We all know flying during the holiday season can be stressful, especially if you’re a caregiver or living with a disability. Here's how you can prepare.
Misty Cisneros-Contreras is the superintendent of Guest and Employee Experience at Phoenix Sky Harbor. She's encouraging everyone to pack patience and plan ahead.
"So, take advantage of some of the programs that we offer like PHX Reserve which is virtual queuing at a checkpoint," she says.
Cisneros-Contreras says PHX Reserve is an online service that allows travelers to schedule what time they want to go through the airport checkpoint and security. She also suggests requesting a Compassion Cacti lanyard for those living with hidden disabilities.
"Anything from dementia, Alzheimer's, autism, even so much as somebody having a heart attack or diabetes. We don’t know what that individual is dealing with."
Sky Harbor also has a sensory room in Terminal Four as well as adult changing tables in their family restrooms.
Take a minute
For families traveling with children who might be feeling anxious or living with autism spectrum disorder, Phoenix Sky Harbor has a sensory room that might help calm kiddos and parents, too.
"And it also has a Southwest Airlines plane set of seats and a mural behind it. So that way, if you want to practice what it's like to get on a plane, let your child get the feeling and the understanding of what it's like to sit in the seats, buckle your seatbelt and feel what that's like, that's a great opportunity to practice before getting on the plane."
Sky Harbor also has a pet therapy program where volunteers and their therapy dogs roam the terminals, ready to offer support.
Sky Harbor resources
PHX RESERVE: skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/security-screening/phx-reserve
Compassion Corner (with info on the sensory room and Compassion Cacti™ Lanyard Program): skyharbor.com/at-the-airport/services/compassion-corner/
Thanksgiving travel tips: skyharbor.com/about-phx/news-media/press-releases/give-thanks-for-these-holiday-travel-tips/
