Terminally Sensory: Neurodivergent-Friendly Airports We Love

Terminally Sensory: Neurodivergent-Friendly Airports We Love

BY MINA HOCHBERG

 

Announcements blaring. Elbows bumping on shared armrests. Conversations happening everywhere all at once. And let’s not even mention that awful recycled air.

Air travel can be tough for anyone, but even more so for people with sensory sensitivities. 

Luckily, airports are starting to take notice. More and more are designing spaces meant to soothe the senses. Some have built indoor nature escapes or outdoor terraces, while others offer designated quiet rooms. And it’s not just airports — airlines are taking action, too. Several have begun training staff in how to accommodate travelers with sensory sensitivities, offering mock boarding and sensory guides.

Of course, airports will never feel exactly tranquil. But it’s nice to know sanctuaries exist to escape the chaos. Here are a few that stood out to us.

Singapore

The Changi Airport makes long layovers feel a little less long. Zone out and gaze at an indoor waterfall cascading from a funnel in a glass ceiling, or stroll through a tropical garden that lights up after dark. There are also calming nature spots throughout the airport, including a koi pond, a butterfly garden, fish tanks, and rooftop gardens. You’ll forget you’re even in an airport.

Emirates Airline

Emirates is the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, which means ground staff and cabin crews are trained on how to accommodate travelers with sensory sensitivities. And we love these sensory guides for Dubai International Airport, the airline’s hub. They describe the sensory experiences you can expect to hear, smell, see, and touch in various terminals, whether it’s echoing sounds due to polished floors or scents of air freshener.

San Francisco, California

SFO has been taking extra steps to make terminals a bit calmer, starting back in 2018 with its “Quiet Airport” program, which limits announcements to necessary areas rather than an entire terminal. More recently, it opened a sensory room, complete with a quiet area and sensory-friendly activities. It even has a mock airplane cabin to help soothe any nerves about flying. Of course, nothing beats fresh air, which you’ll find on the outdoor terrace.

Newark, New Jersey

Newark Liberty International Airport has not 1 but 2 sensory rooms — 1 pre-screening and 1 post-screening. But the best part? There’s a dedicated “TSA Cares” screening line that guides you from the pre-screening room to the post-screening room, which is a brand new 1,400-square-foot space with blue walls, fish tanks, and a calming underwater theme. Just reach out to TSA Cares at least 3 days before your flight if you’d like to request this screening line.

Seattle, Washington

If you need to get away from it all, Sea-Tac International Airport has a dedicated sensory room that doubles as a meditation and prayer room. The space is an oasis of soothing textures and cozy nooks where you can escape the sensory onslaught that lies on the other side of the door. Acoustic panels help cocoon the space from the hustle and bustle of the concourse.

Breeze Airways

JetBlue founder and fellow neurodivergent David Neeleman started Breeze Airways under the premise that air travel should be affordable and accessible to all. Breeze has become the first domestic to be certified by Autism Double-Checked, which means at least 75% of flight attendants have been trained on how to accommodate travelers with autism. The airline allows for free family seating, no-charge cancellations up to 15 minutes prior to departure, and “mock boarding” exercises for people with autism to experience simulations of checking in and boarding.

Helsinki, Finland

If you happen to be passing through Helsinki Airport any time soon, seek out this space for a relaxing escape. The 360-degree LED screen immerses you in different nature backdrops, from a wintry landscape to a peaceful lake shore. You’ll also be treated to soothing sounds like birdsong or rustling wind. Just stake a spot on the lounge seating and take it all in.

Denver, Colorado

If crowded airports make you feel overwhelmed, the Denver International Airport has a few outdoor terraces to get a dose of fresh air and decompress on the cozy lounge chairs. One of the terraces even has firepits for more frigid days.

Doha, Qatar

The Hamad International Airport in Doha has a swanky heated indoor pool in the on-site hotel, and it also has quiet rooms with low lighting to recline and zone out until your flight.

Seoul, South Korea

The Incheon International Airport in Seoul has quite a lot of immersive art experiences, including LED light installations that make for great visual stim. The acoustic melodies of the traditional Korean music concerts that occur throughout the terminals. can be the perfect auditory balm. If that’s not relaxing enough, head over to the Incheon Airport Transit Hotel, which allows you to book rooms in 6-hour blocks. Take a shower, lie in bed, maybe even watch some TV – we promise you’ll never feel so refreshed on a layover.



BIO: Mina Hochberg is a writer based in Washington. Her work has appeared in Vulture, Outside, and Fast Company.