Sensory Overload at the Airport
Flying can leave some individuals feeling anxious and overwhelmed. The frenetic pace, crowds, noise and cramped spaces make it feel like it’s too much to handle. Making a few adjustments can help a sensitive person navigate their next airport adventure and avoid overstimulation.
The Stressful Scenario
- You spent all last night and this morning making sure everyone is packed and ready so you can leave for the airport on time.
- Through heavy traffic, you drive to the airport, find parking and take the shuttle.
- You head to a kiosk to check-in, but they’re out of order. So, you wait in line at the ticket counter worried you’re going to be late. Unfortunately, you discover the seats are not together, two of your suitcases are overweight and you have to pay additional fees.
- Now, it’s time to find the security line. TSA pre-check didn’t print on your ticket, so you wait in the longer line, requiring you to remove shoes, get your computer out from your backpack and remove your belt. Of course, you are pulled aside for an additional pat-down.
- There are lots of noisy people, reverberating announcements, music and smells. You’re overwhelmed.
- Maybe you’re hungry because you didn’t have time for breakfast. You can either eat at an overpriced restaurant or purchase grab-n-go and eat on the plane. No one in your group can decide and neither option seems great, but there is only a small snack served on your four-hour flight. You consider getting a big drink, but cancel that idea because you might need to use the cramped restroom during the flight.
- You finally make it to the gate. People everywhere and no seats together to await boarding announcements. The agent is making loud, inaudible announcements for passengers to approach the counter. News is blaring from every TV. Kids are running rampant or crying loudly.
- Now it’s time to board. The massive crowd can’t seem to form a single line and there are awkward and typically unfriendly interactions while loading people and carry-on luggage onto the plane.
- You squeeze into your seats (apart from each other) and deal with getting situated. A kid relentlessly kicks the back of your seat and a baby screams for an hour. Overwhelmed, you eventually make it to your destination.
- Upon arrival, you are welcomed with the same stresses. Searching for baggage claim, you hope everything arrived safely and are grateful you didn’t have a connecting flight or miss a connection.
How You Can Manage Sensory Overload at the Airport
1. Incorporate a Buffer Day
Take a day off (or at least a half day) before the trip so you have time to pack, relax, feel rested for your day of travel and prepared for the overstimulation of the airport.
2. Plan Ahead
With so many details to worry about when traveling, you need to plan carefully and simplify tasks to reduce the feelings of dread. Check into flights online and print boarding passes at home. Look online to get an idea of the airport layout for both your departure and arrival airports. Figure out where parking is, shuttle drop-offs and pick-ups, bathrooms and gates. Also look into TSA Precheck options for faster security lines.
3. Avoid Luggage Anxiety
Traipsing through the airport with a carry-on luggage, backpack and personal item and then fighting for space in overhead bins can be extra stressful. Reduce anxiety by checking luggage and minimizing your carry-on item to one bag.
4. Arrive Early
So many things can go wrong when traveling. Heavy traffic heading to the airport, long security lines and flight changes can create issues. Get to the airport early and have buffer time in case of anything unexpected.
5. Find Quiet Refuge
If you have additional time before your flight boards, look for a nearby nook or empty gate for some personal time. Learn who can benefit from Sanctuary Spaces here.
6. Choose Your Outfit Carefully
Choose a soft, comfortable, layered outfit if you are sensitive to fabric textures and temperature variations. You can also get through security lines faster with slip-on shoes.
