This post is about our first time flying since my son was diagnosed, and I’m also sharing tips from what I learned along the way.

Last week, my family and I took a vacation to Mexico. This was my son’s fourth time on a plane—but the first time since his diagnosis. And yes, it was definitely different from the last times we’d flown with him. Let me tell you, I learned a lot.

We booked the last flight out, thinking my son would fall asleep because he’s usually a kid of routine. (More on that later!) Before our trip, I called TSA Cares to request assistance at the airport. Contacting them didn’t take long, and the process to give them our information was easy.

The day before our flight, I also called United to ask them to activate the DPNA code for my son. This code lets the flight crew know there’s a passenger with special needs on board. When we got to the gate, we requested priority boarding due to my son’s autism, and they granted it. That priority boarding was honestly the most helpful part—it allowed us to get on the plane ahead of everyone else and gave us plenty of time to settle my son in. Overall, the flight attendants with United were very helpful, and we’re grateful for that.

I was more anxious about the flight and dealing with luggage than anything else, and I think my son picked up on it. He was very attached to me—maybe because he was somewhere unfamiliar or because he sensed my nerves.

We brought a collapsible wagon to help move him around, but he wasn’t having it. We ended up using it to carry our small bags instead, while I carried him the whole time. My son is an eloper, so traveling right now means either me carrying him or Daddy following him wherever he goes.

Other than that, it was smooth sailing. We stayed at Royal Haciendas in Playa del Carmen, which is a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort. They had lots of activities for families, mini water pools for kids (which my son loved), and several restaurants plus room service—perfect if your kiddo is a selective eater.

Flying back, we faced a couple of challenges. First, there’s no TSA Cares in Mexico, so you have to go through the regular security line. Second, they almost confiscated one of my son’s sensory-friendly toys because it had liquid inside, until I explained that he has autism and the toy helps him regulate.

Other than that, coming home was a breeze. We booked the first flight out this time, so my son slept through most of it. I also think he sensed his parents were more relaxed on the return trip. He let us put him in his wagon the whole way through, which was such a relief for my arms!

Yes, at times traveling can be stressful—but don’t let the things that make us anxious keep your family from going on an adventure.

Whew! This was a long read, so here are some quick tips:

✅ Book flights around your child’s sleeping schedule.
✅ Call TSA Cares within 72 hours of your flight (make sure they put you and your child under TSA PreCheck).
✅ Call the airline within 48 hours of your flight to activate the DPNA code.
✅ Pack plenty of snacks and distractions for your child. (Yes, we relied on screen time—United has Season 3 of Bluey, which was a lifesaver!)
✅ Have fun!

P.S. We ordered a safety harness for flights since my son tends to move around, but I forgot it at home. I think it would have been super helpful.

I hope this serves as a helpful guide for anyone planning an adventure with their little one. For those who have traveled with their Ausome kiddos—what other tips would you share?