have certain rights when traveling by plane. For example, some accommodations you might request must be offered to you at no cost. These include assistance getting on and off the plane and the ability to travel with a battery-operated wheelchair. If you anticipate needing these accommodations, tell your airline at least 48 hours in advance so they can prepare. Otherwise, they have the right to turn down your request.
People with IDD cannot be denied boarding purely because of their disability. They also can’t be removed from a flight for that reason. Airlines reserve the right to remove passengers from their flights if they’re posing a safety risk to other people, though, and that includes people with disabilities. When that happens, the airline needs to provide a written explanation.
If you believe an airline violated your rights under this law, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation here.
Know What Resources are Available
Airlines and airports are implementing new programs to support travelers with disabilities. Existing programs are also expanding to serve more people who may need them. Here are the resources we know are available at Willamette Valley airports as of August 2025:
Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Hearing Loop technology at the information booths and some baggage claim podiums.
- GoodMaps app for turn-by-turn directions to help people with IDD navigate the airport.
- The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program: You can pick up a lanyard at any airline ticket counter, the Travel Oregon Welcome Center, and through Autism Society of Oregon if you request one at least 14 days in advance.
- Therapy dogs throughout the airport (when they visit).
- Complimentary sensory bags that include a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, earmuffs, fidget tools, and more. They can be picked up at the Travel Oregon Welcome Center.
- A sensory room near gate D10, open to both children and adults from 4:00am – 12:30am daily.
Eugene Airport (EUG)
- Hearing Loop technology at the ticket and rental car counters. The airport also plans to make this available in the A and B gate areas.
- Therapy dogs (when they visit).
- GoodMaps app.
- The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. You can pick up a free lanyard at the information booth or ticket counters.
Your airline may offer more accommodations, so call them in advance or visit their website to learn how they can help.
Get Familiar with TSA and Customs Regulations
Having your luggage pulled aside for a secondary screening can be stressful, so it’s important for travelers with IDD to know that having their luggage inspected doesn’t mean they’re in trouble. You should also make sure everything you’re packing for your trip is in compliance with TSA guidelines. Some items can only be brought on a plane in a checked bag, and some things can’t go with you at all. Click here to see what’s allowed.
We asked a spokesperson from TSA to share some tips for travelers with IDD. Here’s what they shared with us:
“TSA ensures that every airport has Passenger Support Specialists (PSS) who are equipped to help those who need special assistance with security screening. A PSS is a TSA officer who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities or medical conditions and passengers who need additional screening assistance. You can make a request by contacting TSA Cares online or by calling 855-787-2227 at least three days prior to travel.”
Their job is to make sure everyone gets through the airport safely – and that includes you!
If you’re traveling internationally, make sure everything you’re bringing overseas is permitted there. Many items that are acceptable in the U.S., including common antidepressants and over-the-counter medications, can’t be brought into other countries. Review your destination country’s medicine regulations before you travel.
Pack For the Flight, Not Just the Vacation
When you’re focused on packing for your destination, it’s easy to forget things for the flight. Even if you remember those items, you might accidentally make them inaccessible by putting them in a checked or overhead bag. If turbulence prevents you from grabbing things out of your carry-on, they won’t be very helpful!
Save room in your purse or backpack (whichever personal item you’ll be storing under your seat) for anything that could help mid-flight. That might include the following:
- Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds.
- A tablet for movies and games – make sure everything can be accessed offline in case you don’t have WiFi!
- Snacks and drinks (you’ll need to buy the drinks after you go through security).
- A small pillow and travel blanket
Needing to get on a plane doesn’t have to derail your vacation plans. With some preparation before your trip, you can fly more confidently than you might have in the past. If you’d like to sharpen your self-advocacy skills to prepare for an upcoming trip, contact our Access & Empowerment Hub for support.