ITA Airways introduces to its customers the “Autism Program”, a unique service entirely dedicated to people with autism. The initiative aims at offering them a smooth and carefree flying experience when travelling on the company’s network to domestic, international, and intercontinental destinations.
ITA Airways is the first scheduled carrier in the world to have created an integrated service dedicated entirely to autistic passengers, available across 16 airports in Italy in combination with international and intercontinental airports.
The initiative is part of the broader ENAC project “Autism - Traveling through the Airport” and sees the participation of ITA Airways in partnership with the ANGSA association (National Association of Parents of Autistic People).
For people with autism, travelling by airplane can be a special experience, but also a real discomfort if not properly prepared. Therefore, improving their awareness during the flight can make all the difference.
ITA Airways Autism Program features two distinct, but mutually functional paths: Familiarisation and Delivery:
- Familiarisation – an initial approach to the flight experience on ITA Airways’ cabin simulator in Rome Fiumicino, to realistically experience the feeling of flying assisted by a real flight crew who will explain take-off, cruise and landing operations. This first stage also helps people with autism to become familiar with the control, security procedures and boarding locations to improve their mood in terms of peace of mind and sense of safety.
- Delivery – the actual travel experience on board, including a tailor-made assistance to guide and support autistic people during all stages of their journey, from the purchase of the ticket to their final destination. In details, travelers flying from and to Italy can enjoy the following services: a dedicated number for assistance, priority check-in, dedicated chaperon (*), free Fast Track, dedicated Lounge (*), priority boarding, dedicated seat in the front rows and priority baggage claim.
(*) Only available at the following 16 domestic airports: BARI AIRPORT Palese Macchie, BRINDISI AIRPORT O. Perozzi, GENOA AIRPORT Cristoforo Colombo, BOLOGNA AIRPORT Guglielmo Marconi, NAPLES AIRPORT Capodichino, CATANIA AIRPORT Fontanarossa, VENICE AIRPORT Marco Polo, TRIESTE AIRPORT Ronchi dei Legionari, TURIN AIRPORT Torino Caselle, OLBIA AIRPORT Costa Smeralda, ALGHERO AIRPORT Fertilia, PALERMO AIRPORT Falcone e Borsellino, CAGLIARI AIRPORT Mario Mameli di Elmas, ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT Leonardo da Vinci, MILAN MALPENSA AIRPORT, MILAN LINATE AIRPORT Enrico Forlanini
In addition, free fast track is available departing from all following international airports: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, Athens International Airport, Barcelona El Prat Airport, Madrid-Barajas Airport, Düsseldorf Airport, Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport, New York Airport - John Fitzgerald Kennedy International, London Heathrow Airport and Malta International Airport.
Customers can book this service - no later than 48 hours before the flight - by calling ITA Airways Customer Center (check your country number at this link), or the travel agencies.
This initiative represents ITA Airways' commitment to each of its customers, pursuing inclusivity always meeting the needs of all passengers.
Tags: ITA Airways