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Going abroad for the first time (airport anxiety)

As sweet as-pie

As sweet as-pie

Well-Known Member
Hi,

I'm going abroad for the first time in 2 weeks from the UK to Europe. I have been to an airport to drop someone off but I've never been through airport security. I am scared of flying but I think I could deal with it in the moment. My biggest anxiety is of the actual airport, mainly security. It seems like such an overwhelming process and like it'd be easy to have a meltdown or shutdown.

I'm already planning to pack light, not take any electronics or liquids. Literally just planning to take my clothes, money and my phone. But I was just wondering if anyone had any experiences going through the airport, flying, going to a different country or anything else that you think might be useful as an autistic person.

Thanks in advance!
 
Have fun on your trip. Some serious advice: Be prepared to remove all jewelry, watches, wallets, belts, shoes, jackets, scarves, and anything in pockets to be screened. There will be buckets for you to use. The buckets will go through the screener/scanner while you are going through the big X-ray machine. There are footprint marks on the floor inside the big machine. You'll be expected to stand on the footprints and raise your arms. There will be a diagram to show you how to stand correctly. The machine will sweep around you and take a quick picture to detect any metals or items on your person. Always do what the security personnel tell you, even if it is different from everyone else.

Once you are cleared, you can pick up your belongings on the other side of the screener/scanner machine. Once you have your items, you can dress and reorganize yourself as you wish.

There are always places to buy water, soda, or something to eat on the other side of security.

Writing this makes me wish I were traveling again. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy yourself completely. I hope this helps a bit.
 
Travelling light is a good idea. Also try to remain calm and thing will go well. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about! Also bring some form of ear protection, like music or earplugs. Airports can be noisy. Follow the signs to the places you need to go and just make sure you have enough time so you aren't rushed and in a panic.
 
All great advice so far :)
I'll just add one thing. If you have any piercings below neck level - e.g. nipples, navel or genital, remove those just before you travel ;)
 
As far as security goes, stay focused and do whatever they ask. If you are not sure about something, ask them politely. Generally at checkpoints you hand over your wallet/purse and any bag or stuff you are carrying to a person who puts it on a little conveyer thru a scanner. Meanwhile you go thru a door frame looking device that is a metal scanner. Sometimes a person with a wand will run it up and down near you instead or also. Sometimes they will ask you to take off your shoes which they will check out and return as well as your purse, bag, etc. They are looking for dangerous items, none of which you have so you don't really have any worries. Its just a nervous process, even for NTs.
 
In the US airport security is more time consuming than it is stressful. I have flown more times than I can count. It tends to be a little different every time you go through. That is done intentionally so those with malicious intent don’t know what to expect. In my experience the security agents have always given clear verbal instructions.

As long as you aren’t hiding anything you have nothing to worry about. Security personnel are just doing their job. If you are polite to them they should be polite to you.

If you wear makeup remember that some makeup is considered a liquid. And if you change your mind about electronics and take anything with a battery, make sure you know beforehand whether you should put it in checked luggage or with your carry on items.
 
I went to Israel and used ELAL,at the time it was the strictest security in the world,so I was panicky of course !but everything was alright !,from what I've read and everybody knows now ,everything has to be in small!!!!! containers or you'll be giving it to the airport for free!!!!!!!.
A good idea and they do it at London City Airport, is to take a tour of the airport ,before you fly !London City Airport do it specifically for autistic people !you could phone the airport and have a discreet word, they will probably be aware people are panicky .
 
Taking electronics is a good idea and headphones and earplugs.

Gives you that element of control when you are on the flight.

You need a clear plastic bag for toiletries.
You don't need a bag for your phone.

Your phone goes in the plastic box.

I always wondered where does your passport go?

If you hold it in your hand the chip inside sets off security.

Don't hold it in your hand. Put it in a coat pocket - put the coat in the plastic box and run it along the conveyor.


If you are stopped - move to the end of the conveyor belt and watch the security operatives.

They will go through your bag at the end of the row - this means opening it up and going through your stuff.


It has happened to me several times. Standard normal procedure - nothing to worry about.

Think through all of these things, and be aware that they can happen.

Have a plan of what to think while it is happening so you can remain calm. (deep breaths stuff like that.)

The most likely scenario is it will be fine.

You will likely be more organised than other people. Watch what they do.

Some airports - like Belfast have arrangements for those sensitive to sound so special arrangements can be made.

Think about finding out if this is the case from where you are flying from.

This can give you fast track through security - less of a queue.

Are there any other issues that will give you priority for boarding?

Ask in advance to see if you can get priority.
 
I've found that people tend to stand in line, even if there is no reason for it. For instance, before boarding has even started people are already standing in a huge line. I've found those times are good to find a quiet spot to sit by myself and wait there.

