Air travel can be an unpredictable experience for even the most seasoned traveler. For children, especially those with special needs, it can be overwhelming.
To help families prepare for air travel, the County of Mercer, Trenton-Mercer Airport and the Mercer County Special Services School District have organized a program called Let’s Investigate Flying Together (LIFT), which is designed to allow children with autism to become familiar with Trenton-Mercer Airport, airport procedures and the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) process ahead of their air travel trip.
The inaugural exercise held in May drew more than 40 adults, and their children with autism. The next 90-minute program is set for Sunday, December 9, from 7 to 8:30am, and will take participants through the experiences of entering the airport, getting boarding passes, going through security, sitting in the passenger hold area, and collecting their luggage through baggage claim. The exercise does not include boarding an aircraft or any actual air travel.
Airport officials will be on hand to answer questions and help participants understand the airport procedures.
“The ultimate goal is to help families prepare for a positive flying experience from Trenton-Mercer Airport or any other,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.
Registration is required and is limited to 125 participants. To participate, please email [email protected]. Upon receipt of your email, participants will be contacted directly and will receive a packet of information about the event.