I don't like customs because it's loud and busy and I don't like strangers touching me (that has only happened a few times though, from wearing a certain belt, I think). But it's over relatively quick. Most places have videos or charts saying what you should do in what order. People are generally friendly.

Good luck. Are you going by yourself? Where are you going?

Top tip: Bring noise canceling headphones.
 
Just taking hand luggage makes the whole process less stressful.

If you are really worried you could contact the airport and ask if they could provide any support, I know some airport can arrange for you to be escorted through security, or be let onto the plane before the other passengers.
 
For me, the most important thing is preparation and planning in advance. Make sure you don't wear shoes or boots with thick soles, because you might be asked to take them off. Wear clothes without any metal bits, that don't need a belt, make sure you don't have anything metal in your pocket that could trigger the alarm before you join the queue for security. Don't have any liquids at all, it's best to put them in the checked in bags and not in your hand luggage. If you have any electronic device, like a laptop, tablet or Kindle, you will need to take it out and put in on a separate tray. If you have a belt, you will need to take it off and put it through the scanner. Sort all of these things before you go through security, and give yourself plenty of time, get to the airport early.
 
It gets easier with time, but the first time is just brutally annoying since all the new "security measures".

One very important thing is to not put in unclear large items in your luggage. Security expects to find clothing and something else will prompt them to rummage through your things and is a massive pain for me because I don't like strangers touching my stuff. If you have large non clothing items put them in side pockets or put them on top so it's easily seen and won't require them to dig everything up. Obviously no metal, electronics, etc. If you have to, put it in a side pocket and if you get pulled aside tell them that the side pockets have all of the possibly suspect items. I usually just put everything non-clothing in my laptop bag, makes it easier for everyone. All of the metal on me usually gets put in a side pocket of my luggage (Money, etc). Never had an issue with that since Phones, coins, etc are common items and putting them in the side pocket is not a major issue anyway if it triggers their suspicion. Easiest is always to just empty your pockets but I plan from the moment I leave so I make sure there's not a bit of metal on me from the moment I walk out the door.

Even if you have zero metal on you, the metal detectors will go off randomly. It's just a luck thing, it's how they are programmed. So don't be completely weirded out by "What could be metal" because it could also just be a random check. They will use a small metal detector, do a chemical/drug swab and sometimes frisk you. If the small metal detector doesn't go off you can be guaranteed it was a random check.

Also... dress nicely. It really helps to avoid any further checks.

Usually I dress nice and no check-in luggage and I get through security easily. I only have boots so I have to take them off but I've gotten used to it. Maybe next time I'll bring a small pair of sandals just to get through security, since they sometimes don't have covers for your feet.
 
Do not joke with the security checker people. Provide short answers to questions. Try not to have a nervous laugh.

Bringing a cane-- even if you do not really need it-- seems to give people a clue that you are not average. It has been helpful to me for that. And also for something to hold on to.

They will ask if you can take steps through the door frame thing and put it on the conveyor belt. Having a cane does not mean you should take unfair advantage like preferential seating etc [unless you need accommdations due to panic, fear, high anxiety, crowds etc.

Do enjoy your trip!!!
 
Hope you enjoy your trip. As far as the airport - if you know any tricks to tune things out, bring them with you and be prepared.
 
LadyBird84 said:
I've found that people tend to stand in line, even if there is no reason for it. For instance, before boarding has even started people are already standing in a huge line. I've found those times are good to find a quiet spot to sit by myself and wait there.

I don't like customs because it's loud and busy and I don't like strangers touching me (that has only happened a few times though, from wearing a certain belt, I think). But it's over relatively quick. Most places have videos or charts saying what you should do in what order. People are generally friendly.

Good luck. Are you going by yourself? Where are you going?

Top tip: Bring noise canceling headphones.
Click to expand...

I'm going with my boyfriend. He's flown before but only domestically. We're going to amsterdam. :)
 
I generally try to pack all my actually cool clothes, and to the airport only dress in textile. Avoid all metals in your clothing, and only take it to your bag. As you cannot completely avoid all metal (coins, phone?), wear something with alot of pockets, so you can take the metal easily out at security, or pack it in a bag that can be just put into the screening.

As far as I have seen things, security customs are radically different in every country. In Spain they even screen you on train-stations, and nords only pretend to screen you because that's what other countries demand, and then there is everything in between.
 
Invisible Disabilities | Manchester Airport I recommend seeing if your air port has a scheme like this so it will be easier to get help if needed and you won’t have to go in the big question. Some airports will also send you out booklets of the airport and what will happen to make it less stressful for you. If your worried you can request assistance for someone to take you through the airport. I would also ask if their was an autism/ disability area at the airport so you don’t have to wait amongest the chaos. Bring things which will comfort you through the airport i.e fiddle toys and head phones.
 
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